(Posted Nov. 22, 2020)
By Josephine Birdsell, Staff Writer
London City Schools will return to a hybrid education model following Thanksgiving break.
Students with last names beginning in A through K will attend classes in-person on Mondays and Thursdays, while students with last names beginning with L through Z will attend in-person classes on Tuesdays and Fridays. The district will work with households who have students with multiple last names to make transportation easier. On Wednesdays, all students will complete classes online.
Having no students on campus on Wednesdays will allow the district to reduce the likelihood that students will come in contact with the virus and have to quarantine, said Superintendent Dr. Lou Kramer.
The switch back to a hybrid model follows a mandate by Madison County Public Health which told school leaders throughout the county to expect to remain in a hybrid education model until at least Feb. 5.
COVID-19 cases are rising in the county. As of Nov. 20, London City Schools has seen 19 COVID-19 cases this semester–10 students and nine staff members. All those diagnosed with the virus are in active recovery. There have been no hospitalizations as a result of the cases thus far.
“As soon as it’s appropriate and as soon as it’s possible to do so, we’d like to get students back on campus,” Kramer said. “We believe a very safe place for our students is our school.”
In the meantime, with the switch back to a hybrid education model, the district is working to accommodate students as it can.
Transportation will not be affected, although busses may run slightly ahead of schedule as they will pick up less students. Chromebooks will be available for students who need them to complete virtual assignments, and WiFi will be available for all students anywhere on the district’s campus. The district will also provide childcare for students in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade on the days that they do not have in-person classes.
Students can pick up three- or five-day meal packs every Wednesday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. behind London High School. Families must sign up for food services before picking up meals by contacting Teresa Murry at (740) 852-5700.
