Virtual KMCE

Dear Team and Family,

I am writing today because I believe that during this unsettling time, it is important that we keep each other informed, and do our best to support each other.

Your well-being is our utmost priority, and I hope you are practicing social distancing and keeping your children, yourself, and our community safe.

We are all learning how to navigate our lives in a situation like the COVID-19 pandemic, but this should not and will not stop us from working to make sure our kids have all that they need.

The spirit and passion of our staff are showing through every day. We may all be in different physical locations, but our work for students, and you, our Team & Family continues nonstop.

We miss all of you dearly, and look forward to connecting with you virtually this week. We commit to providing you multiple distant learning opportunities and all relevant updates as we receive more information on the COVID-19 and its impact on our school community.

Be well, and take good care.

Jeff Jenifer, KMCE School Leader

Q: How long will schools be closed?

A: At this point all local schools will be closed through the end of the 2019-2020 school year. KMCS will reopen on July 27th for students. If there are any larger scale changes to this, we will be sure to communicate this to families as we receive the information.

Q: Are teachers in the building?

A: Teachers are not in the building. We have been advised to not have any students or staff in the building during closures. We are asking all staff to work remotely from Monday, March 23rd through Friday, April 24th, unless there is a specific need identified.

Q: What safety precautions are being done to ensure students’ and staff’s safety?

A: Our buildings are being maintained regularly over the course of the next few weeks. In addition to that, we have contracted an external company to complete an extensive cleaning of our building this week.

Q: Will students be allowed in the building?

A: Students are not allowed to be in the building. We have been advised not to have any staff/students in the building during closures.

Q: If my child left something in the building that we need, am I able to gain access into the building?

A: We are operating with very strict guidelines about staff and family access into the building, and we are fully abiding by social distancing guidelines, however, if there is an urgent/extreme need for building access, this can be worked out. Please reach out to Mr. Jenifer directly at (901)207-0313.

Q: How is attendance being recorded while we are out of school?

A: We are not recording attendance during our school closure. The Regional team is working with SCS on emergency exemptions and reporting.

Q: Will my child be able to access the meals provided by SCS?

A: The YMCA of Memphis and the Mid-South will take over food distribution from Shelby County Schools after a district employee tested positive for the new coronavirus. Meal distribution will be at the same times and locations the district previously announced: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. weekdays at 62 locations across the city starting Monday. The district had suspended its original meal plan after a nutrition services employee tested positive for COVID-19.

Q: Will my kid receive grades for completed work? What are the expectations for grading distance learning assignments?

A: At this point, students will not receive “grades”, nor will they be penalized for not completing the activities that we sent home. We are working with our regional team to iron out an adjusted grading policy if we need to. This will be normed across our region. Our push is that you continue to support your children with the activities and use the online resources to keep them exposed to academic content during the school closures. Our team of teachers are here to support, so please call us anytime!

Q: Are students taking TN Ready this year?

A: Tennessee lawmakers voted Thursday to remove the burden of testing and other government mandates on school communities this year as classes were canceled statewide due to the new coronavirus pandemic. The unanimous votes in both chambers mean that Tennessee is poised to drop state testing requirements this spring and waive the required 180 days of classroom instruction. Gov. Bill Lee is expected to sign the legislation quickly. Students, teachers, and schools won’t be penalized for choosing not to participate in state testing that includes the TN Ready assessment for grades 3-8 and end-of-course exams for high school students.

Q: What tools can I use to assist my child as we complete the activities that were sent home?

A: There are tons of online resources that families can use to support student learning. (Teachers will reach out to coaches for the best-fit with resources. Follow up with Alyssa/Cheryl/Catherine and then share resources with families who inquire.)

Q: Is school out for the remainder of the year?

A: At this point, all local schools will be closed until April 24th; school is slated to resume on Monday, April 27th. If there are any larger scale changes to this, we will be sure to communicate this to families as we receive the information.

Q: How will my kid get access to technology?

A: Our regional team and School Leaders are vetting several options regarding students’ technology access. There is more to come regarding technology for students. Mr. Jenifer sent out a survey last week to take inventory of basic human needs, tech needs, and general support needs as we create student learning plans across our school.

Q: How can/will I get internet access?

A: Our regional team and School Leaders are vetting several options regarding students’ Wifi access. There is more to come regarding internet/Wifi for students. Mr. Jenifer sent out a survey last week to take inventory of basic human needs, tech needs, and general support needs as we create student learning plans across our school.

Q: What are the options for students/families who do not have internet at home?

A: Comcast: ​Low-income families in the Comcast service area can sign up for 60 days of complimentary Internet Essentials service. To sign up, families can visit www.internetessentials.com​and apply. There are also two dedicated phone numbers 1-855-846-8376 for English and 1-855-765-6995 for Spanish. Charter Spectrum: ​Charter Communication will offer free Spectrum broadband and Wi-Fi access for 60 days to households with K-12 and/or college students who do not already have a subscription. The offer begins Monday. Those interested in enrolling are asked to call 1-844-488-8395. Installation fees will be waived for new student households.

Each week, we will be highlighting one of our KIPPsters as they challenge themselves to stay "plugged in" to the virtual learning experience, and work from home!

Takobe is staying #pluggedin to Lexia, one of our many Blended Learning (computer) programs. Lexia is a computerized reading program that provides. phonics instruction and gives students independent practice in basic reading skills. He will be 4th grade ready!

We would love to highlight your KIPPster! Please send any photos of your child engaging with KMCE's learning resources to apayton@kippmemphis.org, and check our virtual site for regular updates!