A four-part plan by the ColletonEd Reopening Taskforce for safely starting the 2020-2021 school year was unanimously approved by the Colleton County School Board during a special board meeting on July 14.
Using information gleaned from multiple meetings with teachers, parents, students and district officials, the taskforce plan includes:
The start of school will be delayed until September 8 and use an all-virtual learning model, due to the high rate of spread of COVID-19 in Colleton County. A draft calendar will be presented to board members for approval during the July 21 regular board meeting.
The district is exploring options for families without reliable internet access and will provide a channel for these families to participate in the distance learning initiative. CCSD will also provide computers when needed.
“We know that we have certain areas in the district where students have very little broadband width; therefore, PRTC is working to assist us and bring it to communities that need it. The state department is funding this,” said CCSD Assistant Supt. Jessica Williams, who headed the taskforce. “We also know that over 29% of the parents surveyed do not have access to computers. So, we will need to provide Chromebooks for them, as well as batteries, power cords and anything else that is needed, and hot spots will be expanded.”
As the rate of COVID-19 spread lessens, the taskforce recommended that the district shift to a “blended learning” model (a mixture of virtual and in-person learning) — two days with face-to-face instruction at school and three days virtual instruction.
Once deemed safe, the district will then gradually phase into face-to-face learning in the schools, using all possible measures to keep schools clean and safe for students, staff and parents.
A virtual academy for parents who want their children to learn virtually for the entirety of the 2020-2021 school year is also planned. Additional information on the virtual academy option will be released at a later date.
Colleton County School Supt. John Tindal believes that each model will be decided on and implemented at each quarter of the school year. “We will look at the situation and follow CDC guidelines. We will study and analyze the situation every two weeks.”
Bus meal deliveries will continue. Bus transportation to schools will be evaluated when face-to-face school begins.
These plans for school reopening are flexible, and subject to change based on additional guidance from the South Carolina Department of Education and any increase/reduction of community spread of COVID-19.
To develop its plan, the ColletonEd Reopening Task Force reviewed reports from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control and the results of surveys completed by parents, teachers, a group meeting with Teachers of the Year for the prior two years and a focused group of students.
Additional information on school reopening will be released as soon as possible, through multiple information channels.
“We are in the process of planning for the opening of our schools for the 2020-2021 school year like other school districts in the region, state and our entire nation. I, along with the district administrative staff, have been focused on effectively reopening our schools in the fall. This plan is fluid and flexible. Please know that our first priority is the safety and well-being of our students, staff and the greater community of Colleton County,” said Tindal. “We will do everything we possibly can to assist our teachers, parents and children in this process. Thank you for your patience and continued cooperation and support.”
