Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee issued the following statement regarding statewide school closures.
“As the response to COVID-19 evolves, I urge every school district in Tennessee to close as soon as practically possible, with all schools expected to close by Friday, March 20, 2020 at the latest. Schools should remain closed through March 31, 2020 to further mitigate the spread of this infectious disease and we will issue further guidance prior to March 31. Superintendents and local leadership have the full support of my administration to determine effective dates for closure this week as they evaluate what is best for families within their respective districts. We understand the tremendous burden school closure places on families and we will continue to work with both the federal government and school districts to ensure we continue essential supports like meals for students in need. Every Tennessean has a role to play in preventing the spread of COVID-19, and I urge Tennesseans to be quick to help neighbors as new needs surface with the closure of schools.”
Commissioner of Education Penny Schwinn issued the following statement, “We thank Governor Lee for encouraging school districts to close through the end of the month in order to protect the health and wellbeing of Tennessee’s students, teachers, and entire communities across the state.
The Department of Education team has been working overtime to communicate with districts and issue guidance to help them make plans and decisions to ensure a continuation of academic instruction as well as critical meal and other services for students during times of school closure.
Together with district leaders, our department’s top priority as we move forward is ensuring that students can stay healthy and have all the supports they need to continue learning.”
The Tennessee 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 .
Director of Cannon County Schools, Mr. William F. Curtis, stated, “The week of March 16th – 20th, 2020 is scheduled as ‘Spring Break’ for Cannon County Students. This will continue as scheduled however all athletic events and practices are cancelled as of this date (03-16-2020), and we will try to reschedule once the crisis has diminished. Cannon County Schools will be developing plans to feed students and deliver instruction to students also after Spring Break during the Week of March 23rd, 2020. This delivery of instruction will occur in multiple ways – online and hard copy paper packets for students’ use. This situation seems to be changing hourly and sometimes even more like every few minutes, and is unprecedented in modern Tennessee and United States History. We ask for your patience and understanding during this unique situation for Cannon County Schools. We will continue to monitor the Coronavirus COVID-19 situation as it continues to develop in Tennessee, and specifically Cannon County. Just remember, We ARE CANNON and know that OUR MISSION – “Preparing All Our Students for Their Future” through OUR VISION – “The New E3 – ‘Engaged in Excellence Every Day” motivates us to go forward to achieve our goals even in challenging situations such as this.”