News

Last updated: May 21, 2020

COVID-19 continues to be a source of caution for families, schools, local and state officials. As the health and well-being of our students, employees and community remains our top priority, we are continuing to monitor recommended courses of action and share resources as they become available. Please see below a compiled list of information and resources that is continuously being updated by our team.

Please find regular updates from the Tennessee Department of Education here: Update on Coronavirus.

Upcoming Opportunities

• COVID-19 Drive-Through Testing Locations Open this Weekend, April 18 and 19, Statewide
• COVID-19 Emergency Child Care for Essential Workers Enrollment Form

Information from Governor Bill Lee

• COVID-19 Bulletin #17: April 13, 2020
• Governor Lee Extents Stay at Home Order Through the End of April
• Information About the Ongoing Novel Coronavirus Outbreak

General COVID-19 Information

• Center for Disease Control and Prevention: Coronavirus 2019
• World Health Organization: “Do the Five”
• Rapid Response Resources: COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
• Tennessee Department of Health: Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)
• This new guidance was issued by the CDC specifically about keeping children healthy. 
• The American Enterprise Institute (AEI) has created an online site where you can track state and local COVID-19 actions, as has the National Conference of State Legislatures. ExcelinEd has also created a map and online guide for school closures and accountability waiver status.  The Education Commission of the States has created a state legislative tracker associated with COVID-19 related legislation and education. 
• Resource list from the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools
• Coronavirus checks, direct deposits are coming. Here's everything you need to know.
• Earn money now to support your family. The TN Talent Exchange powered by Jobs4TN will match you with employers in your area who have immediate job openings in the grocery and retail industries. Good paying jobs with flexible hours. Apply here. 
• Nashville - For a full run down on the status of all Metro services, public utilities, courts, and more please visit asafenashville.org and then click "Status of Nashville Services" or click here.
• COVID-19-Related Tax Credits for Required Paid Leave Provided by Small and Midsize Businesses FAQs
• Families First Coronavirus Response Act: Questions and Answers
• Families First Coronavirus Response Act: Employer Paid Leave Requirements
• Paycheck Protection Program Loans Frequently Asked Questions

Contact Information

• The Department of Education COVID-19 hotline is available for district leaders 629-888-5898 or toll free 833-947-2115. The hotline is available Monday-Friday 6:30 am – 4:30pm CST. Or, email: K12.health [at] tn [dot] gov.
• For nutrition program-specific questions, contact the Department’s Nutrition Hotline Number at (800)-354-3663. It is available daily from 7:00 am to 4:30 pm CST. Or, email School.Nutrition [at] tn [dot] gov.
• Tennessee Department of Health has launched a Tennessee Coronavirus Public Information Line in partnership with the Tennessee Poison Center. The hotline number is 877-857-2945 and will be available from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. CST daily.

School Closure Information 

• Governor Bill Lee announced that schools should remain closed through April 24.

1. Metro Nashville Public Schools
2. Shelby County Public Schools
3. Knox County Public Schools
4. Hamilton County Public Schools

• On Friday, March 20th, the President announced that the federal government would waive testing and accountability for all K-12 schools this year. The U.S. Department of Education issued the following letter with guidance on this issue.
• From the Tennessee Department of Education - Charter Schools FAQ: COVID-19 Closure Guidance 

Resources for School Leaders

• Tennessee Charter School Center has set up a resource folder for portfolio members to share/find resources related to instructional approaches, communication with staff and families, and operational plans.
• What Charter Schools Need to Know: Federal COVID-19 Response Legislation and Charter Schools from the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools
• TDOE guidance for charter schools re: COVID-19, including an update regarding CSP funding that will be repurposed to this end and become available for application 3/23
• Charter School Growth Fund has published a blog post on “Approaches to Instruction During School Closure”.
• Great Minds offers a free distance learning resource that might be helpful for schools.
• Zearn also offers a free distance learning resource for our schools.
• Salesforce: Resources for Education Institutions Navigating COVID-19
• School Closure Toolkit
• Webinar: COVID-19: Six Essential Guidelines for Contingency & Communications Planning
• Webinar: COVID-19: Exposing Myths from Facts
• From the Tennessee Department of Education - Coronavirus:  A Guide for Schools 
  
• From the Tennessee Department of Education - Emergency Plans & Procedures Best Practices for Schools
• How to Choose a Distance Learning Model from School Resource Hub
• Leadership Toolkits from School Resource Hub
• Aspirations for Student Culture & Learning During Distance Learning from School Resource Hub
• Example Grading Guidance from School Resource Hub
• SBA Emergency Loans Now Available to Charter Schools 

1. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) now has authority to offer emergency loans to both small businesses and nonprofits under its Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program in eligible areas. While SBA authorities are focused on small businesses, we worked with federal lawmakers to ensure that the loan funding for this crisis is offered to charter schools and other nonprofits to borrow up to $2 million for up to 30 years at 2.75 percent for nonprofits. These loans are designed to help businesses and nonprofits meet financial obligations and operating expenses that would not be of concern if the COVID disaster had not occurred. To apply, go to the SBA website. You’ll need to fill out the business loan application (select "Economic Injury (EIDL)" as the reason you’re seeking assistance) and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Supporting Information form. You’ll also need to supply required supporting documentation including your organization’s most recent tax return, a schedule of liabilities, and tax information authorization (IRS Form 4506) for any affiliated entities. For questions, please contact the SBA disaster assistance customer service center at 1-800-659-2955 (TTY: 1-800-877-8339) or e-mail disastercustomerservice [at] sba [dot] gov.

School Closure Toolkits*

*Courtesy of the Tennessee Department of Education

• School Closure Toolkit: Staffing (PDF)
  
• School Closure Toolkit: Academics and Instruction (PDF)
  
• School Closure Toolkit: Health and Wellness (PDF) 
  
• School Closure Toolkit: Early Childhood (PDF) 
• School Closure Toolkit: Nutrition (PDF) 
  
• School Closure Toolkit: Safety and Operations (Published)
• School Closure Toolkit: Safety and Operations (PDF) 
  
• School Closure Toolkit: IT and Distance Learning (Published)
  
• School Closure Toolkit: IT and Distance Learning(PDF)
  
• School Closure Toolkit: Finance (PDF) 
  
• School Closure Toolkit: Families (Published) 
  
• School Closure Toolkit: Special Populations (PDF)
  

Online & At Home Learning Resources

• Please join the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools in signing on to a letter urging the FCC to allow E-rate to support home internet access so our schools can keep classrooms open online even if school buildings must temporarily close. 
• Over the weekend, the U.S. Department of Education released a fact sheet in response to concerns that previous guidance left school districts unsure of how to provide services for students with disabilities while school buildings are closed as a result of COVID-19.
• The U.S. Department of Education also issued a new Guidance Fact Sheet on FERPA and virtual learning.  
• Tennessee Department of Education partners with PBS to deliver daily instructional content to Tennessee students.
• The Chattanooga Time Free Press launched TFP Families, a free resource that provides cultural and educational activities and videos for children and families through local partnerships.
• Federal Guidelines on Remote Learning
• Information about free wifi hotspot access from Comcast and AT&T for the next 60 days
• Information about free internet access through Spectrum: 1-844-488-8395
• EPB Quick Connect WiFi hotspots now available: In partnership with the Hamilton County Department of Education, EPB (Electric Power Board) has worked to make digital access available to those who need it with the installation of WiFi hotspots throughout town. Parents and students are encouraged to use this free service for online learning and other necessary business from the safety of your car. Click here for locations.
• Hamilton County Schools continued learning resources.
• WMC Action News partnered with Shelby County Schools to stream lessons to students during COVID-19. Learn more here. Find lessons here or on BOUNCE (Channel 906).
• Rocketship Public Schools: Distance Learning Launchpad
• Grab and Go Instructional Materials From School Resource Hub

Education of Vulnerable Populations*

*Courtesy of the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools

Educating Students with Disabilities

• As you may know, the U.S. Department of Education has released guidance regarding educating children with disabilities. You can find the newest guidance here and the FAQ is here.
• The National Center for Special Education in Charter Schools has an excellent resource page with information about accessibility, remote learning, and many other related matters here
• Understood.org has a page that includes guidance on disability issues in the workplace as well as guidance on educating students here. They have information in Spanish here
• This website offers the top 12 websites for children with disabilities (hosted by Special Education Degree)
• Diverse Learners Cooperative: COVID-19 Resource Hub

Educating Homeless Students

• This is a valuable question and answer document from the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness.
• The School House Connection has some of the best resources related to homeless students including checklists, guides, webinars, and other key resources.
• The National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth has a COVID-19 resource page including state-by-state links to key departments and information.
• The Juvenile Law Center has partnered with other organizations to publish this helpful report.
• The National Alliance to End Homelessness has created a page with links to a number of resources here
• The National Center for Homeless Education has a resource page here
• The National Health Care for the Homeless Council has a resource page here
• Charter Schools Serving Students Experiencing Homelessness During the COVID-19 Crisis Presentation

Educating Students in Foster Care

• The American Bar Association has this list of resources for foster children who are remote learning here.
• The Juvenile Law Center has published this report.
• The National Network to end Domestic Violence has created a resource page here.

Educating Students Who Speak Languages Other Than English and Refugee, Immigrant, and Undocumented Children

• This article in MS Magazine provides a good analysis of implications for immigrant populations.
• Immigrants Rising has published a detailed document to support undocumented populations here.
• The National Immigration Law Center has information about health care for immigrant populations here.
• One America for Justice for All has a page with resources related to immigration and COVID here.
• Ed Week has published some blogs regarding educating multilingual learners here.
• ColorinColorado has some resources for English Language Learners and specific issues related to immigrant children during COVID here.

Food Resources

• Memphis
• Nashville
• Chattanooga
• Knoxville
• Tennessee Department of Education resources:

1. School Nutrition: COVID-19 Guidance
2. Nutrition Frequently Asked Questions
3. Meal Pattern Flexibility Form
4. Nutrition Program Updates 
5. Area Eligibility Form

• The USDA announced flexibility for programs when schools close and announced a feeding program collaboration. 
• School Meal Finder
• Mid-South Food Bank: COVID-19 Response
• The Food Research and Action Center has a webpage with resources here.
• No Kid Hungry has resources here and is offering grants to continue feeding students as schools are closed.
• H.R. 6201 Families First Coronavirus Response Act provides funding for various related programs.
• Statewide: The state agency has received a waiver for non-congregate feeding if  schools are closed due to COVID-19, districts will operate the Seamless Summer Option for area eligible sites. If your district would like to utilize the waiver and operate SSO during closures due to COVID-19, please follow these steps;
• Reach out to Sandy Dawes, State Director of School Nutrition via email Sandy.Dawes [at] tn [dot] gov 
• Provide  the following information: Names of all schools you plan on providing meals; Type(s) of meal Programs that will be served (NSLP, NSB); Number of students you anticipate serving; What meal distribution method(s) you will be using for school closures due to COVID-19(remember this is for non-congregate feeding of SSO); Methods you will use to ensure proper operation of the program including meal content, meal counts, food safety, oversight, etc.; Methods of communication with families;
• Complete SSO application in TMAC:  Reach out to your regional consultant; Work with Randa Meade, Office Number (615)-532-0372, or email Randa.Meade [at] tn [dot] gov

TCSC will continue to update this page as additional resources and updates are made available. Please submit additional information to Joshua Perkins at joshua [at] tnchartercenter [dot] org using the subject: Additional Resources for COViD-19 Webpage.

Thank you, 

The TCSC Team