Message from our superintendent of schools
There are some changes you should know about ...
Editor’s note: Catoosa County Schools Superintendent Denia Reese posted the following message on Monday, July 27, 2020
Since I published our plan to open school last week, I’ve heard from people who agreed with the plan — and those who didn’t. I’d like to begin this update with a point where I think we all agree — we want to open school in August and keep our children in school ALL year! In order to accomplish this goal, I feel it is necessary to adjust the previous plan.
Students in digital and inperson learning will begin on August 24.
Elementary school students (K-5) will go to school 5 days a week.
Pre-k, middle, and high school students will begin on a hybrid schedule, attending Monday/tuesday or Thursday/friday.
The school calendar will remain the same. The only change is the first day of school.
Why is the system opening Pre-k, middle, and high school on a hybrid schedule?
SOCIAL DISTANCING: The PRIMARY decision factor is the ability to social distance in classrooms and common areas. Fewer secondary students than expected enrolled in digital learning, making social distancing impossible. Class sizes and common area occupancy can only be reduced by allowing half the students in the school two days a week.
The Pre-k program is managed by Bright from the Start. While the school system can utilize auxiliary elementary school teachers to lower class sizes in other grades, we must follow specific guidelines with our Pre-k program.
With our numbers, social distancing in the Pre-k program can only be met through a hybrid schedule.
Student and employee health and safety: Even following GHSA guidelines for practices, since schools have resumed sports and extracurricular summer activities, student athletes and coaches have tested positive for COVID-19. It is imperative that social distancing be maintained when we return to school to keep students and employees healthy.
SCHOOL,