In the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic and schools out since spring break in response to the recent stay in place order, many parents and students are asking how the Escambia County (Ala.) school system will move forward with this year's graduation, summer programs and how to wrap up the school year.
Knott met with school administrators Tuesday to discuss the next steps in closing out this year and preparing for next year.
“We will be bringing school staff back in, depending on what needs at particular school are,” said Superintendent John Knott. “There are bout two and a half weeks left in the current school year and we have a lot of things to do, such as getting all grading finalized for report cars, preparing cumulative folders to get ready for the next grade, text books, inventory, technology and many other things.”
Knott said Friday, May 22 is the final day for teachers and support personnel who are under the current employee contract, although the school year could have been extended through June 5.
“With the change of order from Gov. Kay Ivey and under the direction of the state superintendent's office, we are bringing some of our staff back in, but we are making sure we provide for their safety and follow guidelines in place,” said Knott. “We are not under any circumstances at this time, opening our schools to bring students back in.”
Knott said there is planning in place for mainly middle school and high school students to get personal items out of their lockers, return text books, retrieve musical instruments, etc.
Knott said any planning done has to be fluid, easily changed based on what guidelines dictate.
Summer programs
Knott said the Title I and traditional summer programs will be non traditional.
An outline of tentative plans reflects what Knott referred to as phases. He said Phase I continues through June and allows small groups of no more than 10 students 13 and older to participate with social distancing and no contact in place.
In the athletic summer program, Knott said there is concern about the time athletes having to become conditioned to participate safely in sports.
He said students could do some band or athletic group activities that involve multiple small groups while maintaining no contact.
Tentatively, in Phase 2, starting early July, younger students can be allowed on campus. He said there is planning for reading camps and math camps, but definitely not traditional summer programs, focused on reading and math skills.
“We are revisiting this thing every week and every day,” said Knott. “Things can change. This right now is a very fluid plan.”
A calendar for the 2020-2021 school year is posted on the school's website outlining tentative dates.
Knott said Friday, August 7, 2020 is the tentative date to start the 2020-2021 school year and that right now variations of different calendars could be presented to the board, but he said there is a 'wait and see' situation right now.
Kindergarten registration
Knott said that school personnel are in the process right now of developing forms and systems to allow online kindergarten registration and he hopes to open up in July to finalize the process, allowing any documentation that is necessary to be brought in.
Graduation
High School graduations were originally scheduled: W.S. Neal on Monday, May 18, Flomaton on Wednesday, May 20 and Escambia County on Thursday, May 21, Knott met with board members Wednesday to determine how they will take place, if at all, in light of the pandemic situation.
Knott said mid-July is the earliest to be considered in any ceremony that involves face-to-face interaction and that the following must be observed in planning: the Governor's order, local and state requirements and the Alabama State Department of Education's guidelines.
Knott said one drawback to waiting to try and do it traditionally is that many who join the military, leave to go to college or begin working may possibly not be available to participate.
“After speaking with our principals, who presented seniors with several choices and surveyed what they preferred, the overwhelming response was to have a virtual graduation ceremony,” said Knott. “We will allow small groups of seniors to walk across the stage to receive diplomas from their principals. It will be videoed and edited to look like a traditional ceremony.”
Knott said staff will be working to scheduling for students to get their diplomas and have valedictorian and salutatorian speeches. The school website will post schedules to advise students of the dates and times for the event and any other details. He noted this will allow seniors to visit their schools.
“We have to remember what is important,” said Knott. “We have graduation to recognize seniors and their families to honor the time these students spent in school.”
