Families in the Historic Triangle can breathe a sigh of relief.
Some students are transitioning from virtual learning to a mix of virtual and in-person learning soon.
Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools this week announced its Path 3 timeline of Return to Learn: Forward WJCC Schools plan to bringing students back in the classroom.
“The school division plans for all students to transition to a blended learning format (remote and in-person learning) during the coming weeks and months,” according to the Tuesday announcement. “To do so safely, students will return to buildings in phases.”
Starting Nov. 9, students in grades PreK through third grade at Clara Byrd Baker and Laurel Lane elementary schools will have a hybrid of in-person and virtual learning.
The students have been split into two groups and placed on alternate schedules: Blue, students with the last name starting with A-L and Green, students whose last name starts with M-Z.
Students and staff must wear face coverings and practice social distancing and “frequent hand washing” is encouraged. WJCC custodial staff will also clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces.
The school division noted the Path 3 timeline was shared for “planning purposes” and can change at any time based on health data, positive cases at a school or guidance from the state or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“In some cases, it may be necessary for a class or school to return to remote learning while others continue with blended or in-person learning,” according to the announcement. “Staff and student health and safety will be the first consideration at all times.”
WJCC staff will also continue to monitor the coronavirus data and work with the Peninsula Health District and the Virginia Department of Education.
“Our ability to keep students healthy and learning on-site requires the consistent implementation of health and safety protocols,” WJCC school stated. “The most essential of these measures is the daily completion of screenings for personal health.”
“Families should familiarize themselves with the WJCC Schools Symptom Checker to prepare for their child’s return to school,” the district added. “Above all else, anyone feeling unwell or experiencing symptoms should stay home from school until they feel better to help reduce the spread of illness to others.”
Virtual learning & COVID-19
The district had opted to make the first nine weeks of the school year virtual amid concerns about the coronavirus pandemic.
However that has not been without any snags.
The first day, students and families experienced technical difficulties accessing classes and online coursework. A few weeks later, someone used a student’s log in to “Zoom-bomb” classes, showing porn.
Mold issues delayed the start of in person learning for two elementary schools ––Clara Byrd Baker and Laurel Lane –– by two weeks.
In addition, there were couple positive cases of coronavirus in the district, including staff who tested positive at Matoaka Elementary School.
As of Wednesday, the WJCC’s COIVD-19 dashboard shows one person tested positive at Jamestown High School on Oct. 30 and another staff member at Warhill High School tested positive on Wednesday.
Here’s the latest positive coronavirus cases, hospitalizations and deaths in the Historic Triangle, according to the Virginia Department of Health’s COVID-19 Dashboard.
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