With nine days until the start of a new school year in Athens, there is new coronavirus guidance from the Clarke County School District: after first saying masks would be optional, then that they would be mandatory for students younger than age 12, the School District’s Central Office now says face coverings will be required indoors at all elementary and middle schools, for students, staff, and visitors, regardless of vaccination status, and they will be mandatory on all Clarke County School buses. First day of the new school year is August 4.
From WSB TV...
Masks will be required for some students in Clarke County but only recommended for others for the 2021-2022 school year.
“The Clarke County School District remains committed to full-time, in-person schooling for all students as we navigate the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. We have been closely monitoring the local infection and vaccination rates and considering the best course of action as we seek to deliver the safest school environments possible,” the school system wrote on Facebook.
The school district released its back to school information for the upcoming year and school officials say they are closely watching the COVID-19 cases in the county.
Here are the guidelines released for the school year:
Masks will be required indoors for all Elementary and Middle School Students (PK-8), Staff, and Visitors, regardless of vaccination status.
Masks will be recommended indoors for all High School Students (9-12), Staff, and Visitors, regardless of vaccination status.
Masks will be required for all Students and Staff on CCSD buses.
Social Distancing of 3 ft. will be promoted wherever possible in all schools.
COVID-19 reporting and contact tracing will continue in all schools.
Department of Public Health Quarantine and Isolation Guidelines will be followed in all schools.
Hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette will be emphasized in all schools.
If the masking requirements present challenges for your child due to special needs or other circumstances, please contact your child’s school. Each scenario will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and accommodations will be made, as appropriate.
The school district also is reminding parents that the state requires an up-to-date vaccination record to attend school. The deadline has been extended to Oct. 1, 2021.
Free School Supplies: All items on the school supply list for PK-8 students will be provided without charge. Many schools have supply closets for families needing additional support.
Open House Information for Schools is located at: https://tinyurl.com/OpenHouseCCSD
Vaccination Records: Earlier this week we reminded families of the state requirement for up-to-date vaccination records (Georgia Form 3231) to attend school. The deadline for compliance has been extended to October 1, 2021. No hardcopy forms are required. School nurses can access your child’s current records through Georgia’s Immunization Registry.
High School Virtual Options: Although full-time Virtual Learning option is not available, virtual courses will be available online. Check with your school for more information.
Field Trips will be allowed and conducted in accordance with our public health rules.
After School Programs will be available.
Student Registration for the 2021-2022 School Year remains open to CCSD families at: https://tinyurl.com/CCSDRegistration