ATTENTION: SCHOOL STATUS UPDATE – SCHOOLS CLOSED – WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2024 - FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2024

Due to the ongoing disaster response efforts of the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene in our region, Washington County Schools will be CLOSED Monday, Sept. 30, through Friday, Oct. 4.

During the time schools are closed, we are committed to providing our students access to meals. A meal schedule with time and locations for pick up will be released by our school nutrition department soon.

In addition to the change in the status of schools for the upcoming week (9/30 - 10/4), the school calendar will be changed to reflect the following:

-Fall Break (continue as scheduled): Monday, October 7, 2024 - Friday, October 11, 2024.

-The regular school schedule will resume for all students and staff on MONDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2024. Note (this is a change in the 2024-2025 school calendar. The revised school calendar will be posted on the website soon.

Please take care of yourself and loved ones during this difficult time. Stay connected to our district website for updates associated with disaster relief efforts as well as general school announcements.

Jerry S. Boyd
Superintendent
Washington County Schools

Community Update: Transition of Services **Relocation of Resources**

This morning, a meeting was held with South Central community leadership and local leaders to discuss the ongoing situation. We are pleased to announce that Liberty Church will be taking over the distribution of materials currently located at South Central. **Service Transitions** In the coming days, the following services and resources will be relocated to Liberty Church: - Shower facilities - Meal services - All support services - Distribution of materials, including: - Water - Shoes, Clothing - Food - Cleaning supplies - Other essential items and resources **School Reopening** This transition will allow South Central school to prepare for reopening after fall break. Students are expected to return on October 14. **Addressing Rumors** We want to clarify that rumors regarding FEMA and Red Cross taking over or confiscating resources are unfounded and counterproductive. These organizations are not involved in the current transition process. **Resource Management** All resources currently at South Central will be transferred to Liberty Church. This transition will occur as water service begins to be restored in the area. We appreciate your patience and cooperation during this time. Please stay tuned for further updates as we work to serve our community.

Updates for Wednesday, October 2, 2024, regarding our recovery efforts and operations.

Good morning, South Central community. Updates for Wednesday, October 2, 2024, regarding our recovery efforts and operations: Electricity Great news! South Central now has electricity. Bright Ridge has informed us that they will be expanding their work, with crews operating on our side of the river today. I will have a water update sometime go out today!!! Directions to SC From Washington College to Snapp Bridge: 1. Travel down State Route 34 to Washington College Rd. 2. Turn onto Bailey's Bridge Rd. 3. Follow Bailey's Bridge Rd. to New Salem Church 4. Continue onto Snapp Bridge Rd. 5. Follow Snapp Bridge Rd. to 107 DCHS to Jackson Bridge: 1. Start at DCHS Turn right onto Route 34 2. Turn left onto Conklin Rd 3. Continue on Conklin til it turns into Jackson Bridge Rd 4. Follow Jackson Bridge Rd and turn right on 107. ## Community Support and Recovery Update **Volunteer Assistance Available** We are pleased to announce that volunteers have arrived and are ready to assist with house clean-up efforts. They are equipped with skid steers, chainsaws, and other tools. If you or someone you know in our zone requires these services, please contact me 423-833-1036 **School Reopening Target** South Central has set an ambitious goal to reopen by Oct 14th. This timeline aims to allow families to return to work and adults to participate in community cleanup efforts. **Community Meeting** The mayor has requested a community meeting to be held on Thursday, Oct 4 at 6 PM in the gym. We encourage all residents to attend this important gathering. **Ongoing Commitment** SC remains dedicated to supporting our community through this challenging time. We have been assured that additional resources will be made available upon request if needed. **Gratitude and Unity** We deeply appreciate your continued support and cooperation during these difficult circumstances. Together, we will overcome this disaster and rebuild our community stronger than ever.

The Washington County Health Department will be located at South Central Elementary School today.

The Health Department will be offering free vaccinations to those affected by hurricane Helene. Offering specifically hepatitis A, influenza, and tetanus vaccinations to those who are in need. The vaccine clinic will start at 11. Let me encourage those that aren’t current on these vaccines to take advantage of this service.

Washington County School-Age Childcare(SACC) will be available for all students currently enrolled in Washington County Schools.

Services will be offered at Jonesborough Elementary and Boones Creek Elementary on the following days: Friday, October 4, and Monday through Thursday, October 7-10, from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Breakfast, lunch, snacks, and drinks will be provided. To pre-register your child, please contact Hannah Woodward at 423-753-1100. To save time during sign-in, please pre-register your child if possible. However, walk-ins are welcome as long as space allows. Walk-ins will need to complete registration at drop-off before leaving their child.

OFFICIAL DONATION SITE FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY

Crossroads Christian Church, 1300 Suncrest Drive, Gray, TN, is now the sole drop-off site for donations. Items will be accepted 9 a.m. until 8 p.m., Monday through Sunday. Items currently needed include blankets, towels, water (gallons or bottles), hygiene products, diapers, and formula. ALL DONATIONS WILL REMAIN IN WASHINGTON COUNTY. Additional needs will be assessed in the coming days. Adhering to these guidelines will help ensure items are disseminated to our neighbors as quickly and efficiently as possible. Thank you, Washington County, for your outpouring of generosity.