After easing back in to a in-person schedule this week, both the Gainesville City School System and the Hall County School District plan to have all face-to-face learners in the classroom next week.
Gainesville Superintendent Jeremy Williams issued a statement to students and staff saying the system plans to stagger the return of students.
"After a productive week with a number of our students back in school and those learning at home, we will continue phasing students back to school," Williams said. "Monday, January 25, all 3rd Grade through 8th Grade students will return to Face-to-Face Instruction...Wednesday, January 27, all 9th Grade through 12th Grade students will return to Face-to-Face Instruction."
Williams also said any students taking the PSAT will report to Gainesville High School on Tuesday. Transportation will be provided.
Students in Pre-K through 2nd grade, as well as students in self-contained education classes, have been in class this week.
"While this plan is the current plan, a number of variables may require us to adjust at a moment’s notice. We continue to encourage families to report to the school any positive cases or close contact with a positive case," Williams said.
Hall County School Superintendent Will Schofield issued a video, explaining that all students who have opted for in-person learning will be in class on Monday. This week, students returned on a Tuesday-Thursday or Wednesday-Friday schedule depending on last names.
"Contact tracing indicates that positive cases of COVID-19 among team members continues to decrease significantly," Schofield said. "Additionally, we now have more accurate student numbers. We are encouraged by these trends."
Schofield said he has also kept in close contact with Northeast Georgia Medical Center to keep track of regional numbers.
"We communicate with the hospital on a daily basis and today was the first day since the beginning of the year that yesterday did not have a single individual tied to one of our schools testing positive within the health care system," Schofield said.
To view Schofield's video, follow this link.
