By Rick Palsgrove
Groveport Editor
Groveport Madison Schools students will return to in-person classroom instruction on Oct. 
19.
The in-person restart is timed to begin with the second quarter of instruction.
“There is a great concern that, after the Labor Day weekend, there could be an increase in COIVD-19 cases statewide and countywide,” said Groveport Madison Communications Director Jeff Warner. “Because of this, we do not want to restart too early and then, if the number of coronavirus cases worsens, have to go back to 100 percent remote online learning. That would be more frustrating for everyone. Restarting at the beginning of the second quarter on Oct. 19 is a nice, clean break and will not be as disruptive.”
Warner said district officials understand that parents want their children back in school and that some families are struggling.
“The safety of our students and staff are at the forefront of our decision making process,” said Warner regarding the timing of the restart.
When in-person classroom instruction begins again on Oct. 19, the district will implement its Blended Learning Model. This model consists of students being split into two separate groups attending school two days per week and receiving online instruction three days per week. Under this model, half the students would be in the buildings simultaneously (approximately 15 students per classroom), which enables six foot social distancing to be in place. Masks are required for all K-12 students and staff. Safe health practices and continual cleaning and disinfecting will be in place and group activities will be limited.
Visit gocruisers.org, email gm.communications@gocruisers.org, or visit gocruisers.org/ResponsibleRestart2020.aspx or gocruisers.org/backtoschool2020.aspx or call 614-492-2520 for information.
