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COVID-19 and the 2020-2021 School Year

School has been in session for a few weeks now, and whether your child(ren) are attending virtually, in-person, or a combination of both, we hope this finds you healthy and well.

The following are recommendations from the Tennessee Department of Health and Department of Education in order to support as smooth a transition as possible to learning in the era of COVID-19:

Health

If your child is ill, parents should not send him/her to school where he/she could infect others.
If a child has tested positive for COVID-19, (s)he must isolate at home for 10 days from the onset of symptoms OR 10 days from the date the COVID-19 test was completed if asymptomatic. In addition, fever must be gone, and (s)he must feel better for at least 24 hours. Also, parents are asked to notify the child's close contacts so that those individuals can quarantine.
If a child has been within 6 feet of someone who has COVID-19 for 10 minutes or more, (s)he must quarantine at home for 14 days from the last time (s)he came into contact with that person.

Immunizations

It is imperative that children receive regular well visit care and are up-to-date on their immunizations. Immunizations mitigate the spread of preventable diseases, such as measles and whooping cough.

Academics

Empowering Parents

If your child is learning virtually, the State will provide acess to free resources in order to supplement your district's school-based services. These resources include:
- Early Literacy Resource for Pre-K through 2nd grade students in order to build foundational skills and early literacy
- PBS Learning Series for 1st through 9th grade students in order to support math and English language arts
- STE(A)M Resource Hub: Provides 3 challenges per week to spark creative thinking, design, and career exploration
- Start of the Year Checkpoint: a free and optional assessment to measure student performance and readiness at the beginning of the school year.

Safety Equipment

The State is providing no-cost personal protective equipment (including face masks for any school stakeholder), thermometers for every school, and face shields for every staff member.
Every classroom teacher will have a disinfecting kit, which includes hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, gloves, and masks.
School nurses will be provided with surgical masks, gloves, protective gowns, and face shields.

Meal Supports and Food Accessibility

Financial assistance is available for families who qualify for free or reduced school lunches through the Department of Human Services' Pandemic Elecronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) program.
Parents can utilize the school meal finder to know where to go for school meal programs in the event a school buildilng is closed: http://schoolfoodfinder.com

For more information on the State's back-to-school recommendations, visit: Governor Lee Unveils Safe Reopening Plan for Tennessee Schools.

Best wishes for the 2020-2021 school year,

Smyrna Pediatrics

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