CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – As Montgomery County schools remain closed due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, many teachers continue to support their students from home.

Clarksville-Montgomery County School System (CMCSS) closed March 13 to protect students and slow the spread of COVID-19. After initially planning a two week hiatus, CMCSS has extended to a seven-week closure, reopening on May 1. Clarksville Academy has also extended their closure, with current plans to reopen on April 24.

Such a lengthy break can be difficult for students, especially when guidelines from officials have temporarily closed entertainment venues, requiring residents stay home.

Teachers have taken to the internet with videos, providing creative resources, and holding Zoom conferences in an effort to support their students.

One such teacher is Mrs. Teri Summers, a science teacher at Rossview Middle School. Mrs. Summers’ classes planted seeds in January to watch the growing process. Realizing that the plants would not fare well unattended, she has been caring for her students projects at home and posting updates via Facebook

Summers has also taken to holding conference calls with students via Zoom. She admits that she is not the most tech savvy of teachers. She attended an online in-service hosted through APSU in order to learn Zoom, but said the extra work is worth it to help her students.

Students can join the call to see friends, talk and show off their pets and projects at home. The digital meetings allow students to communicate with friends while also providing a sense of normalcy in a very abnormal time.

“It’s kind of nice for them to be able to hear each other. They miss school. They miss their friends,” said Summers. “I wanted them to hear a voice that they know has their back.”

According to Summers, the first meeting had approximately 19 students. She now has nearly 30 students taking part in the meetings.

The students aren’t the only ones ready to get back to class. Summers said she cannot wait to get back to work.

“I’m almost going through withdrawal symptoms right now. I am hopelessly addicted to my profession,” said Summers.

Summers is not the only teacher going the extra mile for CMCSS students. According to the school system, teachers across the county are doing what they can to support students and ensure they are ready when school doors reopen. According to Summers, Rossview staff members have helped provide her with supplies for the plants, and one parent even sent her plant containers.

“This has been a group effort, and I work with some of the greatest people on Earth,” said Summers.

“Our teachers are the best,” said CMCSS Chief Communications Officer Elise Shelton. “They miss their students and want to keep them connected.” The school system has provided both online and printed educational resources to serve all students.

See all of the school’s online resources here.

Parents and guardians can find CMCSS information via their website and on their Facebook page.