The Cheatham County School District is preparing for the return of students for the first day of the 2020-2021 school year on Monday, Aug. 10.
As plans are being developed, the district will continue to seek the guidance of state and local health officials in regards to the latest COVID-19 safety guidelines.
Currently, the district is looking at three models – one in which school opens for everyone with an option for digital learning for those that would desire to continue with distance learning. All students who opt to attend face to face would attend at the same time.
The second model is a distance learning model where no students will attend face to face in the buildings.
The third model is similar to the first model but only half of the students who opt to attend will be in the building at one time.
All three options will have the online component for parents to choose if they are uncomfortable sending their children back to school right away. The district is currently working with a task force to develop plans for a hybrid model of instruction. This task force includes supervisors, principals and teachers.
The district has conducted a survey for parents in regards to their needs for digital/online programming, and all this data is being used to create a hybrid model plan. When the models are complete, the district will survey families – likely in mid-June – to determine which one works best for them. The School Board will then review the models at its July 9 meeting.
Also, the district plans to purchase laptops for students in grades 5-6 with funds it will receive from the CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security) Act. This will allow the district to provide a laptop for all middle and high school students. Purchasing additional laptops was already in the district’s five-year plan to boost student access to technology.
Staff will be prepared to teach in the building, through distance learning or through a combination of both. The district will share additional information with families as more details become available.
