Russell County students could soon be returning to the classroom on a much-larger scale.
Russell County Schools Superintendent Michael Ford sent out a message to school staff and parents Monday afternoon stating that he will be presenting a plan to the Russell County Board of Education at a special-called meeting on Friday that would allow students at all schools to return to the classroom four days each week.
This is a significant change from the hybrid model, where students are in-person two days per week with three days virtual.
If approved by the board of education at this Friday’s special-called meeting (scheduled for 5 p.m. at the ANC), this plan would take effect on March 11, two weeks from the date that more than half of the school staff received their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Ford said ultimately, parents will be able to make decisions about their child’s education.
“I realize that many classrooms will not be able to maintain 6 feet distance between students and if that is the case, a letter will be sent home to parents/guardians notifying them of such and they can switch their child to virtual if they choose,” Ford said in the letter.
Ford also noted that parents retain the right to keep their children virtual throughout the school year.
“I know we all are looking forward to having additional students back in our classrooms and schools,” Ford said.
The following week, the week of March 15, the district will switch to an all-virtual day on Friday, creating four uninterrupted days of in-person instruction, and teachers/school staff will report to their school/work location on Fridays.
Preschool will be the Monday/Tuesday group and Wednesday/Thursday group- beginning the week of March 15.
Although more than half of the school staff have received the COVID-19 vaccine, face masks/coverings will still be required for both staff and students.
