5 things Cumberland County parents need to know about the school year

Jul. 15--1. Parents have three options for sending their students back to school.

The Cumberland County Schools system has laid out three options for students to return to school next month.

The first option is a blended in-person learning experience. Students will be provided with a rotating schedule for both in-person instruction and remote learning.

Option two is a full-time remote learning experience at the child's school. All learning will occur online with a teacher from the student's currently assigned school. This option would be temporary until the district returns to all students return to school on a regular schedule.

The third option is enrolling the student into the Cumberland Virtual Academy. The Cumberland Virtual Academy is a permanent option and will continue past the 2020-2021 school year.

A form is available on the district's re-entry website where parents can complete the option they believe best suits their child's needs. The website has an in-depth look at each option and the form is available until Sunday.

2. School starts on Aug. 17.

During a virtual town hall meeting on Tuesday, Cumberland County Schools Superintendent Marvin Connelly Jr. said that students in kindergarten through 12th grade will return to classes Aug. 17.

Students who are participating in the blended in-person learning experience will be on a rotating schedule to be in the classroom, or online.

3. Masks, and other safety precautions

Gov. Cooper announced that every student, teacher and staff member in public schools will be provided with at least five reusable face coverings at the beginning of the school year.

The state has also provides packs of personal protective equipment to schools that included a two-month supply of thermometers, surgical masks, face shields and gowns for school nurses and designated staff to provide health care to students.

Other safety measures recommended by the state are one-way hallways, limiting outside visitors, and suspending large-group activities.

4. Fall sports have been delayed

The N.C. High School Athletic Association voted Wednesday to delay the start of the fall sports season until at least Sept. 1.

In additions to the delay, the first five days of the school year will be designated as a dead period to allow schools the chance to focus on the start of the academic year.

NCHSAA commissioner Que Tucker said in an emailed statement, "Each NCHSAA Board Member believes in the value of education-based athletics and is committed to SAFELY offering a fall, winter, and spring sports program during this school year.

"However, there is also a commitment to the health and safety of students and coaches. Towards this end, we all will continue to follow the guidance of the Department of Health and Human Services relative to the data and how we all safely move forward."

5. Everything is subject to change.

The plans that have been outlined by the state, school district and NCHSAA are subject to change at any time due to changing COVID-19 conditions and related health or safety guidance.

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