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Lanett City Schools students will return to school on Aug 24. In a Facebook Live presentation, LCS Superintendent Jennifer Boyd laid out the school systems plan to return to school.

Boyd said for the first nine weeks all students will participate in remote learning. After the first nine weeks, students will have the option to return to traditional in-person learning or participate in the Lanett Virtual program.

LCS has released a form on its website that parents must complete to select whether their children will participate in in-person or in the virtual program after the first nine weeks.

Traditional Learning

According to the back to school plan, traditional learning will take place in the classroom should parents elect to send their child back to an in-person setting. In the event of a school closure, traditional learning students will transition to remote learning.  During remote learning, classroom teachers will be responsible for continuing standard-based instruction using Zoom, Schoology, G-Suite or a combination of the three.

According to the plan, during the remote learning period, teachers will conduct one Zoom meeting per week per subject/class as well as assign three lessons and activities via Schoology per subject/class per week. Grades will be taken for assignments given during remote learning.

Traditional learners will be required to wear masks while on campus and while riding the bus.

Virtual Learning

Virtual learning is intended for students that will not attend classes at an LCS school for the 2020-2021 school year.

These students will be assigned coursework that comes from digital platforms Schoology PLP or ACCESS.

Students will be assigned an LCS course facilitator to monitor progress and serve as a contact point for the student and parents.

Parents can opt-out of the virtual learning program and return their child to traditional learning provided they do so by filing a formal request to the school principal by Sept. 8. Virtual learning students can return to the classroom after Sept 8. However, they must complete the remainder of the active semester. Virtual learners will also be subject to all state testing and accountability requirements as well as regulations regarding the administration of tests.

Students in need of a device to participate in both virtual and remote learning will be issued one upon request.

W.O. Lance’s pre-k program will not have the option of virtual learning.

However, pre-k students will be provided with instructional backpacks containing supplies and learning materials to use in the event students must transition to remote learning.

LCS staff members will undergo several professional developments — most being conducted virtually — to assist them with navigating the current learning landscape.

As part of that training, teachers will train for a transition from traditional to remote learning as well as safety procedures as it relates to COVID-19.

• School procedures will also look different as LCS has revised several procedures to ensure the safety of students and faculty. For example, a staggered bell schedule may be implemented based on the number of students and facility layout to ensure minimal contact with students from other classrooms. Other notable procedures can be found below:
• Lunchrooms will begin with 50 percent occupancy and rotation of classrooms dining in the cafeteria and those dining in the classroom.
• Students should avoid congregating in groups during morning arrival. Each school will have designated locations for students to report while practicing social distancing guidelines.
• W.O. Lance Pre-K students will be self-contained. Sixth-grade students will only transition within their pod.
• Water fountains will be disabled. Students will be allowed to bring bottled water.
• Common restrooms will be sanitized multiple times daily. Soap and/or sanitizer will be available in the bathroom and throughout the school.
• Student desks should be spaced apart as much as possible and facing the same direction. Flexible seating will not be permissible.

Parents will be encouraged to take students’ temperatures before sending their child to school. Students who have a temperature of 100.4 or higher and/or exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms should stay at home.

Transportation will also have a new look. Bus drivers will be required to wear masks as well as keep the roof hatches and windows open to increase airflow throughout the bus cabin. Students from the same household will be allowed to be seated together in the same seat.

LCS will also be participating in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) program, allowing for all students to receive breakfast and lunch at no cost.