ECSS Virtual Learning Registration Form 2020-2021

Coronavirus Update and School Closure

FAQ for Students and Parents

Please submit your questions regarding school closure here!

To All ECSS Family, Friends, and Community:

With guidance from federal, state, and local authorities, we are working to make plans that will allow for A) a full, regular opening; B) a blended learning option that will include some face-to-face and some virtual learning; and if necessary, C) virtual learning for those who choose need as well as for everyone if we are notified that a student or staff member has tested positive and we have to temporarily move to virtual learning again. At this point, with board approval, our goal is to start back to school as we normally would face-to-face with many safety protocols in place that will be spelled out in greater detail at a later date. However, we are planning for a slightly later start with staff returning on July 27 and students returning on August 6, which will allow for more professional learning for our teachers as they work to get ready for the virtual learning option that some students have chosen and the possibility of a full virtual learning option if we must close down again. We will continue to monitor the situation and receive guidance from the Governor’s Office, the Georgia Department of Education (please refer to their Georgia’s Path to Recovery for K-12 Schools at https://www.georgiainsights.com/recovery.html), and the state and local Department of Public Health for direction. We will continue to provide regular updates and information on our website and Facebook page. We are proud to offer a full virtual option for families who are uncomfortable with sending their children back to school at this time. Dr. Jennifer Brown, Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, has begun a pre-registration process for this option so we can have a better idea of how many students will need to be served in that way. (See https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1z5UuCy6TLqmViUBY_ji-VO94xCt0WQzjEVCE4LrFmqs/edit?ts=5ef4b93b if you are interested in this option.)

In order to have a more detailed plan ready for the many areas we must consider, we have created a Coronavirus Task Force that mirrors Governor Kemp’s as well as adding a few other areas that meet local needs. The Task Force Working Groups include:

1. Athletics

2. Connectivity and Devices

3. Distance Learning

4. Facilities/Transportation/Equipment

5. Home-School Communication

6. Instruction

7. Mental Health & Wellness

8. Professional Learning

9. School Calendar/Scheduling

10. School Meals/Nutrition

11. Supplemental Learning

If any parents or community members still want to serve on any of these committees, please let me or Mrs. Tammy Storey know, and we will be glad to include you in the planning process. We are planning a virtual Town Hall meeting next week to share this information with the community. Also, there is a parent survey that we have released to get input from parents. We are continuing to analyze responses and will take them into consideration as we plan. If you have not completed the survey, we welcome your input. The link is https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScjoG0yO5q-saDb78fXnZF_bvUYn46gbY_hYy7l7Tdy97GDIg/viewform

Baylor University has provided meals to students’ homes over the past few weeks. It is our hope and prayer that this has been a great service for many families, and it will continue through June 30, 2020. Currently, meals are delivered to 750 students, and we have been thrilled to meet our students’ needs for food security. School Nutrition Coordinator Mr. William Shippee will also begin meals to be distributed at the ECMS every Tuesday starting July 7 and running through August 4. He and his staff are determined that they will be able to provide meals once the school year starts, whether we are in school face-to-face or for distribution if we have to fall back to a virtual learning option in the event of another outbreak or if a student or staff member tests positive. (Specific safety protocols that will respond to these situations are being developed in coordination with federal, state, and local guidance.)

Mrs. Tammy Storey has also updated our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document that is on our website and on our Facebook pages that allows for all of the commonly asked questions and current answers to be listed. I encourage you to check that resource before reaching out to administrators as the question you have may already have been answered. This is a fabulous resource page, and we appreciate all of the questions we have received throughout this time.

As we continue to monitor and navigate these very turbulent waters, know how very proud I am to be a Bobcat. As is Early County’s tradition, we are stepping up to help out and to provide support for each other during this difficult time, and we continue to band together and stand ready to help in any way possible. Be assured that we are here doing the very best we can to prepare for our precious students. I encourage you to please continue to limit your social activities, practice social distancing, wash your hands, wear your masks, and protect the elderly as well as people with chronic health conditions in the days and weeks ahead. If I may be of service, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Bronwyn Ragan-Martin, Ed.D.

Superintendent

Early County School System

11927 Columbia Street

Blakely, GA 39823

229.723.4337