Re-opening Update - September 1, 2020

PRESS RELEASE

September 1, 2020

The McDuffie County School System has been actively monitoring public health data as well as guidance from the Centers for Disease Control, the Georgia Department of Public Health and the Georgia Department of Education.  As indicated in previous communications, the instructional models presented earlier were contingent upon public health data at the time.

As of August 31^st, McDuffie County is considered to have moderate spread: 517 cases with 78 cases confirmed in the last two weeks.

Based on the current public health data and on the advice of medical professionals, the McDuffie County School System will enact a blended model for all face-to-face students beginning September 8, 2020.  Coupled with the Learn from Home model, the blended schedule will ensure the ability for proper social distancing and to reduce the population in classrooms, in hallways, and in common areas.  The system plans to remain in this blended model for face-to-face students until October 5, 2020. However, should changes be necessary, plans will be communicated as soon as possible.

BLENDED MODEL FOR FACE-TO-FACE STUDENTS

Students who opted for the face-to-face instructional model will attend school two days per week and will engage in virtual learning three days per week through October 5, 2020.  Students will be divided into two groups based on their last name. The chart below illustrates the schedule.

Students in Group A (last names beginning with the letters A-J) will attend school in a face-to-face fashion on Monday and Tuesday of each week.  On Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday students will complete virtual learning activities provided by the teacher. These activities will be a follow-up to the face-to-face lessons and may include web-based or written materials.

Students in Group B (last names beginning with the letters K-Z) will attend school in a face-to-face manner on Wednesday and Thursday.  On Monday, Tuesday, and Friday students will complete virtual learning activities provided by the teacher. These activities will be a follow-up to the face-to-face lessons and may include web-based or written materials.

MASKS / FACE COVERINGS REQUIRED

All students, employees, and visitors will be required to wear masks or face coverings when entering and exiting buildings, in transitions, on system buses / vehicles, and in areas where social distancing is not possible.

LEARN FROM HOME MODEL FOR VIRTUAL STUDENTS

Students who opted for the Learn from Home virtual instructional model will engage in virtual learning five days per week through October 5, 2020.  Students registered for the Learn from Home model committed to a minimum of one nine weeks (ending October 5, 2020) for grades PK-8 and for one semester (ending December 16, 2020) for grades 9-12.  These pupils will continue to engage in virtual learning Monday-Friday until the conclusion of their commitment.

Lessons will continue to be streamed live and will also be recorded for those students who are unable to participate in the live sessions. 

INSTRUCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES / ATTENDANCE

Students in both instructional models are expected to continue to participate in instruction. Students who are submitting weekly assignments will be counted present; failure to submit any work for the week or to participate in any live class sessions will result in a student’s being marked as absent in the official student record. Grades and attendance will be posted in the PowerSchool Parent Portal as usual.

Tip sheets and videos for technology support are located on the Learn from Home page of the system website (www.mcduffie.k12.ga.us).  In addition, each school has designated an individual to assist families with technology-related issues.  These email addresses are also found on the Learn from Home page.

WI-FI/INTERNET ACCESS

As indicated in the Return to School Plan for the district, the system has established multiple Wi-Fi access points throughout the county for students. The Wi-Fi access points will be within system vehicles and parked in the following locations. 

SCHOOL SYSTEM VEHICLE WI-FI ACCESS POINTS

Based on usage, there is a morning and afternoon schedule to provide more flexibility for our families and greater access for our students. Access points will be available beginning Tuesday, September 8, 2020.

Monday-Thursday