By Erica Thomas, managing editor
ASHVILLE — St. Clair County Schools will go to online-only instruction beginning Monday, Nov. 2, 2020, due to an increase in staff and faculty absences. Superintendent Mike Howard said online instruction will continue through Nov. 11.
Howard said the school system is concerned about not having enough substitutes to meet the needs of the school system. Quarantine requirements for exposure are largely to blame for the staff and faculty absences, according to Howard. However, he said the number of positive cases in the school system remains below 1%.
Traditional students will transition to Beyond the Classroom/e-learning after 11 successful weeks in the classroom. The plan is to bring them back into the classroom on Thursday, Nov. 12. School will be in a session on Friday, Oct. 30.
Extracurricular activities, practices and games will continue during this time. Each school will share specific plans with parents and students.
On Monday, Nov. 2, CNP will offer curbside meal pick up for breakfast and lunch. On Tuesday, Nov. 3, each cafeteria will offer a 5-day meal kit from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.
“The next week we will offer a 3-day meal kit on Monday, Nov. 9th to get them through Veterans Day and return to school Thursday, Nov. 12th,” Howard said.
Parents can pre-order meals on their school’s website.
The YMCA in Trussville is offering child care for $30 per day. There were 24 spots open as of Thursday, Oct. 29. Parents can register online at https://www.ymcabham.org/school-support-academy. The YMCA offers online schooling support and afternoon physical activities.