Josh Peterson

With schools closed for COVID-19 pandemic, Manchester City Schools have worked hard to offer online resources for parents and children at home to continue learning.

Dr. Joey Vaughn, director of Manchester City Schools, joined the Thunder Radio Morning Show on Wednesday, March 25, and explained that it is important that, if possible, children continue learning at home during this downtime. He did say that the coursework  and exercises offered online is not mandatory, but is important for future development.

“We always want to keep their brain moving forward,” Vaughn said.

Vaughn also explained that the state 180-day education requirement has been waived by the state. This means that the days missed for COVID-19 closures will not have to be made up with extended school hours or a shortened summer. He added that school year will end at the end of may, as scheduled.

For parents who want to access the online learning tools from Manchester City Schools, they can click here.

Vaughn also encouraged parents to reach out to their schools or their teachers for more information and learning tools.

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced Tuesday that all public schools in Tennessee should remain closed through April 24 due to the COVID-19 virus.

Locally, Coffee County and Manchester City Schools have already been closed since March 16. Both districts announced Monday afternoon, March 23, that they would be closed through April 12. Now the governor’s announcement extends that closure even further.

“The Department of Education team will continue to work closely with our districts as they serve students and families during this time. We are committed to doing whatever we can to support our district leaders as they make the necessary decisions to ensure students can continue to access critical meal and other services, as well as receive high-quality academic instruction while they are out of school,” said Lee.

The US Department of Education announced Monday that it has approved Tennessee’s request to waive statewide testing this year.

“Following guidance from Governor Bill Lee, Manchester City Schools will remain closed through April 24. Our district will continue to reach out to our students and families to provide academic support,” said Manchester Director of Schools Dr. Joey Vaughn. “We are incredibly proud of the work taking place to meet the needs of our community.”
Coffee County Schools will also remain closed through April 24, per director Dr. Charles Lawson.

More information will be posted as it is available.