This final update for the 2019–2020 school year provides reminders about end-of-the-year grading, plans for next year and summer school, as well as information on summer meals and how to sign up for free and reduced-price meals.
Grading
As we close out the year and prepare to issue final grades, GCPS reminds parents of the steps in place to ensure students have been as successful as possible during Digital Learning Days (DLD). If a student’s grade in a class falls below the grade he or she earned in that same class during first semester, or lower than the student’s average in the class on March 12, the teacher will take a number of things into consideration before finalizing the student’s grade. These considerations include the potential impact of the change in learning environment from in-person to online; whether the student had adequate and appropriate opportunities to relearn material or redo assignments; and if the student took advantage of available opportunities to make up work and demonstrate mastery of the AKS curriculum.
Plans for next school year
No one knows exactly what going to school will look like in the fall— if it will be in-person, digital, or some blended version. At this time, GCPS is planning for an Aug. 5 start. (The calendar for the 2020-21 school year, which is very similar to this year’s calendar, is available on the GCPS website.) School system leaders will continue to follow guidance from health experts on safely educating and protecting students and staff in the 2020–21 school year.
Summer School
GCPS will not offer face-to-face summer school options during June. High school students may take online summer classes through Gwinnett Online Campus, community school programs, and credit recovery courses.
If conditions allow, the school district will hold a summer session for identified elementary and middle school students July 6–21.
School Nutrition
Meals During the End of May and June: A partnership between the school district and Gwinnett County Government will provide meal assistance to families in need over the summer. GCPS concluded its meal program on Friday, May 15. During DLD, GCPS provided nearly 2.6 million meals at 67 school locations and on bus routes within identified clusters. Beginning Monday, May 18, Gwinnett County will provide meals through its Summer Meals Program. Parents can pick up nutritious meals for their children at 18 park locations around the county. Meals also will be available for adults with disabilities. The school district’s Seamless Summer food program, which will provide meals for pick-up at 25 school sites, will extend meal options for families June 8-26.
Register for Free and Reduced-Price Meals: Families can apply for free and reduced-price meals if their household
income has been affected by the current pandemic. By signing up today, families can ensure their children begin next school year with these benefits. Additionally, this eligibility can be used to access other types of public assistance or services that may be available during this pandemic, such as low-cost internet services. Fill out a Free and Reduced-Price Meals Online Application. Applications typically are processed within three days. Questions about free and reduced-price meals, eligibility, and applications can be sent to SNP.FR@gcpsk12.org.
GCPS Salutes Seniors
After 13 years of hard work, more than 12,700 potential Gwinnett graduates are preparing for the next chapter of their lives. Due to the effects of the pandemic, this year’s seniors endured a difficult and unusual ending to their high school careers, which makes their accomplishments even more impressive and worthy of celebration. Tune into GCPS TV or go online to watch our high school virtual graduations. The live schedule for each school is available online.
The COVID-19 situation remains fluid. As a result, GCPS continues to work on finalizing plans for the summer and fall. Thank you for your understanding and patience as we have navigated these uncertain times. The district will continue to use School Messenger to share information with families and staff members as decisions are made. Stay safe and well, and stay tuned for more information. Have a great summer!