From The Tribune staff reports
LEEDS — The first day of school for Leeds City Schools will be Thursday, Aug. 20, 2020. Grades 6 – 12 will be staggered until further notice.
The school system formed a plan under guidance by the Alabama State Department of Education, the Department of Public Health and the Jefferson County Department of Health.
There will be options for in-school and virtual learning:
• Traditional: students are served at school through a variety of digital, paper, and teacher-led methods. These students may participate in extracurricular and after-school activities.
• Virtual: students are served using Google Classroom (PK-12th grade) or Edgenuity (6-12). Students will learn at home using a Chromebook or personal technology device. Chromebooks will be available August 17-19, from 8 a.m. – 11 a.m. each day. Except for extenuating circumstances, virtual students may return to traditional instruction at any of the three 9 week points (October, January, March). These students may participate in extracurricular and after-school activities.
• Remote learners are traditional learners who must temporarily leave school due to the need to quarantine. These learners will be served via Google classroom or paper assignments. Remote learners will not be permitted to participate in extracurricular or after-school activities.
Grades PreK-5:
– Traditional school will be open for students in grades PreK-5, with the first day for students being August 20, 2020. Virtual school will still be offered for PreK-5th grade students who decide to pursue the virtual route.
Grades 6-12
– Students will attend live instruction on an alternating 3 day week followed by a 2-day week format.
– Group A (Last Name A-J)
• August 20, 24, 26, 28
• September 1, 3, 9, 11, 15, 17, 21, 23, 25, 29
• October 1, 5, 7, 9, 13, 15, 19, 21, 23
– Group B (Last Name K-Z)
• August 21, 25, 27, 31
• September 2, 4, 8, 10, 14, 16, 18, 22, 24, 28, 30
• October 2, 6, 8, 12, 14, 16, 20, 22
• School leadership will monitor advisories from public health and the CDC. Should conditions allow, the system may return all 6th-12th students to live instructions (5 day/week) sooner than October 26th.
The school system is taking extra precautions for safety including distancing in classrooms, hallways and restrooms. Common spaces will be limited to 50% capacity and teachers are encouraged to take students outdoors when possible. All common spaces will be sanitized daily and hand sanitizing stations have been installed throughout school buildings.
In the event of a temporary or long-term shutdown, LCS will transition to online learning using Google classroom or Edgenuity. Chromebooks will be distributed to those who lack a personal device. Wi-Fi hotspots will be set up at multiple spots in Leeds for those who need connectivity.
You can view the full Leeds City Schools reopening plan below.
Leeds City Schools Reopening Plan Revised August 6, 2020