July 10, 2020

School Re-opening Information and Plan for 2020-2021   

It is important to remember that as the guidance from our Department of Public Health, the CDC, and the Georgia Department of Education is updated, Monroe County Schools will adjust plans and protocols as needed. 

First off, please recognize that no plan is perfect, and no plan will alleviate all risks with starting back to school. Parents and guardians must determine the acceptable level of risk for their student and act accordingly. This plan was developed by school and district leadership, parents, teachers, and local health officials. 

As mentioned in our earlier communication, counties in Georgia receive a weekly status based on the number of positive COVID-19 cases. The three levels are: Low/No Spread, Minimal/Moderate Spread, and Substantial Spread. Since the weekly ratings have been coming out, Monroe County has consistently fallen in the Minimal/Moderate Spread category. However, on Monday, July 6, 2020 when the updated weekly information was published, Monroe County fell into a Substantial Spread rating. This is important because the Georgia Department of Education recommends schools closed and total online instruction for students in a county with a Substantial Spread rating. Because these ratings change each week, the school system will continue to monitor our community over the next two weeks. It is our hope that the number of cases in Monroe County decline over the next couple of weeks. If the community spread continues to worsen over the next two weeks, it may be necessary to delay the start of the school year. We feel strongly that our school year needs to begin with a viable face to face option. Any decision to delay the start of the school year will be announced at the July 21, 2020, school board meeting.  

It is our sincere wish to begin school with a face to face option on August 3rd. Our kids need to be back in school, and we, as educators, are ready to see and teach our children again. With this in mind, the school system re-opening plan is outlined below. Again, keep in mind that no plan is perfect, and we ask that parents and students reach out to the central office or your child's school to ask questions as needed. We are committed to the education and safety of the children in Monroe County Schools and we will keep making the tough decisions with this in mind. 

Thank you for your support and allowing us the opportunity to serve the children of Monroe County. It is an honor. 

PDF of Addressing Covid-19 in Monroe County Schools