Superintendent Chronicle

One of the most significant measures approved during the special called board meeting in July was the adoption of an updated budget. Thanks to the incredible teamwork of our school board members and your central office executive teams, we will be able to provide holiday bonuses to JMCSS teachers and support staff! These bonuses are meant to provide uplift during a most uncommon and challenging time. We love our teachers and we want you to know it. This is what a winning culture is all about.

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I am continually inspired by the passion and concern this community has for our young people. That passion can sometimes lead to disagreements on how this district will handle the re-entry of our students into our schools during this pandemic. I took a moment on Sunday to address a series of letters my office has received from Mr. Harold Carter and the local branch of the NAACP. I'm determined to serve and work with the community. As a result, I will continue to emphasize to all that we are building trust through transparency, just call or come see me to avoid breakdowns in communication and print. I’m including a copy of my memo here for your review.

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We knew the decisions of elected officials, both state and local, could impact some of the facets of our Continuous Learning Plan. That’s exactly what happened on Friday, July 31, as Governor Lee made an amendment to his July 3rd Executive Order. Executive Order 55 calls for school districts across the state to implement policies requiring the use of face coverings. JMCSS will comply with Governor Lee’s order. We understand that this is an effort to combat the rising cases of COVID-19 that is happening in our region; we support that effort. JMCSS will require the use of face coverings by teachers, students, and support staff while on campus. This requirement will continue to extend to our school bus riders as well. Contact your school's office directly to communicate any pre-existing health issues that would impact your child's ability to wear a face covering.

Click here to read the full executive order.

The Governor’s recent amendment may cause some parents to rethink options, therefore, we are extending the deadline to register for virtual options through Wed, August 5th. Sign up today today. Thank you for your understanding and your patience.

Sign up for virtual options here through Wednesday, August 5.

We are proud of the commitment JMCSS teachers have shown in the middle of these unprecedented times. Lincoln Elementary School teachers Steve Webster and Rachel Clark are great examples of what educators can accomplish when their passion for teaching is paired with the latest technology in our district. As a result, learning has continued at Lincoln all summer long through the power of virtual learning. #OurTeachersRock Check out the Lincoln video produced by our Chief of Staff and Public Information guru Greg Hammond.

The job of increasing options and opportunities for all JMCSS students, teachers, and families is a big task. Thankfully our community is blessed with caring professionals who also desire to see JMCSS win. Here are just a few examples. I had a great lunch meeting with Boys & Girls Club executive director, Sabrina Anderson. We will have a great partnership that is growing for the benefit of our employees and their children. I am begging her to provide childcare for teachers/staff during the 2-week in-service training. Another caring professional on the JMCSS team is Jason Moore with the Emergency Management Operations Center. This guy is extremely resourceful and is willing to help JMCSS in any way as we tackle this COVID-19 pandemic. And our final spotlight is for a supporter who has a heart for JMCSS. Mandy Jackson, a representative from State Farm, who was also a 20-year veteran teacher, collected school supplies for teachers as an appreciation gift for the start of the school year. This is just one of State Farm’s Community Service Projects that will benefit JMCSS students! See photos below.

Take a look at our FAQ page updates concerning questions related to the Re-Entry Phase of our New Normal Initiative: https://jmcss.org/domain/1476

Email: news@jmcss.org
Website: www.jmcss.org
Location: 310 North Parkway, Jackson, TN, USA
Phone: 731-664-2500
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JacksonMadisonCountySchools/
Twitter: @JMCSchools

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