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Metro Schools offering help for high school seniors during COVID-19 pandemic

Posted at 5:54 AM, Mar 27, 2020
and last updated 2020-03-27 07:01:04-04

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Metro Nashville Public Schools are staying closed through most of April due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and that’s leaving some graduating seniors confused on how they will be able to finish high school.

Parents and teachers have had to get creative to continue educating students.

MNPS Director of Schools Dr. Adrienne Battle released an update Thursday night explaining how the next month or so will go for Nashville schools.

During this time, teachers are trying to come up with ways to connect with students virtually, despite the district being unable to take school fully-online.

The goal is to continue to prepare high school seniors for graduation and college. In order to do that, Metro Schools will have computers available for seniors who need them.

“These are for students who do not currently have access to a computer and will need technology in order to access credit recovery programs in order to remain on track to graduate this school year,” Battle said.

High school students can expect to get access to a computer starting Monday. Battle says more will be released about where students can go in the coming days.

Battle also announced that schools will be passing out printed paper materials at the district’s meal distribution sites. This allows those without access to a computer to be able to complete their work, as well.

Battle says this is to balance out the inequity throughout the system. She knows equity gaps aren’t new and they take time to fix. In the meantime, the goal is to make sure every student is prepared.

Meals are distributed every day at 15 schools around the city. Click here to see a full list.

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What is COVID-19 (a.k.a. the new coronavirus?)

According to the World Health Organization, coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases. Examples include the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV)and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans. COVID-19 stands for "Coronavirus disease 2019," which is when this strain of the coronavirus was discovered.

What are the symptoms?

The CDC says patients confirmed to have the 2019-nCoV reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness with:

  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Or at least two of the following symptoms:

  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Repeated shaking with chills
  • Muscle pain
  • Headache
  • Sore throat
  • New loss of taste or smell

At this time, the CDC believes symptoms could appear as soon as two days after exposure, or as long as 14 days.

Prevention

The CDC is recommending "common sense" measures such as:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.