Forsyth County Schools will have two virtual learning days later this week ahead of next Monday's return to in-person instruction.
"To assess our ability to staff schools and transport students, Forsyth County Schools will have virtual learning days for all students on Thursday and Friday, January 6 and 7," read a post to the county school's website. "We plan to resume face-to-face instruction on Monday, January 10 if we have adequate staff coverage."
School administrators will make a final decision by the close of business on Friday.
The announcement said staff are expected to report to work beginning on Tuesday, January 4. By the end of business on Tuesday, the school system will share details for the virtual learning sessions later in the week, including information regarding "mid-term makeups and athletics/activities." This information will be posted on the websites of each county school.
Students participating in the virtual learning sessions can pick up the necessary devices on Wednesday, January 7.
"FCS firmly believes that the best way to educate students is through face-to-face instruction. However, we understand and respect that some parents/guardians selected virtual instruction for their children this semester," the announcement said. "Because staff and student schedules were created based on face-to-face and virtual enrollment, these selections may not be changed."
In addition to these decisions, administrators said that any staff or students who tested positive for COVID-19, or were otherwise symptomatic, between December 31 and the present will be expected to contact their respective schools or supervisor "no later than the close of business on Wednesday, January 5."
Upon the return to face-to-face instruction, last August's operational procedures will be followed in all Forsyth County schools.
These procedures include the following:
- Symptomatic individuals must stay home.
- Only essential visitors are permitted.
- Masks are strongly recommended.
