While the upcoming school year will be very different for Christian County Public Schools students in the way of health guidelines, students will return to a traditional, in-person model.
It will be at 100 percent capacity and five days a week after the Christian County School Board approved that option at Thursday’s meeting. Superintendent Chris Bentzel recommended that option on behalf of the COVID-19 Task Force, which felt it was in the best interest of the community. Parents who have concerns about sending their student back are able to enroll them in the Virtual Learning Academy.
He says the safety and health of students and teachers remains the district’s top priority, so it will be with strict health guidelines in place, including daily temperature checks, wearing of masks when social distancing can’t be achieved, increased sanitation and other efforts.
The Virtual Learning Academy will launch the same day school starts, with Director of Instruction Jessica Addison urging those interested to register before July 31. She says the academy will require daily participation, access to reliable internet and at least a nine week commitment.
Devices will be available for students who need them, and it is the intent to have a device available to every student grades third through 12th in the event schools must close due to pandemic restrictions. Addison assures that any virtual or Non-Traditional Instruction that takes place will be very different from what occurred at the end of last school year—students will be held accountable for work, participation is required and it will be more thorough educational material. School is set to begin on August 27.
The board approved the recommendation with a four-to-one vote, with board member Tom Bell the lone ‘no’ vote, saying he is concerned for teacher and student health. While the board chose this option, the other options—including a hybrid and NTI option—remain on the table to integrate into use if it becomes necessary.