Metro Schools to begin phase-in schedule for in-person learning Feb. 4

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Metro Nashville Public Schools Director Adrienne Battle announced a phase-in schedule for students to return to in-person learning on Monday afternoon. The district also discussed the additional safety protocols and measures being put in place amid the pandemic.

Below is a breakdown of the return dates for MNPS students. This return applies to only the parents and students who selected in-person instruction earlier in the school year. Students whose families chose to remain virtual for this school year in Sept. and Dec. will continue to do.

• February 4: Students with special needs who attend Genesis Academy and High Roads School of Nashville, which are contracted special-day schools
• Tuesday, February 9: Grades Pre-K to 4 and students with exceptional needs

• Thursday, February 18: Grades 5 and 9, transition grades for Middle and High
• Thursday, February 25: Grades 6, 7, and 8
• Wednesday, March 3: Grades 10, 11 and 12

The decision survey is closed and students will report based on those previous decisions.

The day before each grade returns, there will be no live instruction so that teachers and staff can have time to prepare to welcome students back to buildings. It will be an asynchronous day for those grade levels. For example, Monday, Feb. 8, will be an asynchronous day for all students in Pre-K to 4th grades as teachers prepare to welcome students in those grades back on Tuesday, Feb. 9.

“This would not be possible without our teachers and staff who have worked tirelessly to provide both academic and social-emotional supports to our students,” said Dr. Battle. “I hope the Nashville community will join me in thanking them for their service.”

“We are committed to the success of our virtual learners, just as we are for those who chose in-person learning,” said Dr. Battle in a press release. “We will continue to provide them with both academic and social-emotional supports so they can continue to progress academically while learning remotely.”

Dr. Battle, Mayor Cooper and Dr. James Hildreth from Meharry Medical College all stressed the importance of community and personal responsibility, saying the return to in-person learning is only possible because of a reduction in COVID-19 community spread.

"Please don't put us in a position to pause this phase-in of students. Don't put us in a position to have to pull back and go to all virtual learning again. We want our students back in the classroom, but if we see numbers spike up to the levels they did back in December, that may not be possible," said Dr. battle during the announcement.

Metro Schools’ virtual help centers will remain open, and the district will continue to offer no-cost, grab-and-go breakfasts and lunches for students learning virtually. As middle and high school students phase back into the classroom, however, meal delivery will be suspended, because our drivers will be transporting students.

The district’s COVID-19 risk score – which measures community spread of the virus to determine when it’s safe to return to in-person learning – dropped below seven on Friday. The district said if the score remained below 7 throughout the weekend, Dr. Battle would announce a phase-in schedule to start bringing students back into the classroom for those who prefer that option.

According to the district, the score is calculated using three metrics: the 7-day average positivity rate weighted at 20%, the 7-day average of new cases per 100,000 residents weighted at 60%, and the transmission rate weighted at 20%. The score as of this morning is at 6.7 out of 10.

As students begin phasing back into the classroom, the district said it will be “increasing safety measures through a partnership with Meharry Medical College that will include COVID testing of students and staff who choose to participate, as well as greater compliance monitoring to support staff and provide further guidance to schools and the district on measures that can be taken to improve safety.”