Bibb schools to begin school year with eight weeks of virtual learning due to COVID

Bibb County School District Superintendent Curtis Jones announced on Thursday that Bibb schools would move to virtual-only learning from Sept. 8 through the end of October, the first eight weeks of school. The county school board also delayed all extracurricular activities, including all fall sports.

In response to a spike in COVID-19 cases across Georgia, Bibb County schools initially pushed the start of classes after Labor Day, informing parents and students that final decision about whether to return to in-person classes would be released at least two weeks before that date. Jones decided to go ahead with the decision at the board meeting Thursday evening. The school board had previously given Jones the authority to make a decision on e-learning.

In May, Jones acknowledged the difficulties of teaching students virtually. The district is distributing 13,000 digital devices next week to students who don’t have devices at home.

1. Monday – Students with last names starting with A-G
2. Tuesday – Students with last names starting with H-P
3. Wednesday – Students with last names starting with Q-Z
4. Thursday – Makeup day for all students
5. Friday – Makeup day for all students

What other schools are doing

While Bibb County School District delayed the start of school, nearby district went back. Houston County schools opened for in-person classes on Aug. 6, and have reported COVID-19 cases on nine campuses. Positive case have also been reported in Washington and Crawford county school districts.

In a Thursday press release, State Superintendent Richard Woods wrote “keeping our students and staff safe while keeping the in-person option viable,” and emphasized the following:

1. Screen and monitor. If you or your child are sick or symptomatic, stay at home. See a physician and get tested.
2. Sanitize. Practice good hygiene and wash your hands.
3. Social distance. Whenever possible, stay at least six feet from others.
4. Wear a mask. I know this has become a political issue. Some see this as a personal choice and liberty issue, and I respect those points of view. Like many people, I find masks to be personally uncomfortable, but I wear one when I cannot maintain six feet of distance from others. We must keep the goal in mind: if this school year is to be successful, we will have to use all the available tools in our toolbox.

“I am aware... that some teachers and students in this state have felt compelled – explicitly or implicitly – to remain silent when they have concerns about their school district’s safety plans,” Woods wrote. “I want to state unequivocally that this is not acceptable. In every school and district in this state, teachers, staff, and students should be able to voice their concerns without fear of reprisal.

“Negative media reports and complaints from community members are not a reason to blame and shame – they are a reason to reflect on and refine our efforts and response. And when students and staff raise concerns, we need to be engaging with them to find viable solutions.”

This story was originally published August 13, 2020 at 6:45 PM.