Amid all the news surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, it can be hard to keep up with the status of the coronavirus in respect to our school. We’ve compiled some common questions with information given from the district for your convenience.
When will schools be closed?
Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools (CHCCS) has announced that spring break has been extended, lasting from Monday, March 16-27. Afterwards, students will participate in “extended learning,” or classwork from home, the week of March 30 through April 3.
When will school be back in session?
The current plan sees students returning to schools on Monday, April 6, though the date is subject to change depending on the status of the pandemic.
What will the extended learning plan consist of?
This will vary from class to class. CHCCS has given teachers one of five options for their extended learning plans. District statements read:
“Option 1: Teachers use Google Classroom to assign student work.
Option 2: Teachers assign projects aligned to current units.
Option 3: Teachers assign packets aligned to current units.
Option 4: Teachers use online learning (Canvas, iReady, etc.) to assign student work.
Option 5: Teachers use Khan Academy to assign student work.”
Teachers may opt to mix the options above when assigning work as well.
Will missed days need to be made up?
No. The extended learning plan was designed as a stand-in for normal class days. The accommodations should allow the school year to stay on track.
What school events have been cancelled due to the outbreak?
All athletic events have been cancelled statewide, but spring sport practices could return once schools open on April 6. All out-of-state field trips have been cancelled, as well as after-school events. The spring musical, The Wedding Singer, has been postponed to the weekend of April 17-19.
Have local schools faced a threat like this before?
Yes. Former school board member Mia Burroughs pointed out on twitter that Chapel Hill Public Schools closed for five weeks during the Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918.
How will I be affected by the virus?
Research has indicated that high school age students are not at risk of suffering any severe symptoms from COVID-19, but can still transmit the virus to older members of the population, who have a higher risk of developing complications from the disease.
Remember to keep a level head and take steps to protect yourself from the virus: wash your hands often, and stay home if you begin to exhibit flu-like symptoms. Keep following Proconian for more information about the outbreak and our community.
