I felt it coming, but it was still a shock when our schools announced a two-week closure (three weeks with spring break). My classroom is moving online. Tomorrow, all of us will begin the process of filling our Google Classrooms with instruction, practice, and interactive tools to supplement the time missing from the classroom. Teacher in-service promises to be busy with a different kind of teaching in mind. Many of us are excited about this challenge and looking forward to giving our students great options for digital learning. My wife and I have already spoken about teaching each other’s kids by creating instructional videos. This will be fun. Plans are being put into place for students without the internet and in our free/reduced lunch programs. All those details haven’t been fully worked out, but they are ongoing with love for our students in mind. Our SCHOOL WEBSITE will have relevant information as we work toward having something in place beginning Monday, March 16th.
I am also looking forward to having a little more time to help from a City of Ringgold perspective. Ensuring our emergency personnel are supported has moved to the top of our priority list. We are also thinking about things from a long term economic perspective. I have high hopes in that regard, but a cautious outlook would be wise. Our council will be discussing how to best prepare by analyzing potential revenue changes and addressing our budget accordingly. Projects such as additional sidewalks, dog parks, and capital improvements may need to be delayed while monitor the situation as it unfolds.
Personally, I will be doing my best to be available to you and our city personnel as much as possible. My phone number is 423-653-7446. Addressing your concerns and questions about city or school issues will be my main focus throughout this process. I am thankful for our school superintendent and staff, experienced city/county leaders, and especially our parents who are suddenly shouldering a much different challenge. The goal is social distancing, so let’s slow this virus down together…..by not getting together. Stay safe Ringgold.
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