A calendar reminder… All GCPS schools and offices will be closed on MLK Day—Monday, Jan. 18.
Students and staff will return to teaching and learning on Tuesday, Jan. 19, in a 100% digital environment. CEO/Superintendent J. Alvin Wilbanks announced that GCPS will temporarily transition all in-person learners to digital instruction for the week of Jan. 19-22 due to staff affected by COVID-19 and a shortage of substitutes.
Currently, the district is experiencing higher numbers of cases, suspected cases, and close contacts among our in-person students and staff. The move to 100% digital learning for the coming week will allow GCPS to effectively serve students while also doing what is best for our students and staff given the current situation. The shift to digital learning next week for all students, coupled with the observance of MLK Day on Jan. 18, will provide the time needed for many of our employees who are currently quarantined to return to work.
“We understand that the move to 100% digital may create hardships for families. That said, we do feel that this is a necessary measure that will provide time for ill employees to get well and for those who are quarantined to be cleared for return to school and work,” Mr. Wilbanks said.
Note that GCPS will offer meal service during this transition to digital learning (Jan. 19-22). On these days, meals will be available for curbside pick-up at schools, and, the district will deliver meals along all bus routes countywide. Families should expect buses to run their routes from approximately 10:45 a.m. to noon, beginning at the first stops on the route.
District leaders will monitor the COVID situation and its effects on staffing to determine its ability to resume in-person instruction on Monday, Jan. 25. Updates regarding the return to in-person learning will be shared on the district website and through SchoolMessenger messages to families and staff.