Gilmer County superintendent Dr. Shanna Downs gave some insight into plans for reopening schools this fall.
Georgia public schools closed March 13 because of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, and Downs addressed the situation at last Monday’s board of education work session.
“Our district, along with the world, is grappling with an issue of enormous scale and human impact and our hearts go out to those who have been affected by the outbreak of COVID-19,” she said.
“We believe it’s our role and responsibility during this time to prioritize two things: the health and well being of our students and staff while continuing to provide a quality education to our students. Through that lens, we’ll continue to make decisions with vigilance and courage informed with the latest information from our community and state officials, but guided by our strategic plan, mission and values.”
Georgia’s educational and public health leaders released guidance on June 1 that gave three paths for returning to classrooms and were based on the level of which coronavirus has spread in a community.
Depending on where each school system falls determines which guidance they should consider. The guidelines released were not edicts and were crafted with flexibility and responsiveness in mind as the situation continues to evolve.
The school system sent a survey to parents in June to gain feedback related to distance learning techniques used this past spring, as well as plans to return for the upcoming school year.
Additionally, a safety team meeting was held Thursday, June 18 and included members of the community, the department of public health and emergency management to discuss the return for a new school year.
“Many procedures and protocols were discussed in relation to reopening,” Downs said. “The information we’re getting is still changing day by day by day. As we’re talking through what we’ll do, it seems to change as we go.
“I hope to have a more firm plan when we meet in July because that’s almost the date we’re starting back to school. I’m hoping the state will give us some clear guidance by the time we start and that we can make the decisions that make the most sense for the students and families of Gilmer County.”
Downs was reluctant to give specific details about schools reopening but said, “We have a firm foundation of our plan to keep students and staff safe when we return.”
Gilmer County Schools curriculum team met June 18 as well to discuss the resumption of face-to-face instruction and “how to best expand our Gilmer virtual school that was previous limited to a smaller number of GHS students,” according to Downs.
The program was started in January with the use of Chromebook laptops. Clear Creek Middle School students also made use of Chromebooks during classes.
After the coronavirus forced schools to be dismissed, students in grades 6-12 used Chromebooks to complete lessons online until the academic year concluded May 22. Younger students relied on paper learning packets.
Downs wants to make distance learning an option for students this fall if the interest is there.
“We’re looking at expanding it in K-12 to offer that option at all grade levels to meet the needs of families who are not comfortable returning to face-to-face instruction when we start back to school (Aug. 3),” she said.
Downs noted there are more technology and curriculum details that need to be finalized. Plans are to provide a sign-up next week for families who are interested in continuing virtual learning in the fall.
All classrooms in the county are outfitted with cameras. They were originally installed for security purposes, but could be used by students to observe lessons remotely using Chromebooks.
However, while the technology is in place, Downs said more training for staff is needed before that option is fully functional. Plans are to begin training for teachers when they arrive for preplanning July 27.