Dr. Mike Winstead announced late today that all schools in Maryville will comply with Tennessee Governor Bill Lee's recommendation to keep our school buildings closed through April 24 (students now expected to return to school on April 27th).  While our buildings are closed, our students and teachers will continue to be engaged in teaching and learning in a virtual environment (or as directed by the classroom teacher).   

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  
Tuesday, March 24, 2020  
MEDIA CONTACT: Victoria Robinson  

EMAIL: EDU.MediaInquiries@tn.gov 

Statement from Commissioner Penny Schwinn on Governor’s Recommendation to Extend School Closures 

NASHVILLE, TN – Today, Commissioner Penny Schwinn released the following statement on Governor Bill Lee’s announcement recommending school districts remain closed through April 24: 

“This is an unprecedented time for our country and state and we thank Governor Lee for his leadership in protecting the health and well being of Tennessee's students and teachers. We know school closures represent a significant disruption for families and students and the recommendation to extend them has not been considered lightly.” 

“The Department of Education team will continue to work closely with our districts as they serve students and families during this time. We are committed to doing whatever we can to support our district leaders as they make the necessary decisions to ensure students can continue to access critical meal and other services, as well as receive high-quality academic instruction while they are out of school.” 

“Even in the midst of these challenges, we have seen an incredible outpouring from districts, schools, and teachers going above and beyond to ensure students continue to have access to food and have the supports they need to continue learning. This is a huge testament to our resilience as a state and the dedication of our educators and leaders.” 

The Department of Education will continually update guidance to school districts posted on our website: https://www.tn.gov/education/health-and-safety/update-on-coronavirus.html 

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SENT VIA EMAIL on 3/17 @ 4PM

As expected, the pandemic sweeping across our country is constantly changing, with regular updates and guidance from all levels of government and numerous health experts.  As our leadership team works to synthesize the volume of information we are receiving and define a path forward, we hope you can appreciate that our guidance to you will also change from time-to-time, based on new data or mandates. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this challenging time.

With that said, we are moving the return date for students from April 1^st (as communicated yesterday) to April 6^th.  As of last evening, the White House is now recommending that Americans refrain from gathering in crowds of more than 10 people for the next fifteen days and we will abide by that guidance.  In addition, when we look at those who traveled last week and over the past weekend to destinations that might have exposed them to the COVID-19 virus, an April 6^th return date gives them ample time to self-quarantine and seek medical attention if needed.

• NOTE:  Moving forward we will refer to the period beyond spring break when our facilities are closed due to the pandemic as simply the building closure.  

We know that every family in our district and every employee on our staff has in mind the best interest of children and the most vulnerable in our community when making decisions during this crisis.  Using the building closure to travel and potentially carry the virus back home (and into our schools) would put many of our most vulnerable in harm’s way.   We are asking everyone to not only distance themselves socially during this building closure, but to also curtail travel during the closure to make sure ample time passes before we reconvene as a school community. Anyone who traveled during the regularly scheduled spring break will have 14 days during the building closure to self-isolate if necessary.  Any student who travels during the building closure will be asked to self-report and any absences will follow regular school attendance guidelines for excused and unexcused absences.  

Online learning will begin next week.  You will receive additional instructions regarding online coursework (grades K-12) from your school, but it will begin next week (starting dates will be determined by and communicated by the individual schools). Watch your inbox for details from your school principal or classroom teachers. 

The district office will be closed to visitors starting tomorrow, but we will welcome calls between 8AM and noon. At the schools, calls will be received from 9AM until noon starting Monday, March 23^rd.  Visitors will only be allowed at the schools or district office by appointment. You may email your school or the district at any time.  The district email address is MCS@maryville-schools.org and our telephone number is (865) 982-7121.  

While our school buildings will be restricted to staff only, certain exceptions will be communicated by your principal to allow parents or guardians an opportunity to pick-up medications, devices, or other essential items.  Again, your principal will share specific details based on the needs at the school and staff available to assist. 

As noted yesterday, we are creating a plan to offer free breakfast and lunch to students.  Stay tuned to social media, Peachjar, and our website for more details.

As a reminder, all extra-curricular activities are now suspended and the last day for Adventure Club will be tomorrow, March 18^th. 

You can find all updates from the school district on our website, along with numerous helpful resources.  The COVID-19 page is linked from a bright yellow banner at the top of all district and school webpages.  The site URL is www.maryville-schools.org.

SENT VIA EMAIL  3/16/2020 @ NOON

Out of an abundance of caution and at the urging of Governor Lee, Director of Schools Dr. Mike Winstead announced today that Maryville City Schools will be closed from March 23 through March 31, which is in addition to spring break.  As of today, students will return to school on April 1, 2020.

School Nutrition personnel are finalizing plans to make meals accessible to students during the closure period.  As soon as these dates and locations are finalized, this information will be shared via our usual communication means. 

All sports related activities will be suspended starting Wednesday morning, March 18. 

Adventure club will close at the end of the day on March 18.

This closure does not mean learning needs to be suspended for our students.  As a technology-enabled district, we will promote remote learning opportunities directly to parents and guardians in the days and weeks ahead.

Faculty and staff in our schools will receive more details via email from Dr. Winstead and/or their school principal regarding work schedules following spring break. 

While we will share news and updates related to students and staff via our normal channels of communication, you may wish to bookmark our district homepage for quick access.   WWW.MARYVILLE-SCHOOLS.ORG

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SURVEY LINK:  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SY2020-2021