This week our host Cynthia Whittaker Putman was joined by Putnam County Schools (TN) School System Director Corby King, Grades 9-12 Curriculum Supervisor Dr. Sharon Anderson, and Coordinated School Health Program Supervisor Melanie Bussell for an important conversation about the 2020-21 school year.
Director King stresses that it was a team effort to create the “Back To School Learning Plan” and it is still an ongoing process as new information is being shared from local and state experts. King also stressed the importance of being kind as we all navigate this new school year.
As a husband of a teacher and the father of two PCSS students, King understands the range of emotions and concerns that students, parents, and teachers may be feeling.
He went on to say that he believes communicating the plan and options for families will help alleviate some of the concerns and we will be able to open schools safely with this plan in place.
They discussed information concerning the 2020-2021 Back to School plan which can be accessed on the PCSS website.
The plan was developed by a team of PCSS educators, administrators, nurses, district leaders and community stakeholders, who began working in April due to COVID-19.
Additionally, the school system gave parents the opportunity to share their feedback through a parent survey that was shared with all PCSS families. The survey asked parents to provide input about their thoughts and how they imagined their child would proceed for the 20-21 school year (in the classroom vs. remotely).
The PCSS “Back to School” plan was developed with guidance from the Tennessee Department of Education, local health officials, CDC guidelines, and the Return To School Roadmap.
Dr. Anderson reminds parents that this is a live document that they can access in real time, as new information updates are made available.
As a way to better serve students, PCSS is requesting additional information from parents through a “Return to School” form (below). Anderson stressed the importance of filling out the “Return to School” form so plans can be made based on the options families are choosing for their children. Parents must complete a form for every child in their family. You must complete a form for each child by Wednesday, July 22 at 5:00 p.m.
In order to help you make an informed choice, you can also review the PCSS Return to School Plan in Response to COVID-19, and the PCSS Remote Learning Parent Handbook.
PCSS Return to School Plan in Response to COVID-19 (English)
Plan de regreso a la escuela (español)
PCSS Remote Learning Parent Handbook (English)
Sistema escolar del condado de Putnam Manual de aprendizaje remoto para padres (español)
To help us be fully prepared for the opening of school, we need your help by completing an intent form choosing either traditional instruction in school or remote learning (minimum 9-week commitment). You must complete a form for each child by Wednesday, July 22 at 5:00 p.m. The form can be accessed here: https://bit.ly/PCSSRETURNINTENT.
If you choose remote learning for your child, you must also complete a PCSS Remote-Learner Responsibility Agreement. You can access the Remote-Learner Responsibility Agreement form here: https://bit.ly/PCSSREMOTELEARNER.
In addition to serving the educational needs of students, PCSS Student Services works to meet Social Emotional needs. Melanie Bussell and her team work to serve students and their families. Every student and PCSS staff member will be asked to complete a wellness survey. The feedback and results of the survey will be used to help create a baseline for which services are needed most to support the social emotional needs when the school year kicks off August 3 rd .
This survey will allow individuals to give feedback on how to develop a stronger outreach program and support their needs. All school staff will complete a survey before school starts. The survey results will be used to create small groups, one-on-one counseling, or other services for staff.
Bussell also introduced Shelia Barker PCSS new Social Emotional Coordinator, Barker will be Overseeing all student emotional wellness provided by school counselors, school social workers and community school based mental health agencies.
Information about the school system can also be found on the Putnam County Schools (TN) School System Facebook page. A link to the student return form is also available on this site.
If you missed the Facebook Live session where the return to school plan was discussed you can access it here.
Additional free resources to keep parents & caregivers connected:
- Bright By Text is a great tool for parents and caregivers of children birth to to get free learning games and easy-to-understand tips texted to you, text “WCTE” to 274448. It’s free and so easy!
- We also invite you to check out the Connection Zone where you can find all sorts of activities for kids of all ages. Plus, check out the Monthly Activity calendar for little learners on our At Home Learning website. This is an educational one stop shop for free resources for summer learning!
Listeners outside the broadcast area of News Talk 107.7 and 1400 The Hub can stream the radio show by downloading the 107.7 and 1400 The Hub app.
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