We have had a number of questions about summer activities during the continuing COVID-19 pandemic.  As many of us have learned over the last couple of months, the answers to our questions often depend on the impact of COVID-19 and associated state regulations.  We have attached a chart from the state outlining the current Phase One Order.  We are hopeful Phase Two will come later in May and bring more opportunities.  We plan to quickly adjust to any flexibility that is provided by the state.  The following is a list of updates in several areas:

1.      The state was only willing to waive instructional time requirements for school systems that provided remote learning through the end of their initially approved instructional calendars.  With this in mind, remote learning ends for all schools (except Haywood Early College) on Friday, May 29th.  Remote learning at Haywood Early College ends on Friday, May 22nd.

2.      Summer food distribution will be very similar to previous summers.   At this point, no state funding has been provided for bus delivery.  We would love to continue bus delivery of food if state funding is provided.  We will notify the public if that becomes available.  The following is the transition to summer food distribution:

a.       The last day for bus delivery of food will be Thursday, May 28th.  This day will include additional food as provided on previous Thursdays.
b.      June 1-4 the following school sites will be open for food distribution from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.  Thursday will include additional food as provided on previous Thursdays.

i.      Bethel Elementary School
ii.      Bethel Middle School
iii.      Canton Middle School
iv.      Clyde Elementary School
v.      Hazelwood Elementary School
vi.      Jonathan Valley Elementary School
vii.      Junaluska Elementary School
viii.      Meadowbrook Elementary School
ix.      North Canton Elementary School
x.      Pisgah High School
xi.      Riverbend Elementary School
xii.      Tuscola High School
xiii.      Waynesville Middle School

c.       Beginning Monday, June 8th the following locations will be offering meals for pick up from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday.  Thursday’s meals will include breakfast and lunch for Thursday and Friday as well as breakfast for Saturday and Sunday.

i.      Bethel Elementary School
ii.      Canton Middle School
iii.      North Canton Elementary School
iv.      Tuscola High School
v.      Waynesville Middle School
vi.      Jonathan Valley Elementary School

People may go to any open location for food.  It does not have to be the assigned school.  The sites were selected based on location, current participation, and staff availability.  Meals will continue to be available to any child ages 1 through 18.  Staffing adjustments will be made depending on the amount of participation at each site.  We plan to continue food distribution at these locations through August 7th.

3.      Graduation ceremonies are being planned by our high schools.  We, like many of you, would love to have traditional large group high school graduations.  Unfortunately, Phase One only allows outside gatherings of 10 or less (see attached).  We hope Phase Two will allow us to provide opportunities for graduation ceremonies with larger gatherings.  Individual schools will update graduates and parents about plans as they develop.

4.      Phase One allows child care centers to open.  While we do not operate any child care centers, some elementary schools offer summer child care camps.  We are currently checking with governing agencies to see if Phase One applies to school summer child care camps.  If so, we will determine if schools can operate within the restrictions and if workers are available during the pandemic.  We will share this information when it is confirmed.

5.      All school extra-curricular activities (including athletics) have been cancelled by the State Board of Education and/or the North Carolina High School Athletic Association.  This includes any and all school supervised activities (tryouts, practices, events, etc.).  We will let everyone know when this changes.  Coaches and school administrators are monitoring this situation and will be ready to quickly restart activities when permissible.

6.      The state is providing funding for summer academic camps and related remediation activities.  When state guidance and funding are provided, we will announce the timing and location of these activities.  These activities will also be impacted by social distancing orders from the state.

7.      Drivers Education is on hold due primarily to the close confines of the driving portion of the training.  We will restart Drivers Education training when the state allows.  When that occurs, we will begin by completing the driving portion for those already in process.  We will re-start the training when permissible.

Contact:  Dr. Bill Nolte, Superintendent

PHASE ONE STATE ORDER

*Source:  https://www.nc.gov/covid-19/staying-ahead-curve