Jefferson County Schools Introduce Operation Reach Our Kids
Jefferson County Schools is prepared to share academic resources to parents/students of the school district. There can be no replacement for the wonderful things that occur when a student is engaged in the learning process by interaction with a highly effective teacher. However, the circumstances facing our students right now calls for other methods. Our commitment is to the ‘Whole Child’ and our work addresses academics, social/emotional issues, and nutritional needs.
Academics (K-8)
Student Academic Packets will be available for pick-up at each child’s elementary/middle school in Jefferson County on Friday, April 3, 2020 between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM.
There will be academic packets for English/Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies.
The academic packets should be considered the minimum level of expectation for students. Teachers of students will continue to reach out with additional support and academic information.
Packets should be completed, but ultimately are voluntary and no grade for the packets will be recorded. Packets have been prepared by curriculum supervisors in collaboration with a small group of grade level teachers. Work completed will not physically be turned in to the teacher.
Academics (9th-12th)
Jefferson County High School will utilize both online learning and paper packets to accommodate students that do not have internet access. Teachers have developed lessons and placed them in the system’s online educational platform. Teachers have identified the major work and content for the balance of the year.
The online platform will be opened to students on Monday, April 6, 2020. Students who do not have access to the internet will be mailed packets on Monday as well. Students will work through the lessons from home. Instructions and expectations for students will be included in the packets.
Students are expected to complete the work of each class and will receive a daily grade of 100.
If school closure is extended beyond the current date, a mid-term exam will be given, and additional lessons may be provided.
The online lessons and academic packets for grades 9-12 have been prepared by the classroom teachers at JCHS.
Teacher Support for Academics
Teachers will continue providing academic support using various methods including, but not limited to, school email, phone apps, and online learning tools. Parents are encouraged to email teachers with questions. Academic packets for PreK-8 are also posted on the Jefferson County School webpage (www.jc-tn.net).
District Support for Academics – “Homework Hotline”
Students and parents are encouraged to use the homework hotline for assistance. Phone calls will be answered weekdays between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Please plan to provide the student’s name, grade, classroom teacher, and contact information. Operators will share the information with the homework hotline teacher and the child’s classroom teacher. A school representative will be back in touch as quickly as possible to help. The number is (865) 484-6102.
District Support for Academics – Electronic Support
Parents/Students may reach out for assistance by using the emails below. Certified teachers will answer email questions each weekday 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Questions may also be submitted outside those hours and help will be provided shortly.
ELA@JCBOE.NET MATH@JCBOE.NET TECH@JCBOE.NET
SCIENCE@JCBOE.NET SOCIALSTUDIES@JCBOE.NET
Packet Pickup
Academic packets will be available at each elementary/middle school in Jefferson County.
- Pick-Up Day/Date: Friday, April 3, 2020
- Pick-Up Time: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Pick-Up Locations: Packets available at each Jefferson County School (except JCHS)
Social/Emotional Learning
Jefferson County School Counselors have posted social, emotional, and mental health resources for K-12 students and parents at www.jc-tn.net/covid-19-update.
Click on the tab for: School Counselor, Social Services and Mental Health Resources.
Nutrition – Meal Distribution
Date: April 3, April 7, and April 9 Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon
Dandridge Elem, Talbott Elem, Jefferson Middle, Patriot Academy, Rush Strong, White Pine
Grade Level & Individualized Packets
Students in grades PreK-8 will receive the same grade level packet. Some students with IEPs and English Language Learners may have additional information.
Safety Commitment
Jefferson County Department of Education is committed to the safety of everyone. CDC and health department guidance are priorities. Operation “Reach our Kids” follows Governor Bill Lee’s Executive Order 22 issued on March 30, 2020. This order identifies educational institutions as essential when “facilitating distance learning” and “providing food services to students.” In the event the federal or state government provides new guidance, this plan is subject to be modified or ended immediately.
