Manchester City Schools Preparing for ‘Whatever Scenario is Presented’ for School Reopening.

Coffee County News reached out to Dr. Joey Vaughn concerning the measures being put into place for the upcoming school year amid the continuing COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Vaughn states that the school system will be “prepared for whatever scenario is presented.” Below is a summary on how Manchester City Schools is proceeding at the moment.

“The Manchester City Schools District is actively planning for the 2020-2021 school year. Our hope is that school will start as normal but we have to plan in case it does not. We are focusing on 3 major areas: Academics – Traditional and Remote/Distance Learning, Social and Emotional Care, and Learning Check-Ups.  Task force teams are working in each area to plan for our student’s success.  

Academic Task Force – Traditional and Remote/Distance Learning –   The group is focusing on three main areas impacting instructional practices. The first area is accountability. In this process, we are working to determine how learning will be assessed and how student attendance will be gathered. Communication is the second area. We will expand communication platforms to ensure teachers, parents, students, and community stay informed about potential changes, instruction, and relevant information.  Lastly, our focus will be on the structureof what school will look like in 2020-2021.  Our plans will be influenced by guidance from state and federal guidelines.

Social and Emotional Care Task Force –  This group is developing plans to create a system of support for our students, families, and staff as we return from these uncertain times.  Returning to school will affect everyone differently.  As a district, we will be prepared to address the needs of all individuals.  It will be a time of celebration as well as apprehension.  The first weeks of the 2020-2021 school year will be critical to the success of our stakeholders.

Learning Check-Ups Task Force –  This group is examining what district wide diagnostic assessments and interventions will look like for the 2020-2021 school year. The assessment process will be consistent across the district. Teachers will assess learning to determine gaps that may exist; however, the district will not conduct assessments until a sense of normalcy is gained. Ongoing assessment throughout the school year will continue regularly.  The Tennessee Department of Education is looking at an assessment piece that may be utilized at some point.

As information is given from state and federal officials, we will communicate specific plans and procedures for our families.  Once procedures are outlined by the state, we will survey our families to see how we can best meet the needs of our students.

“We will continue to work through this together. “