School will officially open August 3, with students being able to attend in person in the traditional manner or opt for remote learning. Also, the Board of Education granted a request by DCHS Principal Randy Jennings to change the graduation credit requirements.
The DeKalb County Board of Education met last Tuesday night to finalize the 2020-21 school year plan. The campuses will reopen Monday, August 3. Protocols have been established and will be observed for those who come to campus to help protect the health and safety of students and school staff including temperature screenings. Masks will also be provided for staff and students, and are recommended, but are not required to be worn.
Parents who choose for their children to participate in remote learning are required to contact their child’s school weekdays from 9am-2pm prior to July 22, because this will affect their class schedule.
Director of Schools Patrick Cripps stated that parents and students should not expect the remote learning platforms to be quite the same as they experienced during the spring. There will be stricter guidelines and schedules for students to follow so they can stay on task with their cohorts in the classroom.
There are three sets of scenarios and protocols that have been established depending upon the severity of the pandemic during the year – minimum, moderate or substantial.
It is highly encouraged that you provide transportation of your child if possible. Due to buses being a confined spaces, it is highly recommended that face coverings be worn. Hand sanitizer will be available on each bus. Unloading of buses at schools will be staggered to minimize mixing of students and temperature checks will be done inside of the building. Siblings and family members will sit together, and there will be assigned seats.
Some of the protocols include off-site trips are not permitted, though after school programs may continue. If a student has a temperature of 100.4 or above, they must produce a negative COVID-19 result or self-quarantine for 14 days. Having lunch in the classroom may be an alternative.
The complete framework of returning to school file can be viewed on our website at www.smithvillereview.com
Parents should participate in the Parent Digital University, a step by step video on setting up the Skyward and new school messenger app. Access the Parent Digital University by going to www.dekalbschools.net, click on “parents” to find the link the to the training.
DeKalb High School Principal Randy Jennings requested of the school board to change the graduation credits. For the Class of 2021, seniors will be required to earn 33 credits for graduation; 31 credits for the Class of 2022, 29 credits for the Class of 2023, and 27 credits starting with the Class of 2024 and going forward from there.
Reducing required credits will not reduce the number of courses a student will be required to complete for graduation, but it will allow administrators to better track credits and make it easier for students to understand.
