GERMANTOWN, Tennessee —
UPDATE 7/22/2020 - The Germantown Municipal School District announced it was moving the first day of school to August 17, 2020.
The following was sent to parents.
"GMSD is committed to re-opening our schools in a manner that is safe, effective, and in the best interests of our students, parents, and staff. The district has spent many hours developing the safest ways to provide a rigorous educational experience which includes face-to-face instruction, hybrid schedules, virtual options, and programs that meet the social emotional needs of our students.
The district is also carefully monitoring the number of parents who are opting into our full-time virtual learning program. When we released the first survey and published its results on June 26th, 96% of our parents indicated that they would prefer in-person learning. The preliminary numbers of parents opting into full-time virtual learning, show a shift in attitudes towards virtual and in-person learning. This summer, the task force has worked to develop a virtual learning program as a key component of our hybrid in-person model. However, the increase in parents opting into full-time virtual learning will allow the district to create several specialized positions that solely focus on virtual learning.
For this reason, the district will be utilizing its stock-piled inclement weather days to delay the start date of school for students. The first day of school, for students, will be moved to August 17th. Teachers will report as regularly scheduled on July 29th. At this time, the delayed start is the only change in our school calendar.
We’ve also generated updated FAQ pages based on the questions and concerns our staff has been receiving through the Let’s Talk: A Covid Response Center app. You can find the updates here:
Full-time Virtual Learning Program FAQ
In-Person Hybrid Model FAQ
GMSD Road to Reopen Plan"
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UPDATE 7/20/2020 - Monday the Germantown Municipal School District provided information to its parents and students regarding the districts virtual learning program.
According to information posted on the GMSD website, All GMSD families are able to opt into our full-time virtual learning program. However, IEPs, 504s, and ILPs are legal documents and may all require a meeting (such as IEP, 504 or other team meeting) to determine the best placement/ services for students. Tennessee Department of Education recommends:
“Vulnerable student populations should be prioritized when considering reopening school for in person learning environments. In person learning provides the opportunities for teachers to increase intensity of support, provide frequent checks for understanding, and alter learning supports continuously. Distance learning will not allow for this level of support to learning”.
The application process is necessary for our team to have a written commitment to the chosen method of learning so that we can plan our staffing at each school, and work with any families that receive special services.
Parents have until July 29 to make their decision.
Click here for all the details regarding GMSD's virtual learning program.
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Tuesday the Germantown Municipal School District released its plans for reopening.
To meet social and emotional needs for elementary students, grades kindergarten through 6th will have in-person learning full time, no virtual learning. They say they've measured the classrooms and can accommodate all kids with social distancing.
Students in grades 7 through 12 will have 2 days in-person and three days of digital learning each week.
Everyone must wear masks during arrival, dismissal, and when social distancing is harder, such as changing classes or bathroom breaks.
Also, according to the district, "GMSD recognizes that families may have unique circumstances that require the need for full virtual learning or other options. We are developing plans for an application process for those families.
GMSD will release additional information and the GMSD Virtual Learning Program on July 20th. The application will open on July 20th and close on July 29th."
