March 12, 2020

Dear Monroe County Schools Stakeholders:

We wanted to update information related to COVID-19 (Coronavirus) in our state and in our local area. Governor Brian Kemp had a press conference earlier today to update everyone on the latest information regarding this virus. We learned of the first death in Georgia caused by this deadly virus. We also learned the number of confirmed cases of Coronavirus are on the rise around the state. Even though there are no positive cases for COVID-19 in our local area right now, we do understand the seriousness of this pandemic and we will be taking necessary precautions to help our students and staff stay safe. Governor Kemp has also given local school districts the flexibility to make informed decisions about school and district closings. These closings could start as early as tomorrow for some districts. Because our students are out tomorrow, it will give us time as a district to work with state and local officials regarding the situation in our state and in our local area. A decision regarding system or school closures in Monroe County Schools will be forthcoming. Information we know right now is listed below:        

  • Staff will report as scheduled Friday, March 13, 2020 for in-service. Teachers and staff will ensure that students have grade level assignments ready to share with students and families if schools need to be closed in the near future.
  • All Georgia High School Association events have been suspended until the close of business on March 27, 2020. This is effective immediately after the completion of games this evening. 
  • All MCMS athletic activities have also been suspended through March 27, 2020 following the completion of today's events. 
  • All out of county field trips, out of county competitions, and out of county club activities from March 13, 2020 through March 27, 2020 will be cancelled.                 

We will continue to monitor updates from the Georgia Department of Education and our local and regional Department of Public Health.  We will keep you informed if our situation changes.

If you have questions, please contact your healthcare provider or the local Board of Health.  You can also check the Centers for Disease Control website at https://www.cdc.gov.

The federal government website with information on planning for individuals and families is http://www.pandemicflu.gov .  Another resource is the American Red Cross at http://www.redcross.org .

Sincerely,
Dr. Mike Hickman
Superintendent of Schools


25 Brooklyn Avenue, P.O. Box 1308  | Forsyth, GA 31029 | Phone 478.994.2031  | Fax 478.994.3364 | www.monroe.k12.ga.us
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