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County, city school systems to operate under Phase 2 guidelines
STATE GAZETTE
With the upcoming school year just around the corner, and with the country still battling the COVID-19 pandemic, both Dyer County and Dyersburg City school systems announced Sunday afternoon they would begin operating under the Phase 2 reopening guidelines. Dyer County will begin Phase 2 on Aug. 10, with the week of Aug. 3-7 being a staggered start as originally planned, while Dyersburg’s Phase 2 plans take effect Monday morning, July 20.
Each system took to Facebook to make individual announcements by their respective school directors, Cheryl Mathis of Dyer County Schools and Kim Worley of Dyersburg City Schools.
Dyer County Schools:
“Thank you, Choctaw Nation, for your patience during the last few weeks. We are all anxious as we anticipate the start of the 2020-2021 school year. Dyer County Schools will open in one of four phases once classes resume based on the spread of COVID-19. While it is our goal for students to fully return to school as quickly as possible, it is important to continuously monitor local infection rates. As the number of positive COVID-19 cases continues to rise, we have compelling data to determine that our schools need to open in Phase 2 of our Reopening Plan, which is a combination of traditional and remote learning. Principals will share information in the next couple of days of how that phase will take place at each school. While educating our students is of utmost importance, we also need to protect our students, our staff members and our families. Therefore, the health of our community is the cornerstone of this educational plan.
“All Dyer County Schools (Trimble Elementary School, Newbern Elementary School, Finley Elementary School, Fifth Consolidated Elementary School, Holice Powell Elementary School, Three Oaks Middle School, Northview Middle School and Dyer County High School) are opening in Phase 2. Dyer County Schools reserves the right to initiate a phase change at any point to ensure the safety of all students, staff and the community.
“Each Thursday afternoon, Dyer County Schools will announce the phase for the following school week. The announcement will be posted on the system and each school websites, Facebook pages, and Team Reaches.
“As we plan for the return of school, we have to weigh how to provide the best education possible for the greatest number of students against the health risks of bringing together our students and staff. We are committed to safely providing the best education for all students! Procedures are in place to manage and mitigate risks for our students and staff while maintaining and providing a quality education for all.
“Your support for our Choctaws continues to be greatly appreciated. Once a Choctaw, always a Choctaw!”
Dyersburg City Schools:
“As part of the Pathway to Recovery Plan, Dyersburg City Schools will be in one of four phases once classes resume based on the spread of COVID-19. To determine the phase for Dyersburg City Schools, those decisions will be made in consultation with the Tennessee Department of Health, school board, and local government. The Director of Schools will make the determination as to the phase in which the school system operates using data from TDH. All of the Dyersburg City Schools (Dyersburg Primary School, Dyersburg Intermediate School, Dyersburg Middle School, Dyersburg High School, College Street Campus) will operate in the same phase.
“Each Thursday, Dyersburg City Schools will announce the phase for the following school week. The color-coded announcement will be posted on the system website, Facebook page, Twitter page, and Dyersburg City Schools app (Available on the App Store and Google Play). In addition, the announcement will be posted on the Facebook and Twitter pages for Dyersburg Primary School, Dyersburg Intermediate School, Dyersburg Middle School, and Dyersburg High School.
“Dyersburg City Schools will be in Phase 2 for the school week of July 20-24, 2020.
“Dyersburg City Schools reserves the right to initiate a phase change at any point to ensure the safety of all students and staff. A document outlining each of the four phase guidelines can be found on our system website at dyersburgcityschools.org
“We remain steadfast in our commitment to making this a year of meaningful and memorable experiences for our students. Together, we will get through this and provide the best education for your child!”
Mask/ Face covering requirements:
Dyersburg City Schools announced all students and staff would be required to wear a mask or face covering beginning July 20.
“In accordance with the Tennessee Department of Health, the Tennessee Department of Education, and local government, beginning July 20, Dyersburg City Schools will require all students and staff to wear a mask or face covering in areas where physical distancing is not possible,” the school system stated in a release. “Masks may be cloth or disposable. Students and staff in grades 3-12 must wear masks that are solid in color and in the school’s dress code: white, black, gray, gold, or khaki. If needed, schools will have disposable masks available for students each day.”
As for Dyer County Schools, Mathis informed the State Gazette face coverings would not be required on a constant basis; however, they would be worn in certain situations.
“We are asking students to wear masks on the bus. Our 6-12 grade students, we will have them wear masks when we can’t social distance – walking in and out of the school, waiting on the bus or parents to pick them up, in the hallways, and in the lunch line,” said Mathis. “The rest of the time, we feel like we will be able to socially distance. It will vary by school. It will depend on how each school can manage that traffic flow.”
Mask requirements for Dyer County Schools will take effect on the first day of classes, Aug. 3.