News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
The Fentress County School Board approved a revised calendar Monday night that will begin Monday August 10.
Because of the cancellation of the Fentress County Fair, Schools Director Mike Jones said the system had an extra day that could be put to use in training teachers.
“We really need some extra time to do some virtual training,” Jones said.
Students will register August 3. There will be no school the rest of the week. On Monday August 10, students in grades one-four as well as grades nine and ten will attend school from 8am-11:30am. Lunch will be served. The following day, fifth-eighth graders and high school juniors and seniors will attend school. Regular school days will resume Wednesday August 12.
Jones said kindergartners will follow a special schedule to be given during registration.
Teachers will train during the remainder of the day, working on Google Classroom and virtual learning tools. Parents will need to call-in on the day their child is not in school to be counted for attendance purposes.
School Board Member Darlene Brannon said the system is not ready to reopen.
“We’re sitting here on a virtual meeting and expecting our kids to go back in less than two weeks,” Brannon said. “We are not building confidence in our school system or as a board that we do more to protect ourselves.”
School Board Chair Karen Cooper said COVID represents a serious illness but the school board’s job remains.
“We’re here to educate children,” Cooper said. “I believe they are (safe).”
Jones said he worked with York Institute leadership to integrate the plan.
