Dr. Kevin Ward: Carter County Schools to hold meeting Tuesday; words of hope for seniors
Published 6:17 pm Friday, April 17, 2020
- Dr. Kevin Ward
Plans are underway for Carter County Schools following the announcement from Governor Lee on April 15 that all Tennessee schools will remain closed for the rest of this academic school year.
According to Dr. Kevin Ward, Director of Carter County Schools, a meeting will be taking place on Tuesday to discuss updates to finish out the school year.
“What we are working on is being consistent with how we do this,” he said.
According to Ward, there are a variety of aspects to discuss, such as packets. At the meeting, discussions to maintain this consistency will be taking place. He said parents and students will be aware of these decisions after the meeting.
“We have to understand how much information we’ve got in these packets, and if we have enough to make through,” he explained. “But if this packet is going to be short, there will possibly be another packet.”
In the meantime, Ward encourages students to continue working on these packets.
“It will help them and prepare them as they move into the next academic school year,” he said.
In preparation for the next school year, meetings through phone calls and ZOOM are currently taking place to continue planning as normal.
“Right now with an understanding, we are working with principals, planning next year’s rosters and schedules,” he said. “The supervisor of counselors is working to do some sort of online freshman orientation. Everything we would be doing in terms of planning towards opening in August, we are doing so through ZOOM, telephone calls and conferences.”
Ward said Terry Hubbard, Director of Special Education, has been working with counselors to make these plans. Diana Bowers, Director of K-12 Curriculum, has also been having ZOOM meetings with teachers to discuss student contact logs.
In addition to plans and meetings, the current plans for meals will continue through May. These will be available for pickup at the five sites on Monday and Wednesday each week from 12-1 p.m.
Ward said he is planning to discuss a way to honor seniors once things are deemed safe as well. This discussion will likely begin in early May.
“We will look at some way to afford our seniors the opportunity and privilege they deserve to graduate,” he said.
Ward expressed sadness for seniors missing out on various activities this year. He also said he didn’t know of any generation where seniors had missed out on their graduation like this.
“I know it’s been hard,” he said. “It’s been hard for everyone. Our lives have changed. Hopefully we are getting to the tail end of this.”
To stay up to date on Carter County Schools, you can go to www.carterk12.net, check out their social media pages, or call 423-547-4000.
