Vicksburg Warren School District makes its plan for reopening schools available

The Vicksburg Warren School District released its plan for reopening schools earlier this week.

School will begin Monday, Aug. 7, and parents have the option to send their children to the schools for in-person instruction or to use distance learning to keep their children at home.

The plan, posted on the district website, outlines “guidelines for the reopening of schools this fall,” and “is the result of many hours of research and discussion,” wrote VWSD Superintendent Chad Shealy in the plan. “We have also considered ideas and concerns from our parents, students, teachers and community in the building of a plan to best serve our students and keep people safe. I am proud of the hard work our team has done to create two options – in person instruction and distance learning – for our students returning to school this fall.”

“The plan remains a work-in-progress and will be updated as protocols are finalized and updated public health recommendations become available,” Shealy added.

Of the nearly 5,000 parents who responded to a survey about schools opening in the district, half said that they will choose distance learning over in-person classes.

Students who begin the year via distance learning will participate through the Grade Results online platform, a rigorous program in which learning takes place at home.

Distance learning takes consistency and dedication from students and parents, and students’ daily schedules are expected to mirror in-person instruction schedules. Students who participate in distance learning will be issued a Chromebook to use at home.

Distance learning resources can be found on the district’s curriculum site.

For students choosing in-person instruction, the district has instituted a number of rules to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission, including the mandatory use of masks on school buses, and the strong recommendation that masks be used throughout the day by students and teachers.

Schools will screen students and staff daily for symptoms of COVID-19 and take temperatures every morning. Enhanced cleaning techniques will be used and hand sanitizers made available. Schools will not hold assemblies or special programs where social distancing cannot be maintained.

Free breakfast and lunch will be provided at the schools, and as long as 25% of students participate in distance learning, the district will deliver meals through bus routes.

For more information, visit the VWSD website. Each school has posted an individual plan.