FRANKLIN, Tenn. (WTVF) — Williamson County Schools is adjusting its grading policy due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Students will have the opportunity to improve their grades since it's been more than a month since they've been in school.
During an emergency meeting last week, the Tennessee Board of Education passed a rule that no high school students should receive a grade lower than the grade they earned in a class as of March 20, which was the day Gov. Bill Lee recommended all schools close.
However, Williamson County has adjusted its policy to include all grade levels that receive letter grades. The district said students will receive no final grade lower than what was earned as of March 6.
WCS closed on March 6 after the state’s first COVID-19 case was confirmed in the county.
Teachers will share information with students this week with opportunities to improve grades. The Williamson County Board of Education will meet virtually on Monday to adjust its policies based on the state board’s actions.
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COUNTY-BY-COUNTY CASES IN TENNESSEE
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.
