DCSS announces Responsible Restart plan

(ALBANY, GA) – After nearly five months since the initial shutdown, Dougherty County Schools will be re-opening their doors for the first time in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Superintendent, Kenneth Dyer says that after a lot of planning, they’ve reached what’s called the Responsible Restart Plan.

He says, “All of our students will have access to a rigorous and a relevant educational experience. And we think that we have struck a balance between providing for the safety as well as providing that rigorous educational experience that will be meaningful for them and their families.”

The superintendent says that over the last few weeks, parents have had the option to either register for in-person classes or learn remotely.

For those who will be back in class, thing are going to look different from the time they get on the bus to the time they leave.

Dyer tells us, “Masks will be required in any common area of the building, including hallways, restrooms, gymnasiums, etc. In the classroom however, students will have the option of wearing a mask or wearing a face shield. Both of which will be provided by the school system.

For those opting to continue learning remotely from home, the school system is also taking the steps needed to make sure that those students aren’t falling behind.

“Since the Spring, we have acquired more than 5,000 hotspots with unlimited data. So those planning to stay home, with limited access to internet, we’re providing them with hotspots as well so they can participate in conference calls with the classrooms, says Dyer.

While other school systems in the state have already decided on going all virtual to start the new school year, the Dougherty County School System is constantly monitoring the situation.

Dyer says, “We need to be able to decide quickly, but if the conditions change, we will always put the best interests of our students and employees and their safety first, and move online.”

Dyer says the plan is for students to be back on August 3rd, though it’s subject to change.