JSE Weekly Newsletter
January 17 - January 21
One Book Blitz
On January 31st, we will be kicking off this year's One Book Blitz event! This is a community wide literacy initiative which gives students throughout Blount county in kindergarten through 5th grade the opportunity to read and become totally absorbed in the same great book. Teachers will decorate the school over the weekend prior to the kick off and we will announce the book title on January 31st!
Inclement Weather
We are at the point in the year where we see snow and ice. If we have a weather event, please monitor the radio, television, social media, or MCS district website to look for delays or cancellations. Check for Maryville City Schools (not Blount County or Maryville Christian). The district's automated messaging system will also send out phone calls and e-mails if there is any change to the schedule. If you have had any changes to your home number, address, e-mail, or emergency contacts, please let the front office know ASAP. Thank you!
Running Club will resume this Tuesday, January 18th!
February District Wide "Spotlight" Event - Gift Card Donations
On February 21st, the entire district staff (teachers, administrators, and support staff) will participate in Spotlight - our annual retreat intended to inspire, rejuvenate, and honor our colleagues for their hard work and dedication. Traditionally, gift cards are collected from parents and the community and used as prizes or gifts during the event. If you are in a position to purchase (or re-gift) gift cards for this occasion, we would greatly appreciate it. Please drop off cards in any school office throughout the month of January. THANK YOU!
Adventure Club News
Adventure Club will be closed on January 17th.
Adventure Club currently has openings for k-3 students. Application forms are available in the front office or Adventure Club. Please contact Misty Cable, adventure club director with any questions.
misty.cable@maryville-schools.org or 865-681-8210
Update from MCS District Regarding Illness
The Tennessee General Assembly recently passed new legislation during a special session regarding how schools and government agencies handle COVID. Guidance from the Tennessee Department of Health stemming from the new legislation is as follows:
- Government agencies in Tennessee may not require isolation of cases or quarantine of contacts. We can recommend/suggest/encourage/educate only.
- Schools may not exclude kids specifically due to a COVID diagnosis/test result. However, they can continue existing policies to keep symptomatic ill children out of school. Public Health cannot be part of enforcing that policy.
- We will end issuing quarantine letters for household contacts and close contacts. When families contact the clinic to notify of a student's close contact or household contact, the school nurse will share that the TDH recommends but does not require quarantine. MCS will continue to honor parent/guardian choice for household contacts and close contacts.
- We will not automatically issue 10-day isolation for positive cases. The school nurse will share the TDH guidance to isolate, but not require it. MCS will continue to provide medical excuses for positive cases whose parent/guardian elects to follow 10-day isolation.
- Students and staff exhibiting symptoms will continue to be excluded from school just as we would for the flu. Refer to our procedures for Illness for additional guidance. LINK HERE