Murfreesboro City Schools will continue with traditional classroom learning with an opt out option for students.

A choice distance learning parent agreement must be completed between November 30 and December 13 for parents to opt children out of the traditional school setting.  All parents choosing distance learning, including parents currently utilizing choice distance learning, must complete a new opt-out form located in Skyward Parent Portal – located at the top right corner of this website. Principal approval is required for all distance learning.

Unless the school district moves to another instruction plan, all students must remain in the instruction plan they start until the end of a nine-week grading period. With all models, students will be expected to receive 6.5 hours of instruction for 180 days.  Attendance will be taken, and grades will be given for work completed.

At any point during the academic year, MCS may switch instructional models based on the circumstances of the pandemic.

Parent Choice – Nov 30-Dec 13

On Monday and Tuesday, all students at MCS will move to asynchronous learning due to COVID related absences and quarantines. In-person learners will return to school on November 30.

The district is closing to allow time for some students and staff members to complete quarantines while taking this opportunity to deep clean our schools.

Our apologies for any inconvenience this may cause for parents and our students. However, at this time, asynchronous learning is the best option for Monday and Tuesday.

The school’s administration and your child’s teacher will follow-up with you regarding logistics concerning distance learning. Please look for additional information soon on Dojo. Attendance will be taken on both days.

ESP will also be open from 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday for students currently not on quarantine. Overall Creek ESP will remain closed until November 30.

Breakfast and lunch meals for both days can be picked up on Monday at the schools from 10:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

Murfreesboro City Schools will adjust 3 school days to distance learning for the 2020-21 school year.  The newly designated distance learning days will be brought before the Murfreesboro City School Board on November 10, 2020 for approval.  The days include Tuesday, November 24, Friday, February 5 and Friday, March 19.

These distance learning days are considered asynchronous days which means that instruction does not have to occur in the same place or at the same time.  This allows parents and students flexibility in the school day.

MCS welcomes Michael Smith as Finance Director. Smith will be responsible for supervising the budget and financial operations for the district.

Smith is a certified public accountant who previously served as an investigator and auditor for the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury. He received his Bachelor of Business Administration and Master of Accountancy from Middle Tennessee State University.

Murfreesboro City Schools (MCS) is pleased to be a part of the National Farm to School program.  October is celebrated as Farm to School Month recognizing and celebrating the connections happening across the country between students, families and schools.

The MCS Farm 2 School program has looked a bit different in 2020 but continues to include applied learning and STEM opportunities, raised bed gardening, hydroponics and greenhouses at school sites.

Three farmers and master gardeners, Cari Chestnut, Gabby Jones and Molly Royer, as well as the nutrition departments, work with the school gardens and towers to produce fresh vegetables for school cafeterias harvesting over 2,000 pounds of vegetables since January 2020.

“Our aim is to consistently acquire locally or regionally sourced foods for our cafeterias and make it the norm for our students to receive a variety of freshly harvested vegetables to develop healthy eating habits,” say Sandy Scheele, Supervisor of Nutrition.

In 2019, MCS was one of only two school districts in Tennessee to receive support through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm to School Program. MCS received a two-year implementation grant to enrich the connection students have with fresh, healthy food and allow students to experience the growing cycle of their food firsthand.

The MCS Farm 2 School team is comprised of Nutrition, Farmer Educators, Coordinated School Health, teachers and other stakeholders working together to expand and strengthen farm to school initiatives.

National Farm to School Month was designated by Congress in 2010, making this year’s campaign the 10th anniversary of National Farm to School Month celebrations. MCS officially began with the Farm 2 School program in 2014.

Murfreesboro City Schools will transition to the traditional classroom with an opt out option for all students beginning September 28.  This is a change from the current hybrid plan.

In this plan, all students will be in the traditional school setting with an option for choice distance learning.  A choice distance learning parent agreement must be completed between September 9 and September 18 for parents to opt children out of the traditional school setting.  (All parents choosing distance learning, including parents currently utilizing choice distance learning, must complete a new opt-out form located in Skyward Parent Portal.)

Grades Pre-k through 6

• All students will transition to the traditional classroom setting beginning September 28.
  • Parents have the option of choosing the choice distance learning model for their student(s). A Choice Distance Learning Agreement must be completed by parent/guardian in Skyward by September 18.
• Bus routes will be offered for all students who attend the traditional school setting. However, parents are encouraged to provide car transportation.
• ESP is available for all students who attend the traditional school setting.
• All safety protocols previously outlined in the traditional school setting will remain in place.

Classroom Overview

• Physical distancing will be encouraged
• Students will be contained to one classroom/hallway when possible
• Students will have their own school supplies and manipulatives
• Student desks/tables will be arranged to promote social distancing
• Water fountains will be used to fill cups or bottles only
• Cleaning protocols will be implemented throughout the day
• Students and staff members wearing masks is required

Other:

Unless the school district moves to another instruction plan, all students must remain in the instruction plan they start until the end of a nine-week grading period.

With all models, students will be expected to receive 6.5 hours of instruction for 180 days.  Attendance will be taken, and grades will be given for work completed.

At any point during the academic year, MCS may switch instructional models based on the circumstances of the pandemic.

Quick Tips to Completing Distance Learning Agreement in Parent Portal

Transition to Traditional

When does school begin?
August 10 is the first half day of school for first through sixth grade. Phase in kindergarten begins on August 11. Please see the complete calendar on the website.

Distance Learning

Will my child be assigned a teacher from my school as a homeroom teacher for Distance Learning? Yes

What type device do I need to have for my child to do Distance Learning? First and foremost, you will need to have a dependable internet/Wi-Fi connection. Your child will need access to a laptop, desktop, or Chromebook with full browser capabilities. This includes access to Firefox or Google Chrome. The list of requirements for laptops/computers can be found on the Parent Technology Resources Home Access Sheet on the MCS website. (Download the Parent Technology Resources Home Access Sheet)

Are laptops available for loan? MCS does not currently have the technology resources to provide every student with a laptop. We ask parents who have access to a laptop or desktop to please provide a device for your child. However, a set number of computers will be loaned to students until our resources are depleted on a priority basis. The Laptops on Loan application deadline has been extended to Saturday, August 1 for all students utilizing Distance Learning. (3rd – 6th grade students will be given a higher priority rating.) Parents will be notified by Tuesday, August 4.

What is a typical day for Distance Learning?
Just like the traditional classroom setting, the Distance Learning classroom will vary by grade level and will consist of real-time learning with the teacher as well as teacher assigned activities for the student. This is a similar schedule as students in traditional classroom will follow.

For instance, a third-grade distance learning class would look comparable to the following:
15-minute morning group meeting
60-minutes of English Language Arts
This will be online with the teacher as well as in breakout sessions in Google classroom.
15-minute break
60-minutes of Math with interactive student activities
30-minute lunch break
30-minutes of Science/Social Studies
15-minute break
30-minutes of small group breakout sessions
45-minutes special areas like music, art and physical education
There will also be recess time and afternoon individualized computer assistance learning like iReady and Lexia.

Will there be any technical help?
Yes, a dedicated line will be manned at schools for the first hour of each school day. This will help parents and students with questions about logging onto Zoom, Google Classroom and other platforms.

Are there exceptions?
Parents of 3rd through 6th grade students who need to enroll their child in the traditional school setting due to lack of childcare or internet access, must sign the enrollment form located on our website or at your school. This form must be returned to your school principal by Monday, August 3.

Traditional Classroom

Will students be required to wear masks all day? Students and staff are required to wear masks during the school day. There are masks free zones in the classroom and in the building with social distance guidelines in place. Breaks and recess may be taken outside to allow additional masks free areas.

Will the supply list change? No, the supply list remains the same.

Will attendance be taken? Attendance will be taken, and grades will be given for work completed.

Once the school year begins, and unless the school district moves to another instruction plan, all students must remain in the instruction plan they start until the end of a nine-week grading period. At any point during the academic year, MCS may switch instructional models based on the circumstances of the pandemic.

Additional information regarding the Back to School Plan will be available Wednesday, July 29 after 2 p.m. Please continue to check for updated information on this website.

In response to ongoing monitoring of the COVID-19 numbers, Murfreesboro City Schools will open the 2020-2021 school year on August 10th with Plan 2: Hybrid Instruction. This is a change from our original opening plan.

In this plan, Pre-k through 2nd grade students will begin in the traditional school setting while 3rd through 6th grade students will utilize the distance learning model.

Grades Pre-k through 2

· Students in grades pre-k through 2nd will begin the school year in the traditional classroom setting.
· Parents have the option of choosing the choice distance learning model for their Pre-k – 2nd grade student(s). A Choice Distance Learning Agreement must be returned to the school by July 31.
Download the Distance Learning Agreement
Download the Distance Learning Agreement (Spanish)
Download the Distance Learning Agreement (Arabic)
· Bus routes will be offered for kindergarten through 2nd grade students who attend the traditional school setting.
· ESP is available for pre-k through 2nd grade.
· All safety protocols previously outlined in the traditional school setting will remain in place.

Grades 3 through 6

· Students in grades 3 through 6, will begin the school year with distance learning.
· If a 3rd through 6th grade child needs childcare due to their guardians’ work schedule and/or does not have internet access, they may choose to opt-in to the traditional school setting.
· 3rd through 6th grade siblings of kindergarten through 2nd grade students will be able to ride the bus if they plan to attend the traditional school setting because of lack of childcare and/or internet access.
· Parents with students in grades 3 through 6 who opt-in to the traditional school setting, and do not have a sibling in grades K through 2, must provide transportation to and from school.
· If a student needs to arrive at the school before the school day begins and/or stay after the school day ends, ESP is available.

· Parents of 3rd through 6th grade students who need to enroll their child in the traditional school setting because of the reasons noted above, must sign the enrollment form located on our website or at your school. Return this form to your school principal by Monday, August 3.
(Download the Hybrid Enrollment Exemption Form)
(Download the Hybrid Enrollment Exemption Form in Spanish)

Other:

Once the school year begins, and unless the school district moves to another instruction plan, all students must remain in the instruction plan they start until the end of a nine-week grading period.

Special transportation will be provided to students in accordance with a student’s IEP.

With all models, students will be expected to receive 6.5 hours of instruction for 180 days. Attendance will be taken, and grades will be given for work completed.

Students who spend the majority of their day in the Comprehensive Developmental Classroom (CDC) or have special education requirements will have the opportunity to start in the traditional school setting.

At any point during the academic year, MCS may switch instructional models based on the circumstances of the pandemic. Please know that there is no playbook for a pandemic, and we ask parents and the community-at-large to be patient and flexible as we make uncharted decisions.

A few of the many steps being taken when school opens for traditional classes include:
· Temperature checks of students and staff daily
· Frequent handwashing/sanitizing required
· Physical distancing will be encouraged
· Students will be contained to one classroom/hallway when possible
· Students will have their own school supplies and manipulatives
· Student desks/tables will be arranged to promote social distancing
· Teachers will wear masks/face shield when 6’ social distancing is not an option
· Water fountains will be utilized for filling water bottles or cups, no direct drinking
· Strict cleaning protocols will be implemented throughout the day
· Students will wear masks with a few exceptions

Distance learning will include 6½ hours of instruction delivered live via Zoom and other on-line platforms and hard copy instruction during the traditional school day.

Return to School Guidelines 20-21 updated September 3

Murfreesboro City Schools (MCS) is pleased to offer Choice Distance Learning as options for our students and parents. The signed Choice Distance Learning parent agreement should be returned to your child’s school by July 31. Parents may download and print the document or pick up a paper copy of the agreement from your child’s school beginning July 20. The document must be signed and can be returned via mail, email or drop off at the school.

Choice Distance Learning –
Parents may choose for their child to attend full day classes at home utilizing the choice distance learning option. ­

This option will include 6½ hours of instruction delivered via Zoom, other on-line platforms and hard copy instruction.

Parents may reconsider schooling options at the end of a 9-week grading period. Parents should notify school two weeks prior to the end of the 9-week grading period if they wish to change to Traditional School instruction.

Choice Distance Learning students should have daily access to:
High speed internet connection.
Laptop or desktop computer access by parents/guardians.
(Exceptions may be made for students with significant health conditions with relevant documentation.)

Please note:
· Students must stay in good standing with school in regard to absences and completion of assigned classwork.
· Students not following school policies will be reviewed for possible return to the traditional school day.
· Students will adhere to the schedule outlined in the Choice Distance Learning day.
· ESP is not available for students utilizing Choice Distance Learning

Overview of Choice Distance Learning Day:
School days will begin based on the school bell time.

15-minute Morning Meeting
1 hour of English Language Arts; followed by a 15-minute break
1 hour of Math; followed by a 15-minute break
1 hour of Social Studies and/or Science
30 minutes for lunch
45 minutes for Special Area; followed by a 15-minute break
45 minutes of computer assistant learning (Lexia, I-Ready)
1 hour teacher led small groups

Download the Distance Learning Agreement
Download the Distance Learning Agreement (Spanish)
Download the Distance Learning Agreement (Arabic)

Will your device work? Please see the Parent Technology Resources Home Access Sheet for guidance.

Choice Distance Learning Technology Information

What type of laptop or tablet does my child need?

Your child will need access to a laptop, desktop, or Chromebook with full browser capabilities. This includes access to Firefox or Google Chrome. Unfortunately, we have discovered that iPads may not be compatible with some apps. To check to see if you have a compatible device, please visit the Parent Technology Resource Home Access Sheet on our website.

Murfreesboro City Schools uses a Google Chromebook 3100 Education with 16 GB.

Chromebook recommended minimum specifications:

• Processor: Intel Celeron N4020 (Dual Core, up to 2.8GHz, 4M Cache, 6W) 1USB Type-C, 1 USB 3.1
• Display: 11.6″ HD (1366 x 768) Anti-Glare Non-Touch, Camera & Microphone, WLAN Capable
• Memory: 4GB 2400MHz LPDDR4 Non-ECC
• Hard Drive (Storage): 16GB eMMC Hard Drive

___

Will MCS be providing a laptop for my child?

MCS does not currently have the technology resources to provide every student with a laptop. We ask parents who choose Choice Distance Learning and have access to a laptop or desktop to please provide a device for your child. However, a set number of computers have been loaned to students and our resources are now depleted.

Thank you for your interest in the Murfreesboro City Schools Preschool Program.

The MCS Pre-K program is funded by a grant for low income or at-risk children. We serve four-year old children who are zoned for a city school. Your child must be 4, but not yet 5, years old on August 15^th, 2020.

UPDATED to begin April 13, 2020

Due to COVID19, Pre-K Registration procedures have changed. Please read the requirements of the program and follow the instructions below to submit an application.

• • Children must be 4 years old by August 15, 2020.
• • Children must live within the Murfreesboro city limits.
• • Eligibility and tentative placements will be determined following the completion of the application process. You will receive a letter on or before July 15^th letting you know about your child’s acceptance. 
• • If you have specific concerns or questions, you may email preschool@cityschools.net.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLYING FOR PRE-K

The Application should be filled out completely and attach the following documentation.

• • Proof of income – might include current pay stubs, W2, or a 2019 tax return, and public assistance verification like SNAP. Please submit a W-2, 2019 tax return, or current pay stubs to expedite the processing of your application and ensure determination of eligibility for all Preschool Programs including partnership slots with CDI – Head Start serving Mid-Cumberland.
• • Proof of your address.  The only documentation that will be accepted is copy of an electric, water, or gas bill or lease with the parent’s name and the service address on it. These bills may be no more than 60 days old.
• • Copy of Official Birth Certificate.

If you have concerns mailing the documentation due to the confidential nature of these items, you may submit only the application at this time. Our preschool staff will contact you at a later date to obtain the documents. Eligibility cannot be determined until all documentation is submitted.

Mail the application and/or documents to:

Murfreesboro City Schools
Attn: Preschool
2552 South Church Street
Murfreesboro, TN 37127

Preschool staff will contact you for any additional information needed via phone or email. If your address, phone number, or email changes, please send the updated information to preschool@cityschools.net.
______________________________________________________________________________________________

Our preschool classrooms will be located in several schools for the 2020-2021 school year. The school locations for the preschool classrooms will be based on the space available. We will continue to offer classrooms at our off-site location at Mercury Court. Children who reside within the Murfreesboro city limits and meet the eligibility requirements, regardless of your child’s zoned school, may be placed in a classroom based on location, zones, and proximity as long as space is available.

***Please follow the instructions for applying and guidelines for documentation carefully so that your application may be considered as complete.

If after reading the information on submitting an application, you have further questions you may email preschool@cityschools.net or call 615-904-1015.

Applications can be picked up outside any MCS school location in a crate titled Pre-K Applications after April 13 or simply download and complete both application forms below. Forms should be mailed to Murfreesboro City Schools at the address provided at the top of this page.

Additional details will be added soon.

Did You Know?

Every child in Tennessee, birth to age five, is eligible to receive high-quality, age appropriate books in the mail monthly at no cost to families. Enroll in the Governor’s Books from Birth Foundation, a partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and United Way of Rutherford & Cannon Counties.

Enroll Now for Free Books

****  Integrated Preschool is separate from PreK. This information is not intended for the Integrated Preschool Classroom. For further information regarding the Integrated Preschool contact the Special Education Department.

Email: Integrated.Preschool@cityschools.net