Information
Updated COVID-19 Information:
January 11, 2022
The Tennessee Department of Health has updated their COVID-19 related quarantine and isolation releasing guidance. The updates can be found on their website here.
January 3, 2022
The Tennessee Department of Health has updated their COVID-19 related quarantine and isolation guidance. The updates can be found on their website (link removed as new guidelines are released, see January 11, 2022 link).
November 15, 2021
The Tennessee Department of Health has updated their COVID-19 related reference guides. The updates can be found on their website here.
November 14, 2021
We are aware of this afternoon’s ruling by U.S. Middle District Court Judge Waverly D. Crenshaw, Jr. concerning new legislation that was passed into law regarding masking in schools. Due to the late notice and our desire to be sure we are in compliance with the appropriate legal or legislative requirements at any given time, our legal counsel will review the new order as well as the outcome of a scheduled hearing that will take place Monday afternoon.
After a thorough evaluation of the implications of this and any subsequent developments, Bartlett City Schools will issue updated guidance to our parents and students as necessary. For the time being, we will proceed with our previous announcement that masks will not be required for students, staff, and visitors on Monday, November 15th.
Thank you for your continued support and understanding.
November 13, 2021
Tennessee has enacted new legislation that states, “a school or a governing body of a school shall not require a person to wear a face covering while on school property.” Therefore, effective immediately, masks will not be required for students, staff, and visitors while on school property. We will continue to monitor for potential developments and communicate any changes as applicable.
November 4, 2021
The Shelby County Health Department (SCHD) has updated their School Guidance for Release from Quarantine and Isolation document along with their Quick Reference Guide. Click the links to review the updated information.
October 27, 2021
The Shelby County Health Department (SCHD) has formally issued Health Order No. 27. Click the link to read the latest information.
September 28, 2021
The Shelby County Health Department (SCHD) has released its updated Health Order No. 26. Click the link to read the updates.
September 17, 2021
Today Judge Lipman ruled that Governor Lee’s executive order providing a voluntary opt-out to the local county-wide mask mandate is not allowed. Pursuant to this ruling, Shelby County Health Order No. 25 is the current controlling authority related to masks for K-12 schools in Shelby County. Therefore, all students and visitors shall continue to wear a mask while at school or at any indoor BCS facility.
Link to Shelby County Health Department Health Order No. 25.
September 9, 2021
Bartlett City Schools has updated the General Student Health Protocols for Parents. Click here for the updated information. *Info changed was: Exposure is defined as being within 3ft (with our without a mask) of a COVID-19 positive individual for >15 minutes* (listed on pg. 2)
September 5, 2021
Bartlett City Schools (BCS) is aware that U.S. District Judge Sheryl Lipman has issued a temporary restraining order that instructs the Shelby County Health Department to enforce its county-wide mask mandate without exception for Governor Lee’s Executive Order 84. Pursuant to this order, Shelby County Health Order No. 25 is the current controlling health directive related to masks for K-12 schools within Shelby County, Tennessee. Therefore, effective immediately, all students and visitors shall wear a mask while at school or at any indoor BCS facility as outlined in Health Order No. 25.
Link to Shelby County Health Department Health Order No 25: Health Order No. 25
August 24, 2021
Bartlett City Schools has updated the General Student Health Protocols for Parents. Click here for the updated information.
August 17, 2021
Bartlett City Schools is aware that Governor Bill Lee has issued Executive Order No. 84 on August 16th. Bartlett City Schools is still under the Shelby County Health Department’s masks mandate as outlined in Health Order No. 24. Any parent or guardian choosing to opt out in accordance with Executive Order No. 84 must do so in writing to your child’s school.
Link to Governor Lee Executive Order No. 84.
Link to Shelby County Health Department Health Order No. 24.
August 6, 2021
The Shelby County Health Department (SCHD) has formally issued an amendment to Health Order Number 24 now requiring universal masking in K-12 schools in Shelby County.
With the SCHD issuing a mask mandate for universal masking in all K-12 schools for teachers, staff, students and visitors, regardless of vaccination status, BCS is required to follow this mandate beginning Monday, August 9th inside all BCS school buildings. This order does not impact any outdoor activities at this time.
Our mission remains to provide a safe learning environment for our students, teachers, and staff. It is our hope that the safety restrictions can be less restrictive as the situation improves over the course of the school year. Our COVID-19 protocols will continue to be updated on our website at www.BartlettSchools.org. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we prepare to open school. We are excited to welcome back our students and look forward to a great school year.
*Released: July 23, 2021, Revised August 6, 2021
As we move into the start of our 2021-2022 school year, our mission remains to provide a safe learning environment for our students, teachers, and staff. It is our hope that the safety restrictions can be less restrictive as the situation improves over the course of the school year.
However, as the local impact of the COVID-19 pandemic remains fluid, necessary additional changes to our plans will be communicated if they are made. Bartlett City Schools (BCS) will continue to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and will update recommendations, as needed, based on guidance from our local and state health organizations.
The first day of school for all students is Monday, August 9th. We look forward to welcoming our students back to school. Below is some information to help our students and families be better prepared.
Virtual Learning
Due to changes in Tennessee Department of Education’s requirements to offer a virtual school program and the results from our parent survey, BCS will not be providing a virtual learning academy for the 2021-2022 school year. BCS will be offering five (5) day a week in-person instruction for all students. If your child has any underlying health concerns, you may contact our Student Services Department at 901-202-0855 to discuss what options may be available.
Face Masks
The Shelby County Health Department (SCHD) has formally issued an amendment to Health Order No. 24 now requiring universal masking in K-12 schools in Shelby County.
With the SCHD issuing a mask mandate for universal masking in all K-12 schools for teachers, staff, students and visitors, regardless of vaccination status, BCS is required to follow this mandate beginning Monday, August 9th inside all BCS school buildings. This order does not impact any outdoor activities at this time.
Social Distancing
BCS will continue to encourage students and staff to maintain proper social distancing in our classrooms and around our campuses.
Transportation
BCS will continue to provide bus transportation for students as needed. Please note that social distancing on the buses may not be possible. Face masks are required on all buses.
Recess and Playground Equipment
BCS will offer recess time in our schools where applicable. Our BCS outdoor playground equipment will be open for use. We will encourage hand washing before and after outdoor recess. Daily routines are also in place for cleaning playground equipment such as rubber balls, jump ropes, etc.
Use of Water Fountains
We recommend all schools to encourage students to continue to bring their water bottles to fill up at the filling stations instead of drinking from the water fountains.
Meals/Cafeteria
Our school cafeterias will be operational for students. Please contact your child’s school for specific protocols that may be in place for how they oversee the lunchroom and dispursement of meals to students. As always, we work to create an environment that is free from food allergens consistent with Policy 6012:Emergency Allergy Response Plan.
Before and After School Care
Our before and after school care programs will continue to operate on its regular schedule. You may reach out to your child’s school for more details.
Other Health and Safety Measures
- Encourage our students and staff to maintain frequent hand washing/hand sanitizing practices, cough hygiene.
- Continue cleaning protocols for our classrooms and school buildings.
- Hand sanitizing stations will be offered throughout the school building.
- Continue to work with the Shelby County Health Department to conduct contact tracing and additional measures as needed.
- Continue to notify parents with children in classes or groups where individuals have tested positive for COVID-19.
- Encourage parents to review illness checks with their children before sending them to school.
- Encourage parents to brief their children that other students and staff members may be wearing mask and that they are recommended, but not required.
- Encourage parents/caregivers to alert their child’s school (school nurse) if someone in their home has been diagnosed with a contagious disease.
- Parents are required to inform the school if the family has had contact with a known case of any communicable disease. See Policy 6008: Student Communicable Diseases.
Protocols for Illness: For Student or Teacher/Staff at School
It is important that all protocols be followed by all students, parents, and teachers/staff at all times. There is a list of signs and symptoms that are associated with COVID-19 including:
High-risk symptoms (those that are common and relatively specific) for COVID-19 include:
- Fever > 100.4
- Persistent unexplained cough
- Shortness of breath/difficulty breathing
- Loss of sense of taste or smell
Low-risk symptoms (those that are more common and alone do not necessarily indicate) COVID-19 include:
- Sore throat
- Nasal congestion/nasal discharge
- Nausea/vomiting/diarrhea
- Myalgias (muscle aches)
- Headache
- Fatigue
Any individual with only one low-risk symptom is considered less likely to have COVID-19 and should remain home to monitor symptoms. These individuals will be able to return after twenty-four (24) hours if they are feeling better and no further symptoms develop.
Any individual with one high-risk or two low-risk criteria is considered to have a COVID-19-like illness and should be seen by a physician. Individuals considered to have a COVID-19-like illness will not be permitted to return to school/work under the routine illness protocol. Contact tracing, meant to aid the Shelby County Health Department, will be performed at each school as needed. A designated staff member may call for updates on isolated individuals.
Our mission remains to provide a safe learning environment for our students, teachers, and staff. It is our hope that the safety restrictions can be less restrictive as the situation improves over the course of the school year. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we roll out our back to school plans for the coming school year. We are excited to welcome back our students and look forward to a great school year.
Archived information from the 2020-2021 school year.
May 12, 2021
Bartlett City Schools is aware that the Shelby County Health Department has updated their current health directive effective Saturday, May 15, 2021. Our plan is to complete the year with the current procedures reflected in our back to school reopening plan. Many families made their decision for this school year based on these procedures. We feel it would be difficult to enact these changes with just a few days of school remaining.
We will be reviewing this updated health directive, and other guidance, as we make future plans for the next school year. Once those plans are complete we will provide additional information. We appreciate your understanding and patience during these challenging times.
May 2021
General information regarding the COVID-19 virus can be found on the CDC's website here.
General information regarding the COVID-19 virus from the TN Department of Health can be found here.
Updated information from the Shelby County Health Department regarding the COVID-19 virus can be found here.
February 2021
New information has been released on isolation and quarantine guidance. Vaccinated persons are not required to quarantine if they meet all the following criteria:
- Are fully vaccinated (≥2 weeks following receipt of the second dose in a 2-dose series, or ≥ 2 weeks following receipt of one dose in a single dose vaccine) and
- Received their last dose in the series within the last 3 months and
- Have remained asymptomatic since the exposure to COVID-19
Note: Fully vaccinated persons should self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms for 14 days following exposure. If symptoms develop, they should contact their healthcare provider to discuss the need for SARS-CoV-2 testing and isolation. Quarantine recommendations for vaccinated persons, including the criteria for timing since receipt of the last dose in the vaccination series, will be updated when more data become available and additional COVID19 vaccines are authorized.
Read the full guidance here: https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/health/documents/cedep/novel-coronavirus/Isolation-QuarantineRelease.pdf.
December 2020
The Shelby County Health Department (SCHD) has issued new quarantine guidelines regarding shorter periods under certain conditions. Visit the SCHD's website for additional information and resources.
September 15, 2020
Based on updated guidance released by the Shelby County Health Department today, BCS has updated the close contact information to reflect: Close contact is defined as having direct physical contact or being within six (6) feet for at least fifteen (15) minutes.
August 25, 2020
Based on new guidance released by the Shelby County Health Department today, BCS has updated the close contact information to reflect: Close contact is defined as having direct physical contact or being within six (6) feet for at least ten (10) minutes.
August 20, 2020
Beginning on Monday, August 24th, Bartlett City Schools (BCS) will provide meals for those students who are enrolled in our 100% virtual or hybrid learning environment. Meals must be pre-ordered to ensure a meal is available when you arrive. Meals will be available at Bartlett High School Monday-Friday from 9:00am-10:00am. This meal pick-up program is set for the first nine (9) weeks of school, running until October 9, 2020. The length of this program is subject to change and any changes will be communicated. For information relating to this meal progam, including how to view menus and pricing, make payments, receive applications, etc. visit www.BartlettSchools.org/BCSMealPlan/.
August 6, 2020
In accordance with Governor Bill Lee’s Executive Order No. 55 (released on July 31, 2020), Bartlett City Schools (BCS) has updated recommendations for face coverings by students and staff.
In part, Governor Lee’s Executive Order No. 55 reads: “Local education agencies, schools, and institutions of higher education are strongly encouraged to implement a policy requiring the use of face coverings by students and staff, with appropriate exemptions, and consistent with any policies issued by the Tennessee Department of Education.”
BCS will require a facial covering for all students and staff and will allow for age-appropriate mask breaks throughout the school day when social distancing can be maintained.
- All students (grades PreK-12) and staff are required to wear a facial covering except during designated break times such as lunch, recess, and additional classroom breaks. During these break times, six-feet of social distancing must be maintained.
- All students (grades PreK-12) attending school in-person will be provided four (4) cloth face masks (reusable, the mask can be lightly-washed).
- Teachers/staff will work within each classroom setting to ensure multiple age-appropriate breaks from wearing face coverings are offered. During these break times, six-feet of social distancing must be maintained.
- Younger students (elementary aged) or those students with intellectual or developmental disabilities may be unable to wear a face covering for an extended period of time. Wearing of facial covering may be prioritized at times when it is difficult to maintain six-feet of social distancing.
July 27, 2020
Thank you for responding with your choice for how your child will be returning to Bartlett City Schools. This information is critical as we finalize plans for a safe re-opening of schools. There has been significant interest in our BCS Virtual platform. As we prepare for the beginning of our 2020-2021 school year, Bartlett City Schools will be adjusting our students’ return date to Monday, August 17. This will allow the District extra time to ensure we are prepared to provide effective instruction across multiple platforms as well as finalizing student schedules, create new transportation routes, just to name a few. This will not impact the date for the end of the year or other scheduled school breaks as we have built in stockpiled days for inclement weather.
We appreciate your flexibility and understanding during these uncertain times. Based on feedback from our parents, community and staff surveys, along with recommendations from the Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE), Shelby County Health Department and other health officials, Bartlett City Schools is continuing with our BCS Reopening Plan as released on July 15, 2020.
Our mission remains to provide a safe learning environment for our students, teachers, and staff. It is our hope that the safety restrictions can be less restrictive as the situation improves over the course of the school year. The local impact of the COVID-19 pandemic remains fluid, and necessary additional changes to our plans will be communicated as they are made.
You can find our BCS Virtual Learn Plan by clicking the link here. This plan was made public on July 20, 2020. BCS will communicate any changes to this plan to our students and families as they are made.
You can find our BCS Reopening Plan for Students and Families by clicking the link here. This plan was made public on July 15, 2020. BCS will communicate any changes to this plan to our students and families as they are made.
Frequently Asked Questions for Students & Families
The COVID-19 pandemic has raised many questions regarding how the district will complete the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year. This FAQ document will help answer many of those questions. Specific school-related answers will be released by your child’s school as their plans are finalized. We appreciate your flexibility and understanding during these uncertain times.
• Given the current situation surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, and guidance from our local and state health officials, we will not be able to hold our traditional graduation ceremony on May 11th as scheduled. However, we are committed to finding a way to honor our Seniors for their hard work over the years. We are exploring all options and will be releasing information as soon as plans are finalized.
• Yes. Bartlett High School will issue a full refund for any student who purchased a prom ticket for this year.
• Yes. Beginning the week of May 4th, Bartlett High School will have student’s cap and gown available for pick up at a day and time assigned to them from the school.
• Bartlett High School will also provide information to students who do not wish to receive their cap and gown.
• Seniors may email Jana Radford at jradford@bartlettschools.org for more information on transcripts. Bartlett High School will be providing information on when students can order final transcripts.
• Some fees will be returned to families. Individual schools will be reaching out to each student and family regarding any refund of student-related fees.
• Bartlett High School will refund Senior fees and will provide additional refund-related information to students.
• Spring sport fees that were collected by the school will be refunded. Schools will be reaching out to affected students and families directly regarding refunds.
• Yes. Beginning the week of May 4th families will have the opportunity to pick up their items. Each school will provide instructions and a specific day and time where families can retrieve items.
• Schools will also provide additional information on when you can pick-up/drop-off other items such as yearbooks, spring pictures, medications, library books, textbooks, instruments, etc.
• Students returning to BCS for the 2020-2021 school year will have the option to keep their laptop over the summer. If students decide to keep their laptop, students and parents are required to complete the online agreement form linked here: https://tinyurl.com/BCS2020SummerLaptop. Each school will also be providing additional detailed information.
• Any student not returning to Bartlett City Schools for the 2020-2021 school year is required to return his/her district-issue device on the day and time provided by their school.
• For students opting to return their laptop, your child’s school will provide additional instructions on when laptops can be returned.
• Seniors will be required to return their district-issued device. Additional instructions will be provided by the school along with certain days and times when laptops can be returned.
• Final report cards will be available in the parent portal after May 22nd. More details will be shared when the report cards have posted. Parents may also contact their child’s teacher for immediate information.
How do students receive their attendance letters for their driver’s permit?
• Students may request attendance letters from their child’s attendance operator or grade level administrator.
• Yes. We will continue to provide online learning resources for all students K-12 on our website at: www.bartlettschools.org. Weekly opportunities will be posted each week. This coursework is optional and intended to reinforce the instructional learning students received before school was closed.
Will BCS still provide the free meal program?
• Yes. BCS will continue to provide our free meal pick-up program through May 22nd. Students are eligible to receive free breakfast and lunch meals through the end of the school year. Pick-up will be Monday-Thursday from 11:00am-1:00pm in the front drive at Bartlett High School (5688 Woodlawn). This is a drive through pick-up and no one is allowed to stay and eat on site. Also, since there is no pick-up on Fridays, those Friday meals will be given out each Thursday.
April 15, 2020
BCS Families,
Today, Governor Lee announced his recommendation that Tennessee schools be closed through the end of this school year. As a result of Governor Lee’s guidance, Bartlett City Schools (BCS) will remain closed through the end of our scheduled school year.
Our students have done an outstanding job engaging with our online learning resources. We encourage our students and families to take advantage of these learning opportunities to reinforce what they have already learned this school year.
More information will be shared as soon as decisions and plans are made. Please continue to follow our BCS social media platforms and check your email regularly.
We appreciate our BCS students, families, staff, and stakeholders for their support and flexibility during this unprecedented time.
For ongoing information on COVID-19 and what we have been communicating to our BCS families, visit our special website at: https://tinyurl.com/BCSCOVID19.
April 06, 2020
• On the report card screen, select the report card link under the Archived Report Cards section.
• Select File then Print from your internet browser to [Print], or to save an electronic copy to your computer by selecting the [Save as PDF] from your printer menu.
If you are having trouble logging in, please contact your school’s administrator.
Don’t forget that learning opportunities start today at 10:00 a.m. on our local PBS station WKNO. There are also lessons that will air overnight, so set your DVR!
April 2, 2020
BCS Families,
The Tennessee Department of Education is launching its partnership with PBS Monday, April 6. This partnership will deliver two hours of programming with high-quality instructional content from 10 a.m. to
12 p.m. CST. Four hours of content will also be streamed overnight, which viewers can watch live or record. This content will be available locally through WKNO. We are excited because this meets a critical need to ensure all students have access to high-quality learning opportunities, regardless if their home has internet connectivity or capable devices.
BCS began distributing packets this week to families during our meal distribution hours as a way to provide resources to students without internet or appropriate devices. We will continue to distribute packets through Monday, April 6 or while our copies last. We appreciate your patience and flexibility as we address this unprecedented event and protect the health of our community.
Please continue to follow the guidance from our local, state, and federal health officials.
For ongoing information on COVID-19 and what we have been communicating to our BCS families, visit our
special website at: https://tinyurl.com/BCSCOVID19.
March 31, 2020
Bartlett City Schools Families,
March 27, 2020
UPDATE: Extended Dates for our Free Meal Program
BCS remains committed to providing free meals to students in our community while protecting the health and safety of our students and families. We have made the decision to continue our free meal pick-up program through our extended school closure of April 24.
Breakfast and lunch meals will be available for pick-up at Bartlett High School (5688 Woodlawn) Monday, March 30 through Friday, April 24 (there will be no meal pick-up on Friday, April 10 due to the Good Friday holiday).
Meal Pick-up Information:
* Drive thru service at the main entrance of Bartlett High School
* Please use the front drive off of Woodlawn
* March 30-April 24 (Monday-Fridays only) from 11:00am-1:00pm
* Menu for the week of March 30-April 3:
* Monday/Wednesday/Friday: cold sandwiches | Tuesday: hot chicken patty sandwich | Thursday: hamburger
Please note that any student 18 or under may obtain free breakfast and lunch at the location mentioned above or at any other school meal location within Shelby County. This program is for meal pick-up only and is not to be consumed on site.
March 24, 2020
BCS Families,
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, we have been in ongoing discussions with our local and state government and health officials. Just today, Governor Lee has encouraged all schools in Tennessee to extend their closure through April 24. Therefore, Bartlett City Schools will follow the guidance provided from Governor Lee and we will extend our school closure through April 24. During this closure period there will be no school sponsored activities or events.
This extended closure will provide opportunities for continued social distancing and other recommendations made by our local and state health officials. We ask that families continue to follow the warnings of our health experts and limit your social interactions during this time to help prevent the spread of the virus.
In the coming week, we will communicate our plans regarding our remote learning resources to our students and parents. Thank you for your continued support and patience as we navigate these challenging circumstances.
For additional information on the coronavirus and what we have been communicating to our BCS families, visit our special website at: https://tinyurl.com/BCSCOVID19.
March 20, 2020
BCS Families,
Bartlett City Schools continues to closely monitor the unfolding situation related to the COVID-19
pandemic. BCS’s first priority is the health and well-being of our students, families, and staff. After considerable deliberation and input from stakeholders, Governor’s office, TN Department of Education (TDOE), and our local and state health officials, we have made the several decisions which are outlined below.
School Closure
BCS is following the guidance provided by Governor Lee and the TDOE that all schools in Tennessee should be closed through March 31. During our closure period there will be no extracurricular or sporting events, nor will IEP meetings be held. Please understand that this situation is changing rapidly and further closures may be necessary.
We are using this extended period of school closure like snow days (stockpiled days). Therefore, regular instruction will not occur. Teachers will be using this time to plan for remote learning activities if needed. If our closure period is extended we will provide additional information regarding our remote learning resources to students and parents.
Work Schedules for Principals & Central Office Employees
BCS will continue to allow our principals and Central Office employees to work remotely during normal
operating hours during our school closure period. Please know that these employees are still available to help
you via email or phone.
We ask that families do not simply view this as an extended Spring Break or additional vacation time. Families should heed the warnings of health experts and limit your social interactions during this time to prevent the spread of the virus.
We appreciate your understanding and patience as we continue to work through these unique circumstances. We will continue to seek the advice of health professionals as developments occur and make updates as necessary.
For additional information on the coronavirus and what we have been communicating to our BCS families, visit our special website at: https://tinyurl.com/BCSCOVID19.
March 19, 2020
Breakfast and lunch meals will be available for pick-up at Bartlett High School (5688 Woodlawn) beginning Tuesday, March 24 through Friday, March 27 (additional updates will be provided if dates are extended).
Meal Pick-up Information:
• Drive thru service at the main entrance of Bartlett High School
• Please use the front drive off of Woodlawn
• March 24-27 from 11:00am-1:00pm
Please note that any student 18 or under may obtain free breakfast and lunch at the location mentioned above or at any other school meal location within Shelby County. Also, each student must be physically present in the vehicle to receive the meals. This program is for meal pick-up only and is not to be consumed on site.
March 13, 2020
BCS Families,
Information Regarding: Coronavirus-related Cancellations
The COVID-19 pandemic is rapidly evolving, and we have been closely monitoring the situation. After serious and considerable deliberation and input from many stakeholders, the six municipal Shelby County superintendents in Arlington, Bartlett, Collierville, Germantown, Lakeland, and Millington have made the collective decision to cancel classes, extracurricular activities, and sporting events through the week following Spring Break.
At this time, we are closing schools through Friday, March 27th. This will provide opportunities for social distancing, thorough disinfection of schools and buses, and contingency planning in case prolonged closures are required at some point in the future. We ask that families do not simply view this as an extended Spring Break or additional vacation time. Families should heed the warnings of health experts and limit your social interactions during this time to prevent the spread of the virus.
Thank you for your support as we navigate this challenging situation. We will continue to seek the advice of health professionals as developments occur and make updates as necessary.
For additional information on the coronavirus and what we have been communicating to our BCS families, visit our special website at: https://tinyurl.com/BCSCOVID19.
March 12, 2020
The six municipal Shelby County superintendents in Arlington, Bartlett, Collierville, Germantown, Lakeland, and Millington are aware of the decision of Shelby County Schools to cancel classes starting Friday, March 13th through March 30th. At this time, neither the Shelby County Health Department nor the Tennessee Department of Education have made recommendations to close schools to contain the spread of the coronavirus or COVID-19. As such, there are not plans to close municipal schools at this time, though the situation is fluid and we will make decisions on school closures as new information emerges. We will continue to consult with the Shelby County Health Department and the Tennessee Department of Education to make decisions that are in the best interest of our students and staff.
March 11, 2020
BCS Families,
This week the Shelby County Health Department confirmed the first case of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Shelby County. As concerns grow, we want to assure you that Bartlett City Schools (BCS) continues to take guidance from the Shelby County Health Department (SCHD), the Tennessee Department of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The Shelby County Health Department has advised us that there is no immediate risk to the general public in Shelby County, and there is no expected risk to school-age children at this time. However, BCS remains proactive in our precautionary response plan for all of our schools. We continue to work with our Coordinated School Health department, school nurses, and custodial crews to ensure proper protocols are happening at each of our schools in an effort to prevent the spread of the virus.
Our goal remains to keep our students, families, and our staff safe. We are taking steps to ensure that our schools are properly prepared. These steps include the following:
• Working with our custodial crews to continue properly cleaning each school every night;
• Ensuring all bathrooms are stocked with soap and paper towels and we continue to encourage students
and staff to wash their hands frequently;
• Working with our Coordinated School Health department to ensure principals and school nurses have
the resources needed to detect and report symptoms exhibited at school and provide approved health
guidance for any affected individuals;
• Forming an internal Health Response Team comprised of multiple BCS departments, selected by the
Superintendent, and continuing to follow our BCS Emergency Operations Plan;
• Ensuring that our classrooms and schools are thoroughly cleaned over Spring Break;
• Working with Durham Bus Services to ensure all our buses are thoroughly cleaned every day;
• Continuing to gather resources for our remote learning resources in the event we are required to close
schools;
• Continuing to review all out of town school-sponsored field trips, athletic events, and performances on a
case by case basis; and
• Working in close partnership with the SCHD to update our protocols as the situation evolves.
Presently, there is no guidance from any health expert to close schools. The decision to close will not be taken lightly and will only be made after BCS has consulted with our local and state public health officials. We also wanted to make you aware that on March 10th our Bartlett City Board of Education, in a special called meeting, suspended the excused attendance portion for final exam exemptions.
As we monitor the situation, we will continue to follow the guidance of our local and state health officials. We also want to remind our students and families the importance of following the recommended guidelines from the local health department:
• Stay home when you are sick. Stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching an illness. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. If you are sick, please contact your healthcare provider for guidance.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Cover coughs and sneezes. Use a tissue to cover coughs and sneezes, then dispose of the tissue. When a
tissue is not available, cough or sneeze into your elbow.
• Avoid wearing masks and gloves while at school. The CDC only recommends wearing face masks or
gloves if you or your child is sick. Masks and gloves can also raise the level of concern and anxiety among
other students and families.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces or objects. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work,
and school, especially when someone is ill.
• Wash hands for 20 seconds. Washing hands often under clean, running water can help prevent the
spread of germs. For more guidance see the CDC: When and How to Wash Your Hands https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/when-how-handwashing.html If you cannot wash your hands, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60-95% alcohol.
• If you travel over Spring Break be cautious. After travel, if you are not feeling well, seek medical attention, and tell your principal where you traveled. Continue to follow all CDC travel guidelines: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html.
We appreciate your understanding and patience as we continue to work through these unique circumstances. We are providing consistent communication to all of our school leaders to ensure they have the latest facts in case any questions arise. Please know, BCS will continue to collaborate with the SCHD and the Tennessee Department of Education and will update parents as more information becomes available.
For additional information on the coronavirus, visit our special website at: https://tinyurl.com/BCSCOVID19.
