Collierville Schools delays first classes until Aug. 17
Families in Collierville Schools will have to choose between in-person and virtual instruction for the fall, the school district announced Wednesday.
The start of the school year for all students has also been delayed by one week to Aug. 17, the district said.
Families have been asked to make their decisions for the new school year before July 29.
“It’s vital that when we open our doors to our community, we are extensively prepared from start-to-finish,” Collierville Superintendent Gary Lilly said in a written statement. “Pushing back our district start date will allow our administration to work with staff in all areas regarding the recovery, reopening protocols and procedures for school year 2020- 21. We need to ensure that we have provided the appropriate amount of training to staff and put the necessary safeguard mechanisms in place for day-to-day operations ...”
The district released the following descriptions of the in-person and virtual options:
“Option One, Traditional (in-person): the student will be at the school five-days a week for instruction with all district/school specific safety measures in place. Remote Learning (contingency plan): in case of any school closure dictated by state and/or local officials, all students in this model will transition to remote learning driven by their current classroom teachers through the district remote learning
platforms (Seesaw for grades K-2, Schoology for grades 3-12, and Microsoft Teams 9-12).
“Option Two, Collierville Virtual Academy (honor and AP courses will be offered, IEPS and 504-plans accommodated): The student is at home with course work in a digital format provided for grades K-12. Each student will have access to coursework through an online platform, managed by both district and non-district teachers.this learning will require both synchronous (students on a live class lesson at the same time with their instructor) and asynchronous (students working at their own pace) settings. Those choosing to participate in this virtual option will be enrolled as a student in their current school but will receive all instruction from the first day through the Collierville Virtual Academy's teachers and counselors.