Schools In Ware County, Georgia Move To Hybrid Learning

 

CREDIT: myviewboard.com

From September 7th to October 7th, schools in Ware County, Georgia have adopted the hybrid learning option due to the increase in COVID-19 cases.

On August 30th, it was announced students would have face-to-face instruction two days a week, and then will receive their homework and assignments to do at home for the remainder of the week.

"This model will allow us to support social distancing practices by decreasing the number of students in the building and on buses each day, provide a dedicated day for deep cleaning each week on Fridays, and help address staff shortage issues," said the school system.

Bert Smith, the Ware County Superintendent was in contact with the chief operating officer of the local hospital as well as health department officials in order to make the decision.

It has been revealed that Ware County currently has a COVID-19 transmission rate of 22% and officials want that number to fall below 10%.

"We want our kids back by all means, 100%. But, for right now, his is the best move at the time."

Students will proceed to be broken into two groups based on the last name of the eldest student in the household. All students within that household will attend face-to-face on the same days.

Group A is students with last names beginning with A-K. They will attend school face-to-face on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Group B is students with last names beginning with L-Z. They will attend school face-to-face on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Effective immediately, masks have become mandatory on all school buses. Drivers are able to provide masks to students without one. 

Bert Smith believes this hybrid learning is the safest process to be able to return back to school.

"I'm afraid if we go back to where we were, 100% capacity, we would be quarantined, contact-tracing, sending kids home."

Danielle Scott, a mother who has two boys in middle school, doesn't like the idea as she believes it is going to be hard to help her sons with their classes during this hybrid schedule.

"I don't like it. I just know he had it last year, and it didn't work out too well. He did better going back to school second semester."

She does understand how this will protect her sons from COVID-19 exposure.

"They're safe. I don't have to worry about COVID. I've seen what it can do to people."

Molly Smith, who is in the ninth grade, doesn't mind the new plan.

"I think it's good. It's good we're in school and not shut down."

The superintendent has revealed starting November 1st, the Gator All-Star Academy will be providing students a chance for tutoring after school hours.

Additional information will be provided to families. Parents have also been advised to ensure their child's school has updated contact information. 

Any parents with concerns or questions can email feedback@ware.k12.ga.us.