MEMPHIS, Tenn. — (SHELBY COUNTY SCHOOLS NEWS RELEASE) - Today, Superintendent Ray announced the gradual return to in-person learning, which will begin Monday, March 1.
The District has stood alone in Memphis and Shelby County against mounting pressure to reopen while COVID-19 cases spiked in our community. From the onset of this pandemic, we’ve diligently planned for a stronger return to our buildings, but we have had no control of this virus or the community conditions that would allow us to go back. SCS is now faced with potential state legislation that could impact school funding. However, declining COVID-19 cases and the availability of vaccines have been key factors in our plans to return safely. Although there is pressure to reopen school buildings, SCS will not compromise our commitment to safety or our core mission to provide a high-quality education for the children of Shelby County. Millions of dollars in COVID-19 relief funds have been used to purchase protective equipment, cleaning supplies, install safety signage and improve building ventilation systems, and our schools are ready to welcome students back safely.
- Students in grades Pre-K - 5 will return March 1, and students in grades 6-12 will return March 8. Students with disabilities or in self-contained classrooms will return within their grade bands.
- Virtual instruction will continue for all students whose families chose to remain virtual. Parents who would like to change their child's learning option to either in-person or virtual may contact their school. These changes would take effect for the remainder of the school year.
- Schools will revert back to their regular bell times beginning March 1. Contact your child’s school to verify the standard start time, or go to scsk12.org/schools to view all start times.
- Buses will be running beginning March 1 for all students who are eligible to receive District transportation. Find more information about transportation services at scsk12.org/transportation. Meals will be served daily in schools, and weekly pick up will still be available for students who learn virtually.
- All schools will be hosting virtual family forums the week of February 22 to review procedures and protocols and address questions. Schools will share dates and times with families.
You can watch the announcement HERE.
