On Monday, January 4, 2021 the Martin County Board of Education voted for all students to go to virtual/remote learning based on the rising concerns and impact that COVID-19 has had on Martin County. This transition will begin January 11 for a period of 2 weeks with the option to go longer based on the COVID-19 information for the county. For the week of January 5th-8th students are allowed to go to school and attend classes if they wish, but are not required. There will be no penalty for students who do not attend in person this week. Teachers will be teaching this week and also getting information ready for students to help make the transition to virtual/remote learning.
The Martin County Board of Education has set the week of January 5th -8th as a time period for parents to make appropriate arrangements for child care as necessary, students to meet new teachers, adjust to new schedules and get necessary materials (packets, devices, hot-spots, etc.). The Martin County Board of Education realizes that this decision impacts many people in different ways. The board of education feels that this is the best plan to deal with COVID-19 going forward and appreciates your understanding and cooperation.
Please see the attached virtual/remote plan for further details:
Begin the transition for all students to virtual & remote learning on Monday, January 11, 2021 for a period of two weeks. MCS and the BOE will continue to monitor the impact of COVID-19 following Christmas and New Year in the event that virtual / remote learning needs to be extended beyond two weeks.
For In-person students who may want to transition out immediately, they may do so immediately effective January 5, 2021 without any attendance penalty.
The Teachers of In-person learning students will begin making contact with their students starting Tuesday, January 5, 2021. However, parents should not expect the same daily schedule during the time of transition and/or during the time students are at home.
MCS Teachers and Staff report to their assigned school, office, or job location on a regular schedule during the time students attend Virtual / Remote learning.
Based on NC DHHS guidelines, parents and students who choose to continue to attend Pre-K may do so. Pre-K teachers will contact individual families to confirm attendance and transportation options.
Students identified as having significant cognitive and physical disabilities which prevent them from adequately accessing remote learning may continue in-person learning. Teachers will contact individual families to confirm attendance and transportation options.
Martin County Schools will continue to follow the guidelines of the North Carolina High School Athletic Association for continued participation in athletics during the virtual / remote learning period.
Martin County Schools will continue to follow the guidelines from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction regarding Drivers Education. Remote classes will continue without change. In-person driving will continue as appropriate. Students will be contacted by their instructor with additional information.
Parents and students with specific circumstances not mentioned above can contact their school principal directly.
Breakfast and Lunch Meals During Virtual Days
Cafeteria service will continue daily at school through January 8, 2020
Curbside Meal Distribution at each school will continue daily including the time MCS operates on a virtual schedule. The times are daily from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm.
Additional meal distribution plans will be initiated by MCS on January 11, 2021. Information about additional meal distribution stations and/or locations will be disseminated to parents as soon as possible.
Technology During Virtual Days
We understand that laptops, tablets, or any other electronic devices may have been damaged or lost during the winter break. Students are asked to bring their device to school to be repaired or exchanged prior to January 11, 2021.
Families in need of “hot spots” or “devices” need to contact their home school for more information. Please keep in mind that remote and/or rural areas of Martin County may still struggle with internet connectivity.
Transitioning to virtual learning on Monday, January 11, 2021 allows for all parents and students the opportunity to continue to access schools from January 5 to January 8, 2021 in order to, among other things:
Meet their teacher(s) as we have multiple students transitioning to in-person learning for 2nd semester, and/or get reacquainted with their teacher(s).
Prepare for an extended period of virtual / remote learning by ensuring that their school issued computer or device is operational after the break (provide replacement or repairs if necessary), and/or secure a hotspot if needed (as applicable).
Receive specific confidential guidance regarding 504, EC, ESL, and/or AIG plans for an extended period of time of virtual / remote learning.
Make arrangements to receive additional support such as meals.
Communicate with School Counselors, Social Workers, School Nurses in order to prepare students (and families) for an extended period of time following the Christmas break. This allows families to finalize medical care plans, family counseling and/or support services, secure and/or replenish medications (as applicable), and/or any other confidential assistance or support related to the care of students and families who are not able to be in the building.