The following letter was released by Gilmer School superintendent Shanna Downs yesterday:
Dear Gilmer County Schools Community,
Based on new information and serious concerns shared today by Governor Brian Kemp and the Georgia Department of Public Health in regard to coronavirus COVID-19 and its threat to our State and community, Gilmer County Schools and offices will be closed for one week from Monday, March 16, 2020 through Friday, March 20, 2020.
Our school district is committed to keeping our community informed about issues relating to the Coronavirus (COVID-19). There are no cases of COVID-19 at any Gilmer County school and currently there have been no reported cases of COVID-19 in Gilmer County. Our schools are not closing Friday, March 13, 2020, as we need to allow time for students and staff to retrieve needed materials and technology to be prepared for this closure. We will use Digital Learning Days during this closure for 6th-12th grade and paper learning packets for Kindergarten-5th grade to continue teaching and learning. Details and materials will be given to our students tomorrow Friday March 13th.
We know this closure will lead to hardships for many of our students and families. Plans are being finalized; however, our closing decision is being announced now so you can begin making plans for your family. The district will continually review conditions and publish updates. Should additional closures be necessary we will notify you as soon as possible.
-All Gilmer schools and offices will be closed Monday March 16- Friday March 20 with additional closures possible.
-All Gilmer County School activities including athletics and extra-curriculars, including Georgia High Schools Association (GHSA) events, are cancelled effective immediately.
-Our SAFE After School Program will be held on Friday, March 13, 2020.
-It is our understanding that SAT testing will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2020 as planned. This is not a local decision.
-During this closure, our custodians will use this time to deep clean our schools.
-Our School Nutrition department has applied with the State to provide meals in a similar manner to our “Seamless Summer” program.
We are committed to doing our best to serve your children in this challenging time.
Sincerely,
Dr. Shanna Downs
Superintendent of Gilmer County Schools
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The letter can be downloaded by clicking here: 2020-03-12 COVID-19 Closure.doc.pdf