Jefferson County School System Releases 2021-22 Reopening Plan

Trussville AL

26 July, 2021

12:21 PM

Description

BIRMINGHAM, AL — The Jefferson County School system announced its reopening plan for the 2021-22 school year, which will include both in-person and virtual learning options for students. School begins August 10 for the system. "My goal is to have as normal a school year as possible," superintendent Walter Gonsoulin said. "However, please understand that while we are in a much better place than we were a year ago at this time, the pandemic is far from over. If for some reason cases start to go back up, there is always a chance we would have to adjust our policies and procedures accordingly." The reopening plan includes: Learning Options Traditional:On-campus learningFive days a week following the JEFCOED calendarJEFCOED Teachers Virtual:Jefferson County Virtual Academy of Learning (JCVAL)Considered an alternative for students seeking a non-traditional pathway for their K-12 education100% of instruction takes place onlineClasses taught by virtual school teachers employed by Edmentum, an outside vendorJCVAL is different from "Remote Learning" that took place in 2020-2021Should be considered a long-term option; students may choose to attend JCVAL by semester.Technology All students in all grades will be provided a ChromebookDevices will be checked out to students at the beginning of the school yearSchoology will be used to facilitate technology engagement in the traditional school model including instructional support, communication, and collaboration with students and parentsStudents attending virtual school that are zoned to attend a Jefferson County School will be provided with a device for checkout.Wellness Social Distancing:Students and staff will respect personal space in all school areas and activitiesVisitors allowed on a pre-approved basis for certain scheduled activitiesMasks Optional for all students and staff. Vaccinations: All eligible students and staff members are encouraged to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Cleaning and Hygiene:All school areas will be cleaned and disinfected dailyCleaning schedules adjusted to clean and disinfect common areas on a more frequent basisHand washing and hygiene routines reviewed with students and staffOn The Bus:Assigned seatsBuses cleaned and disinfected after morning and afternoon runs. Breakfast/Lunch:Rotation and schedules used to provide greater personal space during meal serviceSurfaces will be sanitized between meal service times. Health Services: Students should be fever-free (less than 100 degrees Fahrenheit) without the use of fever-reducing medication for 24 hours before returning to schoolAll guidelines according to ADPH will be enforced.