Shelby County Schools released its initial fall semester re-entry plan for students on Monday. Parents now have the next two weeks, or until July 18, to choose between classroom instruction or virtual learning from home.
The school district wants a semester-long commitment from parents so it can staff appropriately when the school year is slated to begin August 31, pending School Board approval.
In one school district recent survey, about 70 percent of parents expressed at least some confidence in the online option. The district will provide all students with a digital device, including a mobile hotspot for those without internet access to help ensure that students have the option to stay home.
A return to the classroom, however, comes with new guidelines. Both students and teachers will be wearing facial coverings during some, if not all of the school day.
To create options for social distancing, schools may transform outdoor areas, cafeterias and gymnasiums into teaching areas. District spokesperson Jerica Phillips says even with fewer students in the building, keeping a foot six-foot distance is not feasible everywhere.
“It’s to the extent possible, which is what the [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] is asking,” she says. “They know that it’s going to be very difficult for schools when they do return, especially if you do have a large number of students who choose in-person at certain schools.”
Schools will not provide COVID-19 testing, but will have screening procedures like temperature checks for everyone entering buildings.
Phillips says the health department is still developing guidance should an outbreak occur in a school.
“They’ve indicated they’ll be sharing more protocols around how you shut down one particular building or two or classroom based on any COVID-19 positive tests,” she says.
An outbreak could potentially shutter a building for several weeks, at which point, students would shift to online learning.
The district will offer additional lessons over some weekends and breaks to help students catch up who may miss out on learning time.
