Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

FRANKLIN

Starting March 15, most students in Franklin City Schools will begin returning to their classrooms through a phased-in approach. During its meeting on Feb. 18, the school board OK’d the revised plan presented by Dr. Tamara Sterling, superintendent.

As with neighboring school systems, this will be a hybrid plan, and is in keeping with Gov. Ralph Northam’s call for Virginia schools to provide some type of in-person learning by the March date.

“I want to thank everyone in this division for rallying up to get our kids back in school,” said Amy Phillips, chairwoman.

The announcement to media noted that “according to the most recent Parent Survey results, 45% of the student population chose the hybrid learning model. 55% have chosen to remain on the virtual learning plan.”

To minimize the possibilities of becoming infected with COVID-19, faculty and students will continue the practice of wearing masks and maintaining social distance of 6 feet.

The Phase-In I schedule will be March 15-18 for all three schools.

• S.P. Morton Elementary students in pre-kindergarten, kindergarten and first grade will go in person to classes on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday; then virtually on Thursday and Friday; SPED and ELL students to follow their class schedule.
• J.P. King Jr. Middle School students in sixth and seventh grades will go in person to classes on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday; then virtually on Thursday and Friday; SPED and ELL students to follow their class schedule.
• Franklin High students in ninth and 10th grades will go in person to classes on Monday and Tuesday (school day ends at 2:45 p.m.); then virtually on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. SPED and ELL students to follow their class schedule.

The Phase-In II schedule will be March 22-26 for all schools.

• S.P. Morton Elementary students in second and third grades will go in person to classes on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday; then virtually on Thursday and Friday; SPED and ELL students to follow their class schedule.

Students in fourth and fifth grades will remain virtual through the end of the school year with Day Camp option.

• J.P. King Jr. Middle School students in eighth grade will go in person to classes on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday; then virtually on Thursday and Friday; SPED and ELL students to follow their class schedule.
• Franklin High students in 11th and 12th grades will go in person to classes on Wednesday and Thursday; then virtually on Monday, Tuesday and Friday; SPED and ELL students to follow their class schedule.

Further:

• All P.E. Classes will be held outside for all schools, if weather permits.
• SPM-Teachers move, not the students. JPK – Teachers move, not the students.
• Children eat in the cafeteria at all schools.
• Teacher Assistants utilization for instructional support to be determined once the student survey information comes back.
• Student work in the Canvas Modules should still be available for all students every day for virtual instructions.
• All schools are on the full day regular schedule for arrival and dismissal.