By Zach Hester, Reporter • zach@southerntorch.com

DeKALB COUNTY, Ala. — Students across the State of Alabama, including those in DeKalb County, will not return to school in a traditional sense this school year.

Due to the developing situation regarding COVID-19, DeKalb County Superintendent Dr. Jason Barnett and the DeKalb County Board of Education have released their alternative learning plan to prepare students for a fresh start in the fall. The following goals were stated in a letter to the community (they have been condensed for space):

1. Student well-being and communication

The DeKalb County Board of Education's primary focus is the well-being of our stidents, faculty and staff. To ensure we stay informed about each member of our community, teachers will be in weekly communication with the students in their homeroom (K-6) and first-period class (7-12). If a need is identified or emerges, the teachers will communicate with local counselors, administrators, nurses, and other appropriate personnel to ensure those needs are met. Teachers will also use this time to review the coursework provided and identify supports that might be needed. Administrators will also check in with teachers and other faculty and staff weekly to determine if they have any needs that need to be supported during this time.

2. Student Learning and Content Support

• Seniors: Seniors are a priority during this time in terms of graduation. Senior students who are in good terms regarding graduation have completed their requirements as of now. Seniors who are not in good standing will be afforded opportunities to meet the standard criteria for graduating. Local counselors, teachers and administrators will work closely with these students.
• Grades K-11: Students in Grades K-11 will be provided a calendar of activities to complete. The calendar of assignments and resources will begin on April 13, 2020 and will conclude on May 15, 2020. This document and plan of instruction is provided so that activities and expectations are consistent across schools. Many of these activities will utilize online resources. Those without Internet access will communicate with their teacher and print resources will be provided. During the teachers' weekly communications, students and parents are encouraged to ask questions and seek any support needed. Teachers will also work with SPED, EL, etc. to ensure proper supports in place for your child's education. Teachers will also maintain virtual office hours.

3. Preparing for the 2020-21 School Year

With the stress of supporting a family, working, and "teaching" from home, assignments will not be overcomplicated during the remainder of the school year.

The Board believes they have developed a plan of activities to adequately support students in meeting standards over the next six weeks, and prepare them for the next school year.

• Possible Back to School Program: The Board is currently exploring a "Jump Start" type school session in the weeks leading up to the start of the 2020-21 school year, contingent on public health and funding. This program would review preceding grades' standards and begin introducing and preparing for the rising grade. More information regarding this will be presented in the future.

4. Maintain Facilities and Properties

During this alternative school environment, third-party vendors have been brought in to help sanitize properties; in addition, financial resources have been provided for the purpose of acquiring and implementing sanitation efforts. Employees will observe an abbreviated work schedule to reduce interaction and ensure proper personal safety.

5. Be Thankful

"I, for one, am thankful for the opportunity that I have been given to serve DeKalb County during this time of national and state emergency," said Barnett in the letter. "I have heard from countless faculty and staff that are missing their students and their day-to-day routine. We didn't quite realize that Friday, March 13 — or Monday, March 16, for some — would be the last day we would see our students on campus for the remainder of the school year."

"We didn't realize that it would be the last time we entered our school and classroom for nearly a month. We may not always know when the last time to do something is, so it is important each day that we give our best effort and show kindness and love because it could be our last chance," Barnett concluded. "So, let's make the most of this time together and the time apart. Be compassionate, be forgiving, and show kindness."