Kingsport City Schools

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KCS will return to in-person learning on Tuesday, January 19th.

2020-21 Kingsport City Schools Reopening Plan Information

Reopening Plan webpage graphic
 

Dear KCS Families and Employees,

At tonight’s (1/12/21) KCS Board of Education meeting, Dr. Jeff Moorhouse provided an update to the KCS Operating Status for the upcoming weeks:

  • Information on KCS operating status:
  • KCS will continue with virtual instruction for all students through Friday, January 15, 2021.
  • KCS will return to in-person learning on Tuesday, January 19th.  
    • All Pre-K - 5th grade students will return to in-person learning at school.
    • 6th - 12th grade students will return to in-person learning utilizing a hybrid schedule. Based on feedback gathered throughout the fall semester, the schedule to be utilized is slightly different than the one used during first semester… Students will attend using an “A/B/A/B” schedule, alternating days of attendance.  This is being utilized to address concerns regarding the gap of days students were out of school with the previous model.  
    • Please see below for the current schedule through January 29, 2021.
    • All RCL students will continue with virtual learning.
  • As we have done throughout the past many months, we will continue to monitor the state of health in our schools and community and any adjustments to our operating schedule will be communicated as soon as possible.  KCS will continue to coordinate with the Sullivan County Regional Health Department to review information and implement operational structures that provide the maximum amount of face-to-face learning as possible.
 
Status
  • KCS and the Sullivan County Regional Health Department continue to encourage you to please wear a face mask, socially distance, and avoid large group activities wherever possible.  This will help control the spread of COVID-19 cases across our community.  
  • A dashboard has been created on the KCS website (www.k12k.com) to keep you posted on the KCS operating status and community health conditions.  Click here to access this information, which is updated daily.
  • The KCS School Nutrition department is continuing to provide free meals for all children.  Please know that meals for all children age 18 and under will be free of charge through the end of this school year.
 
spread
Dear KCS Families and Employees,
 
This week (1/6/21), we want to provide you with several important updates:
 
  • Information on the KCS operating status:
    • All KCS schools will remain with virtual instruction through Friday, January 15, 2021.
    • KCS will return to in-person learning on Tuesday, January 19th.
      • All Pre-K - 5th grade students will return to in-person learning at school.
      • 6th - 12th grade students will return to in-person learning utilizing a hybrid schedule. NOTE: KCS is continuing to evaluate the specific hybrid model to be used when students return. Information about what days students will attend school in-person will be communicated as soon as that decision is made.
      • REMINDER: The week of January 18-22 is a 4-day school week, due to the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday on Monday. As such, there will be no Wednesday virtual learning day that week (on January 20th).
  • As we have done throughout the past many months, we will continue to monitor the state of health in our schools and community and any adjustments to our operating schedule will be communicated as soon as possible.
  • Please be aware that KCS will continue to offer free meal delivery for all children age 18 and under while we are in a period of virtual instruction. Look for KCS buses on all regular bus routes on virtual school days and take advantage of this free opportunity.
1-6-21 Dashboard
  • KCS and the Sullivan County Regional Health Department continue to encourage you to please wear a face mask, socially distance, and avoid large group activities wherever possible. This will help control the spread of COVID-19 cases across our community.
  • A dashboard has been created on the KCS website www.k12k.com to keep you posted on the KCS operating status and community health conditions. Click here to access this information, which is updated daily.
  • The KCS School Nutrition department is continuing to provide free meals for all children. Please know that meals for all children age 18 and under will be free of charge through the end of this school year.

Dear KCS Families and Employees,

This week (12/16/20), we want to provide you with several important updates:

  • Information on the operating status for the return from Winter Break:
    • All KCS schools will return from Winter Break on January 5, 2021 with virtual instruction through Friday, January 15, 2021.  KCS has continued to hold weekly discussions with the Sullivan County Regional Health Department to review all aspects of our district’s and community’s health.  Based on today’s meeting and the health department’s current view of the COVID-19 spread throughout Sullivan County, the decision has been made to move to virtual instruction for the first two weeks following Winter Break.  
      • The health department indicates a significant surge of community spread is very likely to take place following the holiday, similar to the large increase that has occurred after Thanksgiving.  Shifting to virtual instruction for a period of time after break is intended to prevent this surge from entering our schools and minimizing the opportunities for spread among students and staff. This will also allow us to reestablish effective contact tracing before bringing everyone together for in-person instruction.
      • We intend to return Face-to-Face students to school for in-person instruction beginning on Tuesday, January 19 (following the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday on Monday, January 18). As we have done throughout the past many months, we will continue to monitor the state of health in our schools and community and any adjustments to our operating schedule will be communicated just as soon as possible.
      • Please be aware that as we have done in the past, KCS will continue to offer free meals for all children age 18 and under while we are in a period of virtual instruction.  Look for KCS buses on all regular bus routes on virtual school days and take advantage of this free opportunity.
      • With today’s announcement and to be respectful of our community’s time over the holidays, the next planned communication from KCS regarding our operating status will be on Wednesday, January 6, 2021.
 
Status
 
  • KCS and the Sullivan County Regional Health Department continue to encourage you to please wear a face mask, socially distance, and avoid large group activities wherever possible.  This will help control the spread of COVID-19 cases across our community.  
  • A dashboard has been created on the KCS website (www.k12k.com) to keep you posted on the KCS operating status and community health conditions.  Click here to access this information, which is updated daily.
  • The KCS School Nutrition department is continuing to provide free meals for all children.  Please know that meals for all children age 18 and under will be free of charge through the end of this school year.
 
level
Dear KCS Families and Employees,
 
This week (12/9/20), we want to provide you with several important updates:
 
For the weeks of December 7-11 and 14-18:
  • No changes to the current operating status. All Pre-K/Elementary Face-to-Face students will attend on a hybrid schedule (4-day in-person with virtual instruction on Wednesday). Face-to-Face students in Grades 6-12 will operate on the current hybrid schedule. Sevier Middle School will be operating with virtual learning through 12/11/20 and Johnson Elementary School will be operating with virtual learning through 12/18/20.
  • UPDATE: OPERATING STATUS FOR RETURN TO SCHOOL IN JANUARY - At this time, a decision has not yet been made regarding the operating status for our return to school after the winter break. With January 5, 2021 almost four weeks away, the desire is to have a better understanding of the health conditions in our community, with our students, and with our staff before making operational decisions. KCS will continue to monitor that information and communicate with the Sullivan County Regional Health Department to make a decision as absolutely early as possible.
  • UPDATE: GUIDANCE ON ISOLATION AND QUARANTINE - The Sullivan County Regional Health Department has provided KCS information regarding revised Tennessee Department of Health guidance on isolation and quarantine protocols. That information is currently being reviewed so that KCS can understand and determine the safest way to make any adjustments to our existing procedures. It is expected that any changes to current procedures would not take effect until after winter break.
  • As has been previously stated, please be aware that in consultation with the Sullivan County Regional Health Department, KCS will continue to monitor the status of our schools. Should unexpected health situations occur that require more restrictive operations, KCS may have to make adjustments to the schedule. Any such changes would be communicated as soon as possible.
Operating Status
  • Based on the weekly meeting with the Sullivan County Regional Health Department, KCS continues to encourage our community to please wear a face mask, socially distance, and avoid large group activities wherever possible. This will help control the spread of COVID-19 cases across our community.
  • There are several key reminders as Face-to-Face students have in-person instruction at school:
  • Every effort will be made to social distance whenever possible while students are at school.
  • All students, staff, and visitors are required to appropriately wear face masks while at school.
  • All students will be temperature-checked before entering school.
  • Enhanced disinfecting and operational procedures will be in-place at all school locations.
  • A dashboard has been created on the KCS website www.k12k.com to keep you posted on the KCS operating status and community health conditions. Click here to access this information, which is updated daily.
  • The KCS School Nutrition department is continuing to provide free meals for all children. Please know that meals for all children age 18 and under will be free of charge through the end of this school year.
Health Status
Dear KCS Families and Employees,
 

This week (12/3/20), we want to provide you with several important updates:

  • For the weeks of December 7-11 and 14-18:
    • Starting Monday, December 7, all Pre-K/Elementary Face-to-Face students will attend on a hybrid schedule (4-day in-person with virtual instruction on Wednesday). See below for full schedule.  Face-to-Face students in Grades 6-12 will operate on a hybrid schedule (see below).  Sevier Middle School will be operating with virtual learning through 12/11/20 (due to staffing).
    • RATIONALE FOR CHANGE TO PRE-K/ELEMENTARY SCHEDULE:  KCS administration has continued to evaluate the staffing, attendance, and COVID-19 impacted situations in our schools.  A 4-day hybrid schedule for elementary schools will be utilized beginning with the week of December 7-11.  This will address current concerns with staffing levels and ensure schools can remain as open and effective as possible.  The virtual day will allow for the most strategic approach for classroom coverage during the remaining four school days and for additional cleaning of schools.
    • As has been previously stated, please be aware that in consultation with the Sullivan County Regional Health Department, KCS will continue to monitor the status of our schools.  Should unexpected health situations occur that require more restrictive operations, KCS may have to make adjustments to the schedule.  Any such changes would be communicated as soon as possible.
    • Based on the weekly meeting with the Sullivan County Regional Health Department, KCS continues to encourage our community to please wear a face mask, socially distance, and avoid large group activities wherever possible.  This will help control the spread of COVID-19 cases across our community. 
 
status
 
  • There are several key reminders as Face-to-Face students have in-person instruction at school:
    • Every effort will be made to social distance whenever possible while students are at school. 
    • All students, staff, and visitors are required to appropriately wear face masks while at school.
    • All students will be temperature-checked before entering school.
    • Enhanced disinfecting and operational procedures will be in-place at all school locations.
  • A dashboard has been created on the KCS website (www.k12k.com) to keep you posted on the KCS operating status and community health conditions.  Click here to access this information, which is updated daily.
  • The KCS School Nutrition department is continuing to provide free meals for all children.  Please know that meals for all children age 18 and under will be free of charge through the end of this school year. 
 
spread
 

Dear KCS Families and Employees,

This week (11/19/20), we want to provide you with several important updates:

  • For the week of November 23-27 AND the weeks following Thanksgiving Break through the end of the semester (November 30 - December 18, 2020):
    • Face-to-Face students in Grades 6-12 will operate on a hybrid schedule (see below).  Pre-K/Elementary Face-to-Face students will attend school in-person.
      • To provide additional notice for family and staff planning, KCS is working to provide schedule decisions based on longer blocks of time.  PLEASE BE AWARE: Should unexpected health situations arise that require more restrictive operations, KCS may have to make adjustments to the schedule.  Any such changes would be communicated as soon as possible.
    • Based on today’s weekly meeting with the Sullivan County Regional Health Department, the level of COVID-19 community spread across Kingsport remains high.  
      • PLEASE! Especially over the Thanksgiving holiday, we ask for your help in working to extend our important safety efforts beyond the school doors.  Please wear a face mask and socially distance, avoiding large group activities wherever possible.  This will help control the spread of COVID-19 cases across our community.  Doing this is an extremely important part of our ability to return to full in-person instruction for all KCS students. 
 
Dashboard
 
  • There are several key reminders as Face-to-Face students have in-person instruction at school:
    • Every effort will be made to social distance whenever possible while students are at school. 
    • All students, staff, and visitors are required to appropriately wear face masks while at school.
    • All students will be temperature-checked before entering school.
    • Enhanced disinfecting and operational procedures will be in-place at all school locations.
  • A dashboard has been created on the KCS website (www.k12k.com) to keep you posted on the KCS operating status and community health conditions.  Click here to access this information, which is updated daily.
  • The KCS School Nutrition department is continuing to provide free meals for all children.  Please know that meals for all children age 18 and under will be free of charge through the end of this school year. 
 
Footer Bar
 
November 18, 2020 - Joint Superintendent's Letter to Families

Dear KCS Families and Employees,

This week (11/12/20), we want to provide you with several important updates:

  • For the week of November 16-20 AND the week of November 23-27, 2020:
    • Face-to-Face students in Grades 6-12 will continue to operate on a hybrid schedule (see below).  All Pre-K/Elementary Face-to-Face students will continue to attend school in-person.
    • Based on today’s weekly meeting with the Sullivan County Regional Health Department, the level of COVID-19 community spread across Kingsport continues to remain high.  
      • PLEASE!  Along with the health department, we ask for your help in working to extend our important safety efforts beyond the school doors.  Please wear a face mask and socially distance, avoiding group activities wherever possible.  This will help control the spread of COVID-19 cases across our community.  Doing this is an extremely important part of our ability to return to full in-person instruction for all KCS students. 
  • Please note that with this update, we are including operating status for the Monday and Tuesday prior to Thanksgiving Break.  KCS will provide information regarding the week after break (November 30 - December 4) prior to Thanksgiving Day.
 
status
  • There are several key reminders as Face-to-Face students have in-person instruction at school:
    • Every effort will be made to social distance whenever possible while students are at school. 
    • All students, staff, and visitors are required to appropriately wear face masks while at school.
    • All students will be temperature-checked before entering school.
    • Enhanced disinfecting and operational procedures will be in-place at all school locations.
  • A dashboard has been created on the KCS website (www.k12k.com) to keep you posted on the KCS operating status and community health conditions.  Click here to access this information, which is updated daily.
  • The KCS School Nutrition department is continuing to provide free meals for all children during the Fall 2020 semester.  Please know that meals for all children age 18 and under will be free of charge through the end of this school year. 
 
level
 

Dear KCS Families and Employees,

This week (11/5/20), we want to provide you with several important updates:

  • For the week of November 9-13, 2020:
    • Based on guidance related to health conditions in our community, Face-to-Face students in Grades 6-12 will continue to operate on a hybrid schedule (see below).  All Pre-K/Elementary Face-to-Face students will continue to attend school in-person.
    • Based on today’s weekly meeting with the Sullivan County Regional Health Department, the level of COVID-19 community spread across Kingsport continues to remain high.  
      • PLEASE!  Along with the health department, we ask for your help in working to extend our important safety efforts beyond the school doors.  Please wear a face mask and socially distance, avoiding group activities wherever possible.  This will help control the spread of COVID-19 cases across our community.  Doing this is an extremely important part of our ability to return to full in-person instruction for all KCS students. 
  • Also, please be aware of a change in how KCS is reporting positive COVID-19 cases on our district dashboard:
    • Starting on 10/26/20, KCS began placing positive cases confirmed by the Sullivan County Regional Health Department AND what are defined as “presumed positive” cases on the dashboard.  These “presumed positive” cases are those which have been reported to the KCS Supervisor of Nursing, but are not yet confirmed by the Sullivan County Regional Health Department.
    • We have added these presumed positive cases to our case-count to support the most timely and transparent response to potential cases in our schools.
    •  
status
 
  • There are several key reminders as Face-to-Face students have in-person instruction at school:
    • Every effort will be made to social distance whenever possible while students are at school. 
    • All students, staff, and visitors are required to appropriately wear face masks while at school.
    • All students will be temperature-checked before entering school.
    • Enhanced disinfecting and operational procedures will be in-place at all school locations.
  • A dashboard has been created on the KCS website (www.k12k.com) to keep you posted on the KCS operating status and community health conditions.  Click here to access this information, which is updated daily.
  • The KCS School Nutrition department is continuing to provide free meals for all children during the Fall 2020 semester.  Please know that meals for all children age 18 and under will be free of charge through the end of this school year. 
 
spread

Dear KCS Families and Employees,

This week (10/29/20), we want to provide you with several important updates"

  • For the week of November 2-6, 2020:
    • Based on guidance related to health conditions in our community, Face-to-Face students in Grades 6-12 will continue to operate on a hybrid schedule (see below).  All Pre-K/Elementary Face-to-Face students will attend school in-person.
    • Based on today’s weekly meeting with the Sullivan County Regional Health Department, the level of COVID-19 community spread across Kingsport continues to remain high.  
      • To help improve our situation, the health department stresses it is critical that safety efforts extend beyond the school doors.  In addition to wearing face masks and social distancing, they emphasize that avoiding group activities wherever possible will help control the spread of COVID-19 cases across our community.  Doing this is an extremely important part of our ability to return to full in-person instruction for all KCS students. 
  • Also, please be aware of a change in how KCS is reporting positive COVID-19 cases on our district dashboard:
    • Starting on 10/26/20, KCS began placing positive cases confirmed by the Sullivan County Regional Health Department AND what are defined as “presumed positive” cases on the dashboard.  These “presumed positive” cases are those which have been reported to the KCS Supervisor of Nursing, but are not yet confirmed by the Sullivan County Regional Health Department.
    • We have added these presumed positive cases to our case-count to support the most timely and transparent response to potential cases in our schools.
 
Status
 
  • There are several key reminders as Face-to-Face students have in-person instruction at school:
    • Every effort will be made to social distance whenever possible while students are at school. 
    • All students, staff, and visitors are required to appropriately wear face masks while at school.
    • All students will be temperature-checked before entering school.
    • Enhanced disinfecting and operational procedures will be in-place at all school locations.
  • A dashboard has been created on the KCS website (www.k12k.com) to keep you posted on the KCS operating status and community health conditions.  Click here to access this information, which is updated daily.
  • The KCS School Nutrition department is continuing to provide free meals for all children during the Fall 2020 semester.  Please know that meals for all children age 18 and under will be free of charge through the end of this school year. 
Spread
You can find the updated "Kingsport City Schools Operations Manual - Framework for Opening the 2020-21 School Year" manuel below. A revision was made to update the definition of a contact, due to the change in guidance by the CDC. The definition now reads: Contact: Someone with exposure to a known positive case closer than 6 feet for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24 hour period.

Dear KCS Families and Employees,

 

This week (10/22/20), we want to provide you with several important updates:

 
  • For the week of October 26-30, 2020:
    • Based on guidance related to health conditions in our community, Face-to-Face students in Grades 6-12 will operate on a hybrid schedule (see below).  All elementary Face-to-Face students will attend school in-person.
    • Based on today’s weekly meeting with the Sullivan County Regional Health Department, the level of COVID-19 community spread across Kingsport is continuing to increase.  To help improve our situation, the health department stresses that it is critical we continue with our efforts to take appropriate safety precautions, including wearing face masks and social distancing, whenever possible.  Controlling this increase in COVID-19 cases across our community is an extremely important part of our ability to return to full in-person instruction for all KCS students.       
Operating Schedule
 
    • There are several key reminders as Face-to-Face students have in-person instruction at school:
      • Every effort will be made to social distance whenever possible while students are at school. 
      • All students, staff, and visitors are required to appropriately wear face masks while at school.
      • All students will be temperature-checked before entering school.
      • Enhanced disinfecting and operational procedures will be in-place at all school locations.
    • A dashboard has been created on the KCS website (www.k12k.com) to keep you posted on the KCS operating status and community health conditions.  Click here to access this information, which is updated daily.
    • The KCS School Nutrition department is continuing to provide free meals for all children during the Fall 2020 semester.  Please know that meals for all children age 18 and under will be free of charge through the end of this school year. 
 
Go Green!

Dear KCS Families and Employees,

 

This week (10/15/20), we want to provide you with several important updates:

 

  • For the week of October 19-23, 2020:
    • Based on guidance related to health conditions in our community, Face-to-Face students in Grades 6-12 will operate on a hybrid schedule (see below).  All elementary face-to-face students will attend school in-person.
    • Please remember that Monday, October 19 is a professional learning in-service day for teachers.  Students return from Fall Break on Tuesday, October 20. 
  • Based on today’s weekly meeting with the Sullivan County Regional Health Department, the level of COVID-19 community spread across Kingsport is high.  To help improve our situation, the health department stresses that it is critical we continue with our efforts to take appropriate safety precautions, including wearing face masks and social distancing, whenever possible.  Controlling this increase in COVID-19 cases across our community is an extremely important part of our ability to return to full in-person instruction for all KCS students.       
 
Status
 
  • There are several key reminders as face-to-face students have in-person instruction at school:
    • Every effort will be made to social distance whenever possible while students are at school. 
    • All students, staff, and visitors are required to appropriately wear face masks while at school.
    • All students will be temperature-checked before entering school.
    • Enhanced disinfecting and operational procedures will be in-place at all school locations.
  • A dashboard has been created on the KCS website (www.k12k.com) to keep you posted on the KCS operating status and community health conditions.  Click here to access this information, which is updated daily.
  • The KCS School Nutrition department is continuing to provide free meals for all children during the Fall 2020 semester.  Please know that meals for all children age 18 and under will be free of charge through the end of this semester.  Meals will be available at elementary school sites for drive-up/pick-up each day from 10-10:30 a.m. for virtual learners
 
Level

Dear KCS Families and Employees,

This week (10/8/20), we want to provide you with several important updates:

  • For the week of October 12-16, 2020:
  • Kingsport City Schools is on Fall Break.  No school for students and staff.
  • Based on today’s weekly meeting with the Sullivan County Regional Health Department, the level of COVID-19 community spread is increasing across our region.  The health department stresses that it is critical we continue with our efforts to take appropriate safety precautions, including wearing face masks and social distancing, whenever possible.  Controlling this increase in COVID-19 cases across our community is an extremely important part of our ability to continue in-person instruction when we return from Fall Break.  Information from KCS regarding our operational status for the week we return from Fall Break will be communicated in the regular Thursday Update next week (October 15).       
    • Please remember that Monday, October 19 is a professional learning in-service day for teachers.  Students return from Fall Break on Tuesday, October 20. 
 
status
  • There are several key reminders as face-to-face students have in-person instruction at school:
    • Every effort will be made to social distance whenever possible while students are at school. 
    • All students, staff, and visitors are required to appropriately wear face masks while at school.
    • All students will be temperature-checked before entering school.
    • Enhanced disinfecting and operational procedures will be in-place at all school locations.
  • A dashboard has been created on the KCS website (www.k12k.com) to keep you posted on the KCS operating status and community health conditions.  Click here to access this information, which is updated daily.
  • The KCS School Nutrition department is continuing to provide free meals for all children during the Fall 2020 semester.  Please know that meals for all children age 18 and under will be free of charge through the end of this semester.  Meals will be available at elementary school sites for drive-up/pick-up each day from 10-10:30 a.m. for virtual learners.   
 
level

Dear KCS Families and Employees,

This week (10/1/20), we want to provide you with several important updates:

  • For the week of October 5 - 9, 2020:
    • Based on the weekly meeting with the Sullivan County Regional Health Department, the current level of community spread has been determined to be in the "yellow" operational zone.
    • All Face-to-Face students in grades PreK-12 will have in-person instruction at school.
status
 
  • There are several key reminders as all face-to-face students have in-person instruction at school:
    • Every effort will be made to social distance whenever possible while students are at school. 
    • All students, staff, and visitors are required to appropriately wear face masks while at school.
    • All students will be temperature-checked before entering school.
    • Enhanced disinfecting and operational procedures will be in-place at all school locations.
  • A dashboard has been created on the KCS website (www.k12k.com) to keep you posted on the KCS operating status and community health conditions.  Click here to access this information, which is updated daily.
  • The KCS School Nutrition department is continuing to provide free meals for all children during the Fall 2020 semester.  Please know that meals for all children age 18 and under will be free of charge through the end of this semester.  Meals will be available at elementary school sites for drive-up/pick-up each day from 10-10:30 a.m. for virtual learners. 
 
yellow zone  

Dear KCS Families and Employees,

This week (9/24/20), we want to provide you with several important updates:

  • For the week of September 28 - October 2, 2020:
    • Based on the weekly meeting with the Sullivan County Regional Health Department, the current level of community spread has been determined to be in the "yellow" operational zone.
    • All Face-to-Face students in grades PreK-12 will have in-person instruction at school.
status
  • There are several key reminders as all face-to-face students have in-person instruction at school:
    • Every effort will be made to social distance whenever possible while students are at school. 
    • All students, staff, and visitors are required to appropriately wear face masks while at school.
    • All students will be temperature-checked before entering school.
    • Enhanced disinfecting and operational procedures will be in-place at all school locations.
  • A dashboard has been created on the KCS website (www.k12k.com) to keep you posted on the KCS operating status and community health conditions.  Click here to access this information, which is updated daily.
  • The KCS School Nutrition department is continuing to provide free meals for all children during the Fall 2020 semester.  Please know that meals for all children age 18 and under will be free of charge through the end of this semester.  Meals will be available at school sites for drive-up/pick-up each day from 10-10:30 a.m. for virtual learners.   
 
yellow zone

Dear KCS Families and Employees,

This week (9/17/20), we want to provide you with several important updates:

  • For the week of September 21-25, 2020:
    • Based on the weekly meeting with the Sullivan County Regional Health Department, the current level of community spread has been determined to be in the "yellow" operational zone. 
    • All Face-to-Face students in grades PreK-12 will return to in-person instruction at school.
      • EXCEPTION:  The ACT Assessment will be given for students in grades 11-12 on Tuesday, 9/22.  On that day, students in grades 9-10 attend school virtually while students in grades 11-12 attend school in-person to take the ACT Assessment (test takers dismiss at noon).
status
  • There are several key reminders as all face-to-face students return to in-person instruction at school:
    • Every effort will be made to social distance whenever possible while students are at school. 
    • All students, staff, and visitors are required to appropriately wear face masks while at school.
    • All students will be temperature-checked before entering school.
    • Enhanced disinfecting and operational procedures will be in-place at all school locations.
  • A dashboard has been created on the KCS website (www.k12k.com) to keep you posted on the KCS operating status and community health conditions.  Click here to access this information, which is updated daily.
  • The KCS School Nutrition department is continuing to provide free meals for all children during the Fall 2020 semester.  Please know that meals for all children age 18 and under will be free of charge through the end of this semester.  Meals will be available at school sites for drive-up/pick-up each day from 10-10:30 a.m. for virtual learners.  
 
yellow zone
Please take a moment to watch Kingsport City Schools Superintendent Dr. Jeff Moorhouse provide an update on the potential to move into "Yellow" status as of Sept. 21, 2020 impacting Face-to-Face students. Let's all continue to practice the three (3) W's... wash, wait, and wear. In addition, Kingsport City Schools is hiring substitute teachers (www.ess.com), school bus drivers, and school nutrition workers (www.k12k.com - Employment) if interested.
 

Dear KCS Families and Employees,

 

This week (9/10/20), we want to provide you with several updates:


  • For the week of September 14-18, 2020:
    • All Face-to-Face students in grades PreK-5 will have in-person instruction at school Monday through Friday.
    • Face-to-Face students in grades 6-12 will have in-person instruction at school utilizing a hybrid attendance schedule.  
      • Students with a last name starting with A-J will attend in-person at school on Monday and Tuesday. 
      • Students with a last name starting with K-Z will attend in-person at school on Thursday and Friday. 
      • All face-to-face students in grades 6-12 will be virtual on Wednesday.
operating status
  • In consultation with the Sullivan County Regional Health Department, it is evident that our efforts to improve the health conditions in our community are paying off.  Thank you for doing your part to wash, wait, and wear.  This coming week is an important one in our efforts to return to full face-to-face instruction… Health officials indicate that should current trends continue, it is possible for us to return to a “yellow” status by the next weekly update.  PLEASE CONTINUE TO DO YOUR PART TO KEEP US HEADING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION!  Your support is greatly appreciated.
  • Please remember:
    • Students, staff, and visitors are required to appropriately wear face masks while at school.
    • All individuals should utilize social distancing measures (minimum 6 feet) whenever possible.  
    • All students will be temperature-checked before entering school.
    • Enhanced disinfecting and operational procedures will be in-place at all school locations.
  • A dashboard has been created on the KCS website (www.k12k.com) to keep you posted on the KCS operating status and community health conditions.  Click here to access this information, which is updated daily.
The KCS School Nutrition department is continuing to provide free meals for all children during the Fall 2020 semester.  Please know that meals for all children age 18 and under will be free of charge through the end of this semester.  Meals will be available at school sites for drive-up/pick-up each day from 10-10:30 a.m. for virtual learners.  
 
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Dear KCS Families and Employees,

This week (9/3/20), we want to provide you with several updates:

  • For the week of September 7-11, 2020:
    • All students and staff will be off on Monday for Labor Day.
    • All Face-to-Face students in grades PreK-5 will have in-person instruction at school Tuesday through Friday.
    • Face-to-Face students in grades 6-12 will have in-person instruction at school utilizing a hybrid attendance schedule.  
      • Students with a last name starting with A-J will attend in-person at school on Tuesday and Wednesday. 
      • Students with a last name starting with K-Z will attend in-person at school on Thursday and Friday. 
status
  • Please remember:
    • Students, staff, and visitors are required to appropriately wear face masks while at school.
    • All individuals should utilize social distancing measures (minimum 6 feet) whenever possible.  
    • All students will be temperature-checked before entering school.
    • Enhanced disinfecting and operational procedures will be in-place at all school locations.
  • A dashboard has been created on the KCS website (www.k12k.com) to keep you posted on the KCS operating status and community health conditions.  Click here to access this information, which is updated daily.
  • The KCS School Nutrition department is continuing to provide meals during virtual learning.  Please know that meals for all children age 18 and under will be free of charge through the end of this semester.  Meals will be available at school sites for drive-up/pick-up each day from 10-10:30 a.m. for virtual learners.   

Important Message from the Sullivan County Regional Health Department : As we move into the Labor Day holiday weekend, please practice safety, social distance, avoid large crowds, and wear a mask.  Data indicates the safety efforts currently taking place are paying off, but now is not the time to ease up.  Let’s keep it going and continue to make a difference in our community!

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Click here to read full news release.

Dear KCS Families and Employees,

We are pleased to share the following information regarding the status of KCS operations.  Beginning this week, we will be sending what was the “Friday Morning Update” on Thursdays, in order to provide staff and families additional time to plan for the following week.  These updates will continue to be informed by the weekly meeting KCS has with the Sullivan County Regional Health Department each Thursday.

This week (8/27/20), we want to provide you with several updates:

  • Beginning on Monday, August 31, 2020:
    • All Face-to-Face students in grades PreK-5 will return to in-person instruction at school.
      • Reminder: The Elementary school day is now from 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
    • Face-to-Face students in grades 6-12 will return to in-person instruction at school utilizing a hybrid attendance schedule.  Separated by alphabet (by last name), 6th-12th grade students will attend in-person two days a week and virtually three days a week. 
      • Students with a last name starting with A-J will attend in-person at school on Mondays and Tuesdays. 
      • Students with a last name starting with K-Z will attend in-person at school on Thursdays and Fridays. 
    • All 6th-12th grade students will attend virtually on Wednesdays, to allow for increased school disinfecting.  However, on weeks where there are only four school days regularly scheduled (for example, Monday off for Labor Day), the all-virtual day will be eliminated.
Operating Status
  • Please remember:
    • Students, staff, and visitors are required to appropriately wear face masks while at school.
    • All individuals should utilize social distancing measures (minimum 6 feet) whenever possible.  
    • All students will be temperature-checked before entering school.
    • Enhanced disinfecting and operational procedures will be in-place at all school locations.
  • A dashboard has been created on the KCS website (www.k12k.com) to keep you posted on the KCS operating status and community health conditions.  Click here to access this information, which is updated daily.
  • The KCS School Nutrition department will continue to provide the opportunity to receive meals during virtual learning.  Please note that regulations have slightly changed, now that in-person learning is occurring in schools.  Meals will be available at school sites for drive-up pick-up each day from 10 - 10:30 a.m. for virtual learners.  Please click here for more information on the school-year feeding program. 

 

Remember, you can make a difference by helping us “Go Green” by practicing the three W’s… Wash, Wait, and Wear.  Please wash your hands, wait to create six feet of social distance, and wear a face mask to prevent the spread of COVID-19.  These are all ways we can help to get Sullivan County back into the green status.

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With the return to in-person (at school) face-to-face learning, please be aware that beginning on Monday, August 31, 2020, meal distribution for students not attending school in-person will be available on school days through ON-SITE PICK-UP FROM 10 - 10:30 A.M. 

Feeding Program -  General Information

  • Meals are available for any enrolled KCS student.
  • Student name and school enrollment (student ID) is required to receive meals.
  • Meals are free for students enrolled in Community Eligibility Program schools (Sevier, Jackson, Lincoln, Kennedy, and Roosevelt) OR if the student qualifies for free and reduced meal benefits. Apply for meal benefits at www.onlinemealapplication.k12k.com.
  • Meal costs for paid students:
    • Breakfast:  
      • $1.50 (all locations)
      • $2.00 (additional breakfast) (available for siblings of KCS students)
      • $2.50 (visitor breakfast)
    • Lunch:
      • $2.50 (Elementary)
      • $2.65 (Middle)
      • $2.75 (High)
      • $3.50 (additional lunch) (available for siblings of KCS students)
      • $4.00 (visitor lunch)

  • Paying students will need to have funds in their student account to purchase meals. Visit www.mypaymentsplus.com to add funds and view student purchases. Call KCS School Nutrition Services at (423) 378.2113 for information or support, including how to sign up for MyPaymentsPlus.
 

Feeding Program - School Site Pick-up Option

  • Lunch will be available at school sites from 10 - 10:30 a.m. 
  • Families with students at multiple KCS schools may pick up all meals at one school site.
  • Food will be distributed using a “drive-through” or “walk-up” process.  Cafeteria seating will not be available for students not attending school in-person.
  • Cash transactions will be available at school pick-up sites.
 

Daily school site meal pick-up is intended for students that have selected Remote Choice Learning -OR- those that are on a hybrid schedule and attending school virtually that day. Click here for a listing of school locations and distribution sites.

Please take a moment to watch Kingsport City Schools Board of Education President, Jim Welch and Dr. Jeff Moorhouse, KCS Superintendent, discuss how the decision was determined for the August 31, 2020 reopening of schools. You can watch the video by clicking here. 

Dear KCS Families, Students, and Staff,

At tonight’s KCS Board of Education work session, Dr. Jeff Moorhouse, KCS Superintendent, presented an update regarding the return of KCS Face-to-Face students to in-person learning (at schools) starting on Monday, August 31, 2020.  Please be aware that:

Beginning on Monday, August 31, 2020:

  • All Face-to-Face students in grades PreK-5 will return to in-person instruction at school.
  • Face-to-Face students in grades 6-12 will return to in-person instruction at school utilizing a hybrid attendance schedule.  Separated by alphabet (by last name), 6th-12th grade students will attend in-person two days a week and virtually three days a week.
    • Students with a last name starting with A-J will attend in-person (at school) on Mondays and Tuesdays.  
    • Students with a last name starting with K-Z will attend in-person (at school) on Thursdays and Fridays.  
    • All students will attend virtually on Wednesdays, to allow for increased school disinfecting.  However, on weeks where there are only four school days regularly scheduled (for example, Monday off for Labor Day), the all-virtual day will be eliminated.
    • Additionally, the KCS Framework for Opening the 2020-21 School Year:  Operations Manual has also been revised to outline the return to in-person instruction (Click here to view).
  • All Remote Choice Learning 2020 students will continue to complete their learning virtually.
 
Please be aware that a dashboard has been created on the KCS website to keep the Kingsport community informed related to COVID-19 data and information (click here to view).

Dear KCS Families and Employees,

We are pleased to share the following information in this Friday morning update regarding the status of KCS operations.  

This week (8/21/20), we want to provide you with several updates:

  • The Sullivan County Executive Order mandating the wearing of face masks for students and staff age 2 and over while inside our schools has been extended to September 12, 2020.
  • Please remember… TSSAA regulations require that attendees at all sporting events complete a health screening prior to entering and wear a face mask at all times while at the event.  Thank you for your cooperation with these safety precautions.
  • The KCS School Nutrition department has options for you to receive meals during the time of virtual learning.  Please note that regulations are different than those that were in place during the last spring and summer.  Meals are available at select school sites each day from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. or can be delivered via KCS school buses.  Please click here for more information on the school-year feeding program. To have meals delivered to you, please call (423) 392-4670.
  • If needed, multiple technology supports are available for those needing assistance:
    • If you are having trouble with your device (including issues with hardware or support logging in to your device), please contact the KCS Tech Services department at techservices@k12k.com or by calling (423) 378-8500.
    • If your child is having difficulty logging into Classlink, please contact techservices@k12k.com or (423) 378-8500.
    • If you have questions or issues related to Canvas, please message your teacher directly through Canvas. Additional support can be found by emailing canvashelp@k12k.com.
    • If your child is having difficulty logging into Odysseyware, please email rstringham@k12k.com with Password Request in the Subject line from the email address used to register for RCL2020 Learning.
    • The parent portal for Odysseyware has to be set up internally and may take one additional week.
    • If you are having difficulty logging into Aspen, the parent portal opening has been delayed.
  • The Kingsport Board of Education will hold a work session on Monday, August 24, 2020 at 5 p.m., at which time Dr. Moorhouse will present an update regarding school operations.  The work session will be held in-person in the Tennessee Room of the KCS Administrative Support Center (200 Clinchfield Street, 3rd floor).  Due to COVID-19, capacity limitations will be in effect in accordance with Tennessee Pledge guidelines.  All attendees will be required to wear a face mask and pass a safety screening before entering the work session location.  

KCS and Sullivan County Regional Health Department officials are continuing to monitor the data regarding the COVID-19 spread across Sullivan County.  KCS will operate with virtual instruction for all students next week (week of 8/24/20).

Remember, you can make a difference by helping us “Go Green” by practicing the three W’s… Wash, Wait, and Wear.  Please wash your hands, wait to create six feet of social distance, and wear a face mask to prevent the spread of COVID-19.  These are all ways we can help to get Sullivan County back into the green status.

Dear KCS Families and Employees,

We are pleased to share the following information in this Friday morning update regarding the status of KCS operations.  

This week (8/14/20), we want to provide you with several updates:

  • A variety of information about Remote Choice Learning 2020 has been posted for students and families that have selected that option for their learning environment.  Please click here to view that information.
  • As a reminder, the Sullivan County Executive Order mandating the wearing of face masks for students and staff age 2 and over while inside our schools has been extended to September 12, 2020. 
  • The KCS School Nutrition department has options for you to receive meals during the time of virtual learning.  Please note that regulations are different than those that were in place during the last spring and summer.  Meals are available at select school sites each day from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. or can be delivered via KCS school buses.  Scroll down to the August 6th update for the school-year feeding program. To have meals delivered to you, please call (423) 392-4670.
  • If needed, multiple technology supports are available for those needing assistance:
    • If you are having trouble with your device (including issues with hardware or support logging in to your device), please contact the KCS Tech Services department at techservices@k12k.com or by calling (423) 378-8500.
    • If your child is having difficulty logging into Classlink, please contact techservices@k12k.com or (423) 378-8500.
    • If you have questions or issues related to Canvas, please message your teacher directly through Canvas. Additional support can be found by emailing canvashelp@k12k.com.
    • If your child is having difficulty logging into Odysseyware, please email rstringham@k12k.com with Password Request in the Subject line from the email address used to register for RCL2020 Learning.
    • The parent portal for Odysseyware has to be set up internally and may take another two weeks.
    • If you are having difficulty logging into Aspen, the parent portal opening has been delayed.
 

KCS and Sullivan County Regional Health Department officials are continuing to monitor the data regarding the COVID-19 spread across Sullivan County.  KCS will operate with virtual instruction for all students next week (week of 8/17/20).

Remember, you can make a difference by helping us “Go Green” by practicing the three W’s… Wash, Wait, and Wear.  Please wash your hands, wait to create six feet of social distance, and wear a face mask to prevent the spread of COVID-19.  These are all ways we can help to get Sullivan County back into the green status.

Dear KCS Families and Employees,
 
We are pleased to share the following information in this Friday morning update regarding the status of health conditions and KCS operations.
This week (8/7/20), we want to provide you with several updates:
  • Please remember that school begins on Monday, August 10th for all students. All students (including all those that selected fact-to-face or Remote Choice Learning) will be working virtually beginning on Monday. Teachers have been working hard to be ready for the start of the year and are excited to reconnect with our students and start a new year of learning!
  • A variety of information about Remote Choice Learning 2020 has been posted for students and families that have selected that option for their learning environment to start the school year. Please click here to view that information.
  • Many safety enhancements have been made to KCS schools in preparation for when students return to in-person learning. Additional disinfecting equipment, hand sanitizer stations, plexiglass barriers, and cleaning processes have been added.
  • As a reminder, the current Sullivan County Executive Order mandates the wearing of face masks for students and staff age 2 and over while inside our schools.
  • NEW: Beginning with the start of the new school year on Monday, the KCS School Nutrition department will have options for you to receive meals during the time of virtual learning. Please note that regulations are different than those that were in place during the last spring and summer. Meals are available at your school each day from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. or can be delivered via KCS school buses. Please click here for more information on the school-year feeding program.

KCS and Sullivan County Regional Health Department officials are continuing to monitor the data regarding the COVID-19 spread across Sullivan County. Please remember that KCS will operate with virtual instruction for all students next week (week of 8/10/20) until further notice. The KCS Board of Education approved the KCS Operations Manual at a called meeting this past Monday (click here if you would like to review this information).
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Remember, you can make a difference by helping us “Go Green” by practicing the three W’s… Wash, Wait, and Wear. Please wash your hands, wait to create six feet of social distance, and wear a face mask to prevent the spread of COVID-19. These are all ways we can help to get Sullivan County back into the green status.
Kingsport City Schools will begin the 2020-21 school year with virtual instruction on Monday, August 10, 2020. The KCS School Nutrition Department has many options for you to receive meals during this time of virtual learning.
 
You will have the option to pick up meals on all school days at KCS schools
or have it delivered to you via KCS buses.
 
Please note: **The regulations for meals during this school year are different than
they have been during the summer.**
 
Feeding Program - General Information
  • Meals are available for any enrolled KCS student.
  • Student name and school enrollment info is required to receive meals.
  • Meals are free for students enrolled in Community Eligibility Program schools (Sevier, Jackson, Lincoln, Kennedy, and Roosevelt) OR if the student qualifies for free and reduced meal benefits. Apply for meal benefits at https://onlinemealapplication.k12k.com/.
  • Meal costs for paid students:
    • Breakfast:
      • $1.50 (all locations)
      • $2.00 (additional breakfast)
      • $2.50 (visitor breakfast)
    • Lunch:
      • $2.50 (Elementary)
      • $2.65 (Middle)
      • $2.75 (High)
      • $3.50 (additional lunch)
      • $4.00 (visitor lunch)
  • Paying students will need to have funds in their student account to purchase meals. No cash transactions will take place on buses. Visit www.mypaymentsplus.com to add funds and view student purchases. Call KCS School Nutrition Services at (423) 378.2113 for information or support, including how to sign up for MyPaymentsPlus.
Feeding Program - School Site Pick-up Option
  • Breakfast and lunch available at school sites from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
  • Families with students at multiple KCS schools may pick up all meals at one school site.
  • Food will be distributed using a “drive-through” or “walk-up” process. Cafeteria seating will not be available.
  • Cash transactions will be available at school pick-up sites.
Feeding Program - Mobile Routes/Delivery Option
  • KCS buses with food will be traveling through each school zone delivering breakfast and lunch to any enrolled KCS student.
  • Home deliveries via KCS buses will require written consent.
  • If you do not see a bus or cannot go to a school site for a meal, call (423) 392.4670 and leave a voicemail to schedule delivery.
  • Cash transactions will not be available for bus delivered meals.
  • Meal deliveries will begin at 10 a.m.
Click here for a listing of school locations and distribution sites.
We wanted to provide our families with some important back-to-school information in case you may have missed it. Reminder, the first day of school is Monday, August 10, 2020 and all students will start virtually until further notice based on our Board of Education's decision.
  • Face-to-Face placement letters for grades K-5 were mailed to families this week;
  • Face-to-Face student schedules for grades 6-8 will be distributed on Thursday and Friday;
  • Face-to-Face student schedules for grades 9-12 were emailed to students this week;
  • Remote Choice Learning communication for grades K-12 was emailed to families today;
  • Remote Choice Learning orientation and additional resources can be found here: https://bit.ly/RCLorientation;
  • "Back to School Orientation - Meet Your Teacher" events will still take place as planned, communicated by your child's schools;
  • Device pick-up for all students in grades 3-12 and those students who selected Remote Choice Learning (indicating they needed a device) will occur at individual schools on Thursday, August 6 or Friday, August 7, 2020 (depending on your child's school);
  • Charter/Spectrum is offering a discount on internet services for families who receive free/reduced meals for their child(ren). Please contact Charter/Spectrum for those details;
  • The KCS Free/Reduced Meals application can be completed here: onlinemealapplication.k12k.com;
  • KCS is no longer using PowerSchool. We are now using a student information system called Aspen. Families will have access to Aspen in the near future.
  • Tech Services contact information can be found by clicking here. 
 
If you are a parent or guardian of a KCS student and did not receive any of the above information from your child's school, please contact your child's school today to ensure your contact information is up-to-date. Thank you.

At tonight's (8/3/20) Board of Education called meeting, the Board approved the KCS Framework for Opening the 2020-21 School Year - Operations Manual.  

  • The Board approved the operations plan (linked below) by a vote of 3 (Hyche, Upshaw, Welch) - 2 (Byers, Golden).
    • Major components of the plan include:
      • First student day: Monday, August 10, 2020.
      • All face-to-face students will start the year with virtual instruction on Monday, August 10, 2020 (until further notice).
      • Students who have previously selected Remote Choice Learning 2020 will remain virtual, as planned.  
    • Ongoing school operations will be decided based on a review of health data and guidance from groups such as administration, the Sullivan County Regional Health Department, and the Tennessee Department of Health.
    • If data indicates a decrease from substantial spread to minimal-to-moderate spread, face-to-face students will return to school for in-person instruction.  Board members expressed a desire to review data and current status information at the September Board meeting.  All Board members and Dr. Moorhouse expressed the ultimate desire to return students to in-person instruction while maintaining the safest possible environment for students and staff. 
    • KCS will continue to evaluate as more information emerges. This will include analysis of other communities where reentry is being accomplished effectively in spite of substantial spread.
 
Click here for the Board of Education approved, KCS Framework for Opening the 2020-21 School Year - Operations Manual 
Dear KCS Families and Employees,
 
We are pleased to share the following information in this Friday morning update regarding the status of health conditions and KCS operations.
 
This week (7/31/20), we want to provide you with several updates:
  • Later today you will see a notification that the Kingsport Board of Education has announced a special called meeting for early next week. An item on the agenda is to consider approval of the 2020-21 KCS back-to-school plan. Communication regarding any decisions by the board will be shared via email, social media, and posted on the KCS website as soon as the meeting concludes.
  • Regarding the back-to-school operations plan: Additional guidance for schools was issued by the Tennessee Department of Health and the Office of the Governor on Tuesday of this week. That information is currently being considered by KCS staff and the Board of Education in determining the final back-to-school plan to be approved early next week.
  • Work continues to prepare for the start of the school year. Teachers have been working diligently this week on a variety of instructional strategies that will best prepare students for success in whatever mode of operations KCS returns to on August 10th. That work will continue next week.
  • For those students that selected Remote Choice Learning 2020 for their learning environment to start the school year, information is on its way regarding orientation, training, and what instruction will look like. The KCS Curriculum and Instruction staff is excited to utilize Odysseyware to help deliver challenging instruction for students that will be working online to start the year. Look for communication from Dr. Rhonda Stringham, KCS Assistant Superintendent - Instruction, that introduces this innovative learning platform.
  • Safety enhancements to KCS schools are continuing. Additional disinfecting equipment, hand sanitizer stations, and plexiglass barriers have been installed. Cleaning protocols have been learned by KCS teachers and staff to support the health of our students and staff.
  • As a reminder, the current Sullivan County Executive Order mandates the wearing of face masks for students and staff age 2 and over while inside our schools.
  • NEW: With the delay in the start of school to August 10th, the KCS School Nutrition department will be providing a one-week-only feeding program next week, August 3-7. This will look like the program that occurred last spring, with food available at school sites from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. and also delivered on buses throughout Kingsport. This is being provided to help bridge the gap prior to the start of school on the 10th.
 
KCS and Sullivan County Regional Health Department officials are continuing to monitor the data regarding the COVID-19 spread across Sullivan County. As the data indicates, if we were currently in school, as of today (7/31/20), we would be in the “red” phase of school operations. Reminder: The KCS Board of Education will vote to accept the KCS Operations Manual (with potential revisions from the original version presented on July 8, 2020) and the back-to-school plan at their called meeting early next week.
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Remember, you can make a difference by helping us “Go Green” by practicing the three W’s… Wash, Wait, and Wear. Please wash your hands, wait to create six feet of social distance, and wear a face mask to prevent the spread of COVID-19. These are all ways we can help to get Sullivan County back into the green status.
We wanted to make you aware of two specific items that took place at tonight's (7.28.20) KCS Board of Education Meeting:
  • The 2020-21 KCS Calendar has been revised. There are three significant changes to be aware of:
    • The new 2020-21 KCS start date is now Monday, August 10, 2020.
    • The week of August 3-7, 2020 has been changed from student-attendance days to teacher in-service days (no students present).
    • Friday August 14, 2020 has been changed back to a regular student attendance day. Previously, this day had been designated as a teacher in-service day.
  • Also, the Board tabled a decision regarding the approval of the KCS back-to-school operations plan. With the release of Governor Lee's school reopening guidelines late this afternoon, additional review is required to ensure KCS plans are informed by this new information. The Board indicated another called meeting could take place in the near future to approve the final plan for how KCS will begin school on August 10th.
 

Click here to view the updated KCS Approved School Calendar. 

Dear KCS Families and Employees,

As we have mentioned previously, communication will be shared each Friday morning during the school year regarding the status of health conditions in our community related to COVID-19.  This information will serve to provide a weekly update on school operations and make you aware of any important news or changes that will be taking place in our schools.  This update is scheduled to be distributed at 10 a.m. each Friday and will be sent via email, text, and posted on the KCS website at www.k12k.com - Reopening Plan.

This week (7/24/20), we want to provide you with several updates:

  • As a preview, later today you will see a notification that the Kingsport Board of Education has announced a special called meeting for Tuesday, July 28, 2020 at 6 p.m.  Among items on the agenda, the Board will consider a revision to the start date of the 2020-21 KCS school year.  Communication regarding any calendar action taken by the board will be shared via email, social media, and posted on the KCS website as soon as the meeting concludes.
  • Work is ongoing by KCS staff to prepare for the start of the school year.  This includes extensive preparation for both in-person and remote learning.  Teachers return next week and will continue their work to make the 2020-21 school year a successful one for our students. Many professional learning activities are scheduled for teachers and staff to prepare for effective learning to take place regardless of the setting.
  • Just under 25% or our students selected Remote Choice Learning 2020 for their learning environment to start the school year.  Work is occurring to finalize the staffing shifts needed to best serve these remote learners, as well as to reschedule the students that opted for face-to-face in-person learning.  Communication regarding schedules, assignments, and Remote Choice Learning orientation will be sent to families as this work is finalized. 
  • Many safety enhancements are currently taking place in KCS schools.  Additional disinfecting equipment, hand sanitizer stations, plexiglass barriers, and cleaning protocols are being implemented across the district to support the health of our students and staff.  As a reminder, the current Sullivan County Executive Order mandates the wearing of face masks for students and staff age 2 and over while in our schools.

Regarding the official “status” for the start of the KCS school year:  KCS and Sullivan County Health Department officials are continuing to monitor the data regarding the COVID-19 spread across Sullivan County. As the data indicates, if we were currently in school, as of today (7/24/20), we would be in the “red” zone which means “Consideration for Transition to Remote Learning.”   However, please remember the “Kingsport City Schools Operations Manual” is a framework to guide district and school-level decisions and procedures for use during the school year.  A final decision on the final zone of operation for the start of school will be communicated as soon as possible for your planning purposes, based on ongoing data analysis and any calendar decisions by our Board of Education next week.  We will share those as they are decided, both in these Friday morning updates and in additional communications.

Remember, you can make a difference by helping us “Go Green” by practicing the three W’s… Wash, Wait, and Wear.  Please wash your hands, wait to create six feet of social distance, and wear a face mask to prevent the spread of COVID-19.  These are all ways we can help to get Sullivan County back into the green status.

The purpose of this informational video is to inform elementary school families of specifics regarding how elementary schools will operationalize the KCS Reopening Plan that can be found on this webpage. 
 
Please take a moment to watch Kingsport City Schools Superintendent Dr. Jeff Moorhouse encourage all KCS families, students, and employees to practice the three (3) W's... wash, wait, and wear. By putting the three (3) W's into practice, you can potentially help our community getting back into the "Green Zone."
 
 
Click here for back to school information and resources for the 2020-21 KCS school year. You can find the school supply list, bus routes, school calendar, free/reduced lunch application, and more. 
July 16, 2020 Update - KCS 2020-21 Back-to-School FAQ

We wanted to highlight a couple of items from tonight's (7.14.20)  Kingsport Board of Education meeting that are of specific note to KCS families:

  • The 2020-21 KCS calendar has been slightly revised.  Friday, August 14, 2020 has been converted from a regular student day to a staff professional development in-service day (no students in attendance).  This will allow KCS staff to assess how the school year has started and plan for any needed adjustments.  No further changes of the calendar will be necessary to make up this day, as we will be utilizing one of our "banked" days gained by attending school 30 minutes-per-day longer than is required.
  • Also, the Board approved an adjustment to the start/end time of the elementary school day.  When students return on August 3rd, the elementary student day will now be from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.  With middle and high school bus runs taking place just prior to the elementary runs, the 15 minutes provides additional time needed for student temperature checks and bus cleaning between runs due to COVID-19 disinfecting.  In the morning, elementary bus riders will arrive at school with additional time before the start of school for breakfast, creating a smoother opening transition for all students.  In the afternoon, students will have less wait-time between the end of the instructional day and when buses arrive for student transportation home.  The opening time for morning student drop-off will remain 7:30 a.m.
For the 2020-21 school year, Kingsport City Schools is offering students the option to attend their zoned school for Face-to-Face (F2F) in-person learning or participate in Remote Choice Learning 2020 (RCL2020), where students will access their curriculum at home via the internet.  With either option, all students are expected to progress academically. Click here the the remote choice learning 2020 information. 
Please take a moment to watch Kingsport City Schools Superintendent Dr. Jeff Moorhouse provide an update on the 2020-21 reopening plan for remote learning. KCS remote learning information will be released on Monday, July 13, 2020 for families to review and consider, as an educational option for the fall semester. Thank you for sending in your questions regarding the KCS Reopening Plan via info@k12k.com. Your questions are helping us to compile a FAQ that will be released next week. Visit www.k12k.com - KCS Reopening Plan (button on homepage) for the "Kingsport City Schools Operations Manual - Framework for Opening the 2020-21 School Year."
 
Please take a moment to watch this excellent "KCS Reopening Plan Epi Curve Numbers Breakdown" tutorial created by D-B EXCEL student Zane Franklin. He's done a great job explaining and showing how KCS determines the three opening scenarios (green, yellow, red) based on the TN Department of Health's Epi Curve numbers. KCS and the Sullivan County Regional Health Department look at Sullivan County numbers based on the "average case rate of new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 Sullivan County residents over the last 14 days." Please click here to view the TN Department of Health's Epi Curves webpage or scroll down to our July 7, 2020 Update.
 

We are pleased to present this Kingsport City Schools Operations Manual to you, outlining the processes and procedures that will be in place when KCS students return to school this fall.  It is based on the "Sullivan County  Plan - Framework for Opening the 2020-21 School Year" which was developed by the Sullivan County Regional Health Department for use by all school districts in Sullivan County. 

This operations manual outlines the conditions necessary for school to safely open and the precautions that Kingsport City Schools will take to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.  These precautions are based on the expert advice of the public health community and the collective efforts of the staff and administration of Kingsport City Schools.  The steps outlined within this manual describe the practical actions that will be taken within our schools, as well as the expectations we have for our entire educational community as we strive to provide the safest possible environment for our students and staff.

Please know that as new data or information becomes known, we will adjust this guidance to best serve our stakeholders.  We understand and accept the expectation placed upon us by the Kingsport community to ensure that all appropriate precautions are put in place to ensure the safety of our students and staff.  The steps outlined in this manual reflect our commitment to focus on health and welfare while providing a world-class education for our students.

Please click here to review the "Kingsport City Schools Operations Manual - Framework for Opening the 2020-21 School Year" or view the PDF below.

The following plan is based upon the research and plan developed by the Nashville Metropolitan Health Department. Our school districts (Bristol Tennessee City Schools, Kingsport City Schools, Sullivan County Schools) and the Sullivan County Regional Health Department support the health and safety frameworks of the Nashville plan and have adopted it based on our local considerations. We are united in our approach to planning for a safe, efficient, and equitable return to school for all school types, including public and independent schools. Public health best practices and research on COVID-19 along with evaluation of community conditions and necessary protocols have been reviewed to consider reopening schools safely and responsibly.
 
Please click here to review the "Sullivan County Plan - Framework for Opening the 2020-21 School Year." 
Please take a moment to watch Kingsport City Schools Superintendent Dr. Jeff Moorhouse provide an update on the 2020-21 reopening plan processes and procedures in preparation for the first day of school on Monday, August 3, 2020. Visit www.k12k.com - KCS Reopening Plan (button on homepage) for the "Kingsport City Schools Operations Manual - Framework for Opening the 2020-21 School Year" and the "Sullivan County Plan - Framework for Opening the 2020-21 School Year." Families with email addresses and cell phone numbers on file were also sent the plans via email/text. Please email info@k12k.com with any questions in regard to the processes or procedures. Thank you!
 
 
Long term care facilities in counties below the threshold (an average of ≤10 new cases per 100,000 over the last 14 days) may consider allowing visitors. This threshold for acceptable disease transmission within the community may be adjusted in the future as we learn more. Counties with significant numbers of incarcerated cases affecting their recent rates are subject to review. 
 
Follow these steps to view the current Epi Curves.
1.) Click here
2.) Scroll down until you see "Recent Case Rates by County," "Select your County," select "Sullivan"
For more information and resources on COVID-19 (Coronavirus), please visit the Center for Disease Control's website here. 

Please take a moment to watch Kingsport City Schools Superintendent Dr. Jeff Moorhouse provide an update on where the district is in regard to reopening school on Monday, August 3, 2020 and when you will receive communication on those processes and procedures.