COVID-19 Closure Update

Hamilton County Schools launched the School Reopening Task Force to plan for the safe reopening of schools for the 2020-2021 school year on August 12. The task force, which includes parents, students, community leaders, health professionals, teachers, school administrators, and district leaders, will meet regularly over the summer to plan for the safe return to school.

The Task Force has been working diligently to determine the best plan for reopening schools, and has completed the HCS Reentry and Continuous Learning Plan.

We have compiled a list of HCS School Reopening FAQs and answered them for our families and staff. This is a living document that will be continuously updated.

We've also created an email inbox specifically for questions related to our HCS Reopening plans. If you have a question, please send it to reopening@hcde.org and someone from our team will be happy to help you!

Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Student Safety

Hamilton County Schools has the health and safety of children as our top priority, and we work daily with the top health professionals in the field to make sure we are following recommended procedures regarding the coronavirus in our schools. The district works with the local Health Department, the Tennessee Department of Health, and the CDC to remain alert to the latest information to keep our children and staff healthy.

Who to Notify if a Student is Showing COVID-19 Symptoms

According to new guidance, if a student is showing COVID-19 symptoms please alert your healthcare provider and the Hamilton County Health Department. The appropriate time to contact the school is after a student has tested positive for COVID-19.

District Leadership 

The district’s Leadership Team meets each day to monitor the latest coronavirus updates and plan for future scenarios and responses from the school district. This site will provide you with an update on precautionary steps we are taking in Hamilton County Schools in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19.)

Health Experts Suggestions

Health officials recommend everyday preventative actions to help halt the spread of respiratory diseases. The school district is reinforcing these measures at school, and we know you are helping us with this at home.

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick. This means maintain a distance of at least six (6) feet.
  • Do not gather in groups of 10 or more.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Stay home when you or your child are sick. A fever must be absent for 24-hours with no fever-reducing medication before returning to school.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. If you don’t have a tissue, use your elbow and not your hands to cover the sneeze or cough.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

Do your part to keep everyone SAFE!

Together, we can protect the health and safety of HCS students and staff, and slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community. Please help use keep our schools SAFE by taking the Hamilton County Schools Pledge and committing to the following healthy behaviors:

Do your part to keep everyone SAFE!

The district will continue to monitor the situation and adhere to the direction of our professional health partners.   

For regional updates on COVID-19:

Up-To-Date Information: The most up-to-date information and guidance can be found via the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Coronavirus Disease 2019 website: HERE. The Coronavirus Task Force holds frequent national briefings which can be viewed live: HERE. You are also encouraged to follow HHS, CDC, and other agency social media channels for up-to-date information.