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McKenzie Students Scheduled To Return August 4

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The 2020-2021 school year begins Tuesday, August 4 with one-half day of instruction. That’s the plan for all five special school districts in Carroll County.
Lynn Watkins, director of schools of McKenzie Special School District, said, after the 2019-2020 school year ended abruptly in March, the opening day of August 4 for the 2020-2021 year is still uncertain.
“The term unprecedented has been many times repeated in all that I read,” said Watkins. “We are living in a time that will be discussed for decades.”
Each year, students are required to have 180 days of instruction in Tennessee public schools. That requirement was waived for the 2019-2020 school year because of the COVID-19 virus that adversely affected schools and businesses nationwide.
“I want all of our students to have 180 days of required instruction in our buildings. Our students need to be with us. The quality of instruction and learning is better,” said Watkins. “Many students need checks of understanding every few minutes. All of us need the human interaction. I know that our community is better when our schools are operating in a traditional manner.”
McKenzie Special School District will have the capability to provide off-site distance learning. The school system is preparing to do just that in the event schools are not allowed to open as scheduled.

Distance learning is “not what we want to do nor is it the best option for our students. Distance learning is a pedagogy. Our teachers will train. But, it is not what we were trained to do and it will take much time to be good. We will give our students our best. Make no mistake, sending home a packet is not a substitute for two weeks of face to face instruction,” said Watkins. “When instruction is done online a 40 percent participation rate has been considered successful. That tells us 60 percent may fall behind. For online learning, parent support and participation is the determining success factor.”
Watkins said the school will offer technology help to parents and students achieve in a distance-learning environment.
MSSD is receiving funds through the federal Elementary and Secondary School Relief Fund (ESSER). Whether or not the schools is allowed to open in August will determine how those funds are spent.
If schools reopen for in-person classes, the fund will be used for personnel and programs to support missed learning. If MSSD is forced to remain closed, it will spend the funds to provide devices and internet capability.
McKenzie School Food Service continued to provide grab-n-go meals during the closure. Those were served weekdays with extra food provided on Friday to cover weekend meals.
Regarding the meals served during the closure, Watkins noted the quality of the food is better when students receive hot, fresh foods served in the school cafeteria when schools are open.
“I know that our community is better when our schools are operating in a traditional manner. Please be patient as we await the decision to open schools. The answers will come. Please continue to stay safe for our kids. Defeating the virus will allow them to receive the education they deserve. We are missing all of you,” concluded Watkins.