Learning@Home will begin on September 8 for all students.
Learning@Home will serve multiple purposes during our re-entry process.
For those students that wish to learn entirely at home, Monday through Friday
All students will be Learning@Home on Wednesdays
Depending on guidance received by the Governor and KDE, it may be necessary for all students to temporarily Learn@Home. This is also possible if a class is quarantined or one or multiple students are quarantined.
Each student that is Learning@Home will be setup with a Google Drive and access to their teacher's Google Classroom. Assignments will be loaded to the device whenever connected to the Internet. Students without Internet may visit our school parking lots at any time for access to download the latest assignments and upload their completed work. Initially around 20 lessons will be pre-loaded. Once school begins there will always be 10 lessons out that are available, providing two weeks of content available for download at any time.
Teachers and student support staff will be assigned to regularly check in on students. This may be through telephone or through Google Classroom if the student has Internet access at home.
Teachers will always be available for assistance via telephone, e-mail, and video conferencing to answer questions that students might have about an assignment.
For students Learning@Home that do not have a compatible or portable device, a Chromebook will be loaned to the student.
Each school will be planning a designated day or days for students Learning@Home to visit the school, complete the beginning of school paperwork, receive their device, and download the first set of assignments.
Students that begin with Learning@Home must commit to participating one full semester or until public health determines that all students are safe to return to school.
Each student that is Learning@Home will be setup with a Google Drive and access to their teacher's Google Classroom. Assignments will be loaded to the device whenever connected to the Internet. Students without Internet may visit our school parking lots at any time for access to download the latest assignments and upload their completed work. Initially around 20 lessons will be pre-loaded. Once school begins there will always be 10 lessons out that are available, providing two weeks of content available for download at any time.
Teachers and student support staff will be assigned to regularly check in on students. This may be through telephone or through Google Classroom if the student has Internet access at home.
Teachers will always be available for assistance via telephone, e-mail, and video conferencing to answer questions that students might have about an assignment.
For students Learning@Home that do not have a compatible or portable device, a Chromebook will be loaned to the student.
Each school will be planning a designated day or days for students Learning@Home to visit the school, complete the beginning of school paperwork, receive their device, and download the first set of assignments.
Students that begin with Learning@Home must commit to participating one full semester or until public health determines that all students are safe to return to school.
Families that choose Learning@School for their child(ren) can expect an environment that is designed for learning with health precautions in place.
Beginning September 28, Learning@School students will attend school two days a week and will be Learning@Home the other three. As restrictions are eased, and we continue to look at ways of increasing capacity while maintaining social distancing, the goal is five days a week.
The daily schedule for each school will vary depending on student count, the number of teachers assigned to each grade level and content area, and more.
Students will be served a hot lunch through the cafeteria. Many schools have already made plans for students to eat in the cafeteria, with social distancing in place. Other schools are continuing to work to make this possible.
Water fountains will be turned off and water will be available through a filtered, contactless source. Bathrooms may have limited stalls and sinks that are to be used to allow distancing.
When students are in the classroom, seated, and socially distanced from one another, masks may be lowered.
Beginning September 28, Learning@School students will attend school two days a week and will be Learning@Home the other three. As restrictions are eased, and we continue to look at ways of increasing capacity while maintaining social distancing, the goal is five days a week.
The daily schedule for each school will vary depending on student count, the number of teachers assigned to each grade level and content area, and more.
Students will be served a hot lunch through the cafeteria. Many schools have already made plans for students to eat in the cafeteria, with social distancing in place. Other schools are continuing to work to make this possible.
Water fountains will be turned off and water will be available through a filtered, contactless source. Bathrooms may have limited stalls and sinks that are to be used to allow distancing.
When students are in the classroom, seated, and socially distanced from one another, masks may be lowered.
Students riding the bus will also have precautions in place for their safe arrival to school and back home.
Upon entering the bus, a bus monitor will take the student's temperature. If their temperature is above 100.4 then the parent/guardian will be contacted to come pick up the child. If the home is near, the bus monitor may walk the child home or the driver will use their horn to capture the attention of the parent/guardian.
If no parent or guardian is home, the student will be isolated on the school bus and immediately took to a holding room at school until a family member can be contacted. Their temperature will continue to be monitored.
Hand sanitizer will be available on the bus as the student loads and unloads.
Students must wear a mask while on the bus.
Windows will be down or cracked, with air conditioning on, to allow for ventilation and a comfortable environment.
Students will load the bus from the back to the front. First on, last off. The last students, sitting closest to the front of the bus, will unload first.
Students that are dropped off of the mornings will have the following precautions in place to ensure their wellness.
The student will remain in the vehicle until a staff member comes to the vehicle.
The driver will roll the window down where the student is seated to take their temperature while still in the vehicle.
If the child's temperature is above 100.4 they will not be allowed to come into the building.
If the driver feels that the temperature was due to lack of air conditioning or other factors, the driver may park in the lot and have the temperature taken once additional time before school begins. If the temperature remains, the student should complete Learning@Home for that day.
Each school will be announcing plans for parent/guardian afternoon pickup to ensure social distancing with the release of students.
Parents of students with special needs should be reassured that the student's special education needs will continue to be met per the student's individual education plan (IEP) regardless of whether the student is in-person or virtual. Any adjustments to their current IEP will be made on an individual basis and inside of an admissions and release committee meeting (ARC).
Specific questions about special education services may be addressed to the child's teacher at school or Kristen Parsons, director of special education, at kristen.parsons@knox.kyschools.us.
Specific questions about special education services may be addressed to the child's teacher at school or Kristen Parsons, director of special education, at kristen.parsons@knox.kyschools.us.
Our on-site preschool screenings have past, but you can still make an appointment and complete an application for your child. Please contact the Preschool Office at the Knox County Board of Education for complete details. (606)546-3157.
Applications for admission, requirements, and general information about preschool may be found on the preschool page.
Applications for admission, requirements, and general information about preschool may be found on the preschool page.
KCPS is closely monitoring the guidance released by KHSAA for high school athletics. As plans are finalized, and the season start date becomes closer with no delay or changes, we will be communicating the guidelines for athlete and fan participation.
Students involved in school related clubs and organizations should consult the national headquarters for the organization for guidance.
At this time elementary girls' basketball has been postponed until the spring. The season start and end dates will be announced.
The district's prior policy of six unexcused absences and no participation will stay in place, however, it will be based on participation in learning. If a student does not show participation for up to six days without valid excuse, he or she may be subject to the attendance policy for involvement.
Students involved in school related clubs and organizations should consult the national headquarters for the organization for guidance.
At this time elementary girls' basketball has been postponed until the spring. The season start and end dates will be announced.
The district's prior policy of six unexcused absences and no participation will stay in place, however, it will be based on participation in learning. If a student does not show participation for up to six days without valid excuse, he or she may be subject to the attendance policy for involvement.
KCPS will always consult and follow the advice of public health officials regarding the quarantine of staff or students due to exposure or potential exposure to COVID-19.
With social distancing in place, students isolated to groups and moving within groups, it may be that only a group of students will be required to quarantine if COVID-19 is positive with a member of the group. Those students will be Learning@Home until cleared to return by public health.
Seating charts in classrooms, cafeterias, and on the bus will be used to determine students that was near or in close contact of the person with a positive or potential COVID-19 test.
KCPS will rely on the state contact tracers and public health to conduct the contact tracing and recommendation to the school.
With social distancing in place, students isolated to groups and moving within groups, it may be that only a group of students will be required to quarantine if COVID-19 is positive with a member of the group. Those students will be Learning@Home until cleared to return by public health.
Seating charts in classrooms, cafeterias, and on the bus will be used to determine students that was near or in close contact of the person with a positive or potential COVID-19 test.
KCPS will rely on the state contact tracers and public health to conduct the contact tracing and recommendation to the school.
Student meals will be provided for all five days of instruction.
Students that begin Learning@School on an A schedule will receive three meals to take home at the end of the day on Tuesday. Students on a B schedule will receive three meals to take home at the end of the day on Friday.
Pickup services for students Learning@Home will be available. Details are being finalized at this time.
Students that begin Learning@School on an A schedule will receive three meals to take home at the end of the day on Tuesday. Students on a B schedule will receive three meals to take home at the end of the day on Friday.
Pickup services for students Learning@Home will be available. Details are being finalized at this time.
The overall wellness of our students as we resume school is a priority for KCPS. Our guidance counselors and other student support staff are attending training specifically addressing COVID-19 and youth. If you feel that your child needs to speak to one of these individuals, please contact the school.
As always, if a student or adult feels that a student may conduct self-harm, our STOP! Tipline on the KCPS website will direct the concern to first responders and school personnel.
As always, if a student or adult feels that a student may conduct self-harm, our STOP! Tipline on the KCPS website will direct the concern to first responders and school personnel.
If a student shows at least one symptom (fever, chills, shortness of breath/difficulty breathing, new cough, new loss of taste or smell or gastrointestinal symptoms), the student will be isolated immediately until a family member can pick up the child. The family will be encouraged to notify their health care provider for further guidance and possible testing for COVID-19.
Our custodial and maintenance staff have consulted with service providers and vendors of deep sanitation services in order to prepare for the daily cleaning of our schools.
Hand sanitizer will be available on school buses, at the main entrances of school, office areas, cafeteria, hallways, and in classrooms.
Custodians have access to multiple machines specifically designed to provide a disinfectant cleaner fog to an entire classroom or area that will kill germs and bacteria.
Sanitation cleaners approved by the EPA will be used throughout the day in high traffic areas, on door knobs, bathrooms, and front offices.
On Wednesday, deep sanitation of the building will occur as students are Learning@Home. This will prevent students from Learning@School on Monday and Tuesday from possibly leaving behind traces of COVID-19 for students attending on Thursday and Friday. Each Friday after the dismissal of school the same process will be used.
Kentucky Department of Education guidance to school districts, along with state public health, have both agreed that masks should be worn by students when social distancing is not possible.
Masks will not be required for students in preschool and kindergarten at this time.
In order for a mask requirement to be waived, the parent/guardian must provide the school with a letter from a licensed medical professional. The letter must include the student name, date of birth, the medical reason the student cannot wear a mask, original signature and printed name of the physician. The letter must be dated and on official letterhead from the healthcare provider.
Mask requirements include on the bus and when moving throughout hallways and classrooms. When students are stationary in the classroom or cafeteria and at least six feet apart, they may lower their masks.
A cloth mask will be provided to all students grades 1-12. Temporary paper masks will be available if the cloth becomes soiled or if they do not have one on when getting on the bus or out of the vehicle each morning.
All students will begin with Learning@Home on September 8.
Families are being asked what learning method they wish to continue beginning September 28.
We ask that families provide the school with the best decision at the time they are contacted as to what learning method they will use.
If a family wishes to make a change, we ask that they please contact the school by September 21.
If you do not receive a call from our schools, or if you have a student that is new to Knox County, please contact our school directly. It is possible that we have an incorrect phone number on file or were unable to leave a message.
Households that commit to Learning@Home are asked to remain at home for the semester to allow us to maintain social distancing and group assignments for those Learning@School. If circumstances beyond the families control causes the need for a student to return to school, please contact the principal.
Students may change to Learning@Home if circumstances cause a need, but are subject to remaining at home for the semester. This may be necessary if a household member develops underlying conditions to COVID-19 and would be at risk.
We ask that families provide the school with the best decision at the time they are contacted as to what learning method they will use.
If a family wishes to make a change, we ask that they please contact the school by September 21.
If you do not receive a call from our schools, or if you have a student that is new to Knox County, please contact our school directly. It is possible that we have an incorrect phone number on file or were unable to leave a message.
Households that commit to Learning@Home are asked to remain at home for the semester to allow us to maintain social distancing and group assignments for those Learning@School. If circumstances beyond the families control causes the need for a student to return to school, please contact the principal.
Students may change to Learning@Home if circumstances cause a need, but are subject to remaining at home for the semester. This may be necessary if a household member develops underlying conditions to COVID-19 and would be at risk.
Registration packets are available outside each school for pickup. Please complete them at home and return back to the school Monday through Thursday, 9am until 2pm.
Students that are transferring to the school are asked to schedule an appointment to see the principal and/or counselor in person to begin enrollment.
We will soon announce dates and times for students and families to visit their school, receive their device and instructions, meet teachers, and complete beginning of year forms. Check our website and social media for the announcement.
Students that are transferring to the school are asked to schedule an appointment to see the principal and/or counselor in person to begin enrollment.
We will soon announce dates and times for students and families to visit their school, receive their device and instructions, meet teachers, and complete beginning of year forms. Check our website and social media for the announcement.