Nashville Metro Public Schools Phased Schedule For Returning To In-Person Learning Announced

From the Metro Nashville Public Schools:

February 1, 2021

Dr. Adrienne Battle, Director of Schools, today announced a phased-in schedule for students returning to school buildings.

Because the COVID-19 risk score has consistently remained below 7 over the last few days, Metro Schools is preparing to bring students back to school buildings as soon as this week, with the next phase of students whose families chose in-person learning returning next week.

In a press conference with Mayor John Cooper, Dr. Battle outlined the phased-in schedule, which begins this Thursday, Feb. 4, for students with special needs who attend Genesis Academy and High Roads School of Nashville, which are contracted special day schools.

The schedule, contingent upon Nashville’s continued success in containing the spread of the virus, is as follows:

• Tuesday, Feb. 9: Grades Pre-K to 4 and students with exceptional needs who were identified for needing in-person instruction last semester.
• Thursday, Feb. 18: Grades 5 and 9, transition grades for Middle and High
• Thursday, Feb. 25: Grades 6, 7, and 8
• Wednesday, March 3: Grades 10, 11, and 12

The day before each grade returns, there will be no live instruction so teachers and staff can have time to prepare to welcome students back to buildings. It will be an asynchronous day for those grade levels.

For example, Monday, Feb. 8, will be an asynchronous day for all students in Pre-K to 4th grades as teachers prepare to welcome students in those grades back on Tuesday, Feb. 9.

“This would not be possible without our teachers and staff, who have worked tirelessly to provide both academic and social-emotional supports to our students,” said Dr. Battle. “I hope the Nashville community will join me in thanking them for their service.”

Students whose families chose to remain virtual for this school year will continue to do.

“We are committed to the success of our virtual learners, just as we are for those who chose in-person learning,” said Dr. Battle. “We will continue to provide them with both academic and social-emotional supports so they can continue to progress academically while learning remotely.”

Metro Schools’ virtual help centers will remain open, and the district will continue to offer no-cost, grab-and-go breakfasts and lunches for students learning virtually. As middle and high school students phase back into the classroom, however, meal delivery will be suspended, because our drivers will be transporting students.

Safety Protocols in Schools

Last fall the district implemented safety protocols for all schools, including a mask mandate for students and staff, physical distancing whenever possible, additional cleaning measures by custodial staff, and supplies of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks, gloves, and cleaning supplies for teachers and staff.

As the district plans to bring students into school buildings over the next few weeks, it is taking even more measures for student and staff safety, including a partnership with Meharry Medical College that will allow for COVID-19 testing of students and staff. This will help schools and the district quickly identify and isolate those who have the virus, reducing the chance for further spread. Students will not be required to take a COVID-19 test to attend school; however, the district would appreciate families allowing their students to participate to help prevent transmission, large quarantines, or even school closures.

The district also has asked to participate in a proposed plan from the Tennessee Department of Health that would directly allocate vaccines to school districts. In the interim, the district is working with Vanderbilt University and other stakeholders to support vaccine administration for teachers and staff through the Metro Public Health Department’s vaccine delivery plan. Teachers are slated to receive vaccines beginning in Phase 1b, which could begin later this month or early next month, though the district is trying to accelerate the timeline.

Resources for Families

Metro Schools is committed to the education and support of students and families, whether our students are learning virtually or in the classroom. To that end, we have services and support to assist in a variety of ways:

• Student meals are available for pickup three days a week and provide food for seven days.
• Help with technology, laptops, learning tools is available in person at four schools, online, or on the phone. Translators are available, too.
• Homework Hotline is a free service for help with school or tutoring. The number is (615) 298-6636.
• The MNPS Healthy Youth Community Resource Guide connects you to resources and support offered in our community, from health, mental health, academic support, and more.

School counselors, psychologists, nurses, and more are available to each of our students and families. Please reach out to your school if you need anything. There’s more information on the Student and Family Support page.

This press release was produced by the Metro Nashville Public Schools. The views expressed are the author's own.