THOMAS COUNTY, Ga.(WTXL) — Thomas County Schools has delayed the start of the school year for students until Monday, August 10.
Superintendent Dr. Lisa Williams made the announcement in a letter sent out to parents on July 13.
Williams wrote "In order to give us time to make sure that we are ready to receive students in each of our programs, the start of the school year for students has been delayed."
Teachers will return as originally scheduled on July 27, but students will return on August 10.
In addition, Williams is encouraging parents to choose a Thomas County School System program, whether they are planning for their child to return to traditional school or want to select a home-based option.
In an earlier survey, about 80% of Thomas County parents indicated that they would like for their children to return to the traditional classroom.
The other 20% of the respondents indicated that they were not yet comfortable returning their child to school and wanted to at least explore digital options for their children before making a final decision.
Officials say the survey is intended to give parents additional information about their options and to request that they select the educational program that they desire for their child for the fall.
Williams says they would like to hear from all parents by Friday, July 17.
If the school district has not heard from a parent by July 17, someone from the Thomas County school system will attempt to contact them.
The school district says if a parent does not complete the online registration process and is unable to be reached , their child will be assigned to the traditional school program, the option chosen by most parents for their children.
Furthermore, to help parents make a decision, the school district has laid out multiple learning options for the upcoming school year.
The learning options are listed below:
- The Traditional Option- Students will be required to wear masks or other facial coverings over their noses and mouths while they are on a school bus and when they are in hallways, drop-off or pick-up areas, or other common areas.
- The Remote Classroom Option- This option will provide a Thomas County teacher or a group of teachers for each student. These teachers will teach from a classroom at the grade-level appropriate school and will originate daily, live interactive lessons on-line.
- The Virtual School Option- The virtual school option provides an opportunity for students to take classes through an external provider who partners with Thomas County Schools. K-12 and Georgia Virtual School are Thomas County’s current virtual school partners.
If parents have any questions about which option to select for their child(ren), please call the Buzz Line at 229-413- 1234.
The online registration form for Thomas County Schools can be foundhere.
For more information please click here.
