With the beginning of the 2020-2021 academic school year less than four weeks away, Gilmer parents and students now have an idea of what to expect.
While the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic altered the traditional learning model at the end of last school year, Gilmer County Schools will resume classes as scheduled Aug. 3.
The news was delivered Monday in a system-wide email from superintendent Dr. Shanna Downs.
Downs thanked parents for their “patience, support and flexibility” and said, “As we look toward the upcoming school year, we believe that it is essential that we get our students back in our schools and we want to do this in the safest way possible.”
Students and parents will have two options to consider when deciding how to resume instruction for the new school year.
“While our current plans encourage face-to-face instruction, a virtual option will also be available,” Downs said. “We are asking parents to declare whether their children will attend either traditional or virtual school (Gilmer Virtual Academy) by July 17.”
Those who opt for virtual learning will do so for at least one full nine-week quarter. They will have access to teachers and will be eligible to participate in extracurricular activities.
Downs noted plans could change depending on the coronavirus situation in the coming weeks.
“As guidance is constantly changing, the Gilmer County School System is being mindful as we finalize plans for what in-school instruction will look like,” she said.
“Using guidance from the Georgia Department of Education, the CDC, Georgia Department of Public Health, as well as other state and local officials, our administrators and school leaders are actively engaged in working to open our schools safely and efficiently.”
Downs’ letter in its entirety can be found on page 4A.