STAFF REPORT :::
The Griffin-Spalding County School System has extended at-home learning two additional weeks.
School system officials say this decision was based on increasing COVID-19 numbers in the Griffin-Spalding County community, which have resulted in hospitals filling and diverting patients elsewhere.
GSCSS district leaders on Friday met with a regional epidemiologist from the Georgia Department of Public Health and based on the data reviewed during that meeting, leadership determined the additional two-weeks of remote learning is the best course of action.
GSCSS officials will meet weekly with DPH officials to discuss COVID-19 data trends.
Meanwhile, students will continue to complete learning tasks from home via Chromebooks until further notice.
This decision will be reevaluated in coming weeks with a possible return to in-person learning on Feb. 1.
The Griffin-Spalding County Board of Education and district leadership have a “strong desire” to return to in-person education “as soon as it is reasonably safe,” said a press release issued at 4:57 p.m. Friday.
All GRCCA students should check daily the website at www.grcca.education for further communication concerning COVID-19 updates. Additional information will be sent via school email and Remind101. This applies to all students dual enrolled at Gordon State College and Southern Crescent Technical College, as well as students enrolled in high school courses at GRCCA.
The school system will offer multi-day breakfast and lunch packets to all children in Spalding County beginning Jan. 12.
Pick-up locations are Anne Street Elementary, Atkinson Elementary, Beaverbrook Elementary, Carver Road Middle School, Cowan Road Middle School, Griffin High School and Spalding High School.
Meal packets may be picked up at the bus ramp of these schools from 2 to 4 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday.
High school athletics will continue as planned per the Georgia High School Association guidelines.
All middle school athletic activities are canceled until in-person school resumes.
Teachers and staff members will be permitted to complete their professional duties and responsibilities from home until further notice. School buildings and central office will remain open to employees who need access to the internet and other resources to complete their job functions.
Principals and district leaders will ensure that building access is available to employees during normal workday hours. Specific building access schedules and requirements will be communicated directly by principals and supervisors.
School authorities say the safety and well-being of students, staff and families is a top priority, and all are asked to continue to follow COVID-19 safety measures.
Please consider financially supporting The GRIP.
The news you find in The GRIP is free for all. You’ll never be hindered by a paywall or limited to only a few articles each month. That’s because knowledge CANNOT be a commodity available only to those with the ability to purchase it.
While the news will always be free for all, it is far from free to produce. That’s why The GRIP needs your support.
Your support will enable The GRIP to continue to provide relevant news in your community and beyond. It’s quick and painless. Just click this link: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=16902623
All support will be greatly appreciated, whether a small one-time donation or recurring monthly gift.
Thank you!
