Canton unveils COVID school plan

While most area schools have not finalized plans, the Canton Public School District on Tuesday released its schedule for the upcoming fall term that incorporates a mixture of in-person classroom time and virtual learning. 

Superintendent Gary Hannah issued a release and said “safety” was the main factor in driving this new hybrid schedule. 

School districts closed in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic and across the state superintendents and boards are faced with re-opening plans. 

“We made this decision with our students’ safety as an utmost priority,” Hannah said. “However, as this pandemic changes day to day, we ask that you understand that this plan may be revised at any time as the situation changes.”

Hannah explained that under the new hybrid schedule, students will participate in virtual classes three days a week and for the other two days will be physically present at the schools. 

“On the days that students are physically present, we will observe strict safety procedures,” he said. “This model will allow us to have fewer children present each day, thus allowing us to spread students out at a safe distance in classrooms and other areas.”

Hannah said students will be divided into two groups — online and in-person — and they will utilize technology to ensure those at home are participating in the virtual experience. Laptops are being made available to all students in need. 

Hannah added that in some instances parents not comfortable with sending their children to school can opt to have virtual learning five days a week. 

Madison County Schools have not released a reopening plan yet, but the county School Board is set to meet on July 13. 

Area private schools have also yet to release their plans for the upcoming school year, although decisions are expected to be made sometime this month.