The school district revealed its preliminary reopening plans while three county residents voiced concerns to the Moore County Board of Education during its Monday, July 13 meeting. Two of the people had their comments read, while the first spoke directly to the board, via telephone, near the start of the remote session.
All three were commenting – in one way or another – about plans for the 2020-21 academic year as the nation deals with COVID-19.
The caller, stressing the percentage of people impacted by COVID in Moore County was very low, asked the board to consider two options for students. The first allowed parents who were willing to send children back for in-school instruction to do so. His second choice enabled those unwilling to send kids back to have a digital alternative for learning.
Part of the caller’s rationale, in addition to the numbers he presented, was based on the financial strain the pandemic has caused.
A second parent was interested in plans for athletic programs.
The comments of the third participant centered on the meeting being held at 1:30 p.m., a time she said was inconvenient for many working parents. The individual also questioned the board’s priorities.Â
Later in the meeting, Dr. Tim Locklair, the chief officer for academics and student support services, gave an extensive update relative to the reopening of schools. Locklair presented four plans regarding reopening.
The first, Plan A, would have all students returning to an in-school setting. Under the option, there would be a staggered entry/start date for the beginning of school. The staggered approach could be utilized for multiple weeks.
According to Plan B, students in grades K-8 would go to school one day per week. High schools would operate remotely for most courses. Scheduled days, for K-8, would include six hours of instruction. An additional hour would be for lunch and recess.
With a staggered approach, there would be a remote component for students. In order for schools and buses to be cleaned extensively, all campuses would be closed for in-school instruction on Wednesdays.
Plan C would exclusively provide remote learning for students.
Under Plan D, if parents are uncomfortable putting youngsters in an in-school environment, an entirely remote learning option would be available. Those enrolled in the program wouldn’t be able to participate in extracurricular activities and athletics.
Moore County Schools would provide all devices necessary for remote instruction.
Gov. Roy Cooper is expecting to announce guidance for re-opening public schools Tuesday at 3 p.m.
Please click here for Moore County Return to School information.
~Written by Sandhills Sentinel Reporter Dave Lukow.
File photo of North Moore High School by Sandhills Sentinel Photographer Stephanie Sellers.
