The Newton County School system knows students and their families will be gathering with people outside their households over the holiday break and has decided to combat the inevitable COVID-19 spike from that by going virtual for the first week students return to schools next year.
Newton County Schools will begin school in a virtual format with pre-developed assignments for the first four days of school, Jan. 5 through 8, 2021.
The regular in-person learning option will resume on Jan. 11. At that time current virtual students will participate as normal.
“We know that many students and their families will gather to celebrate during the holiday season and as a result, may come in close contact with or actually contract the COVID-19 virus. These extra few days of virtual-only learning will allow for exposure times to occur after the holidays and will minimize risk for students and faculty returning to school following the holiday break,” Superintendent Samantha Fuhrey said.
Schools will develop their instructional guidelines and procedures and notify parents of assignments and coursework required during the first four days of school in January. If technology is required, schools will work with parents to provide devices. Parents and guardians of in-person learners are welcome to pick-up free breakfast and lunch meals daily from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the nearest school. Virtual learners will continue to receive meals at their assigned bus route stops.
Fuhrey said there are no plans to revert to an all-virtual learning model for the second semester.
Parents with questions or concerns can contact their school administrator for additional details.
