Welcome to Haywood County Schools for the 2020-21 school year.  COVID-19 and significant national civil unrest have created volatile and unpredictable times.  Society is divided on many fronts.  As we move into the school year, I am certain about two things.  We need your support more than ever and no one really knows what will happen in the coming weeks and months.

Parents and students, here is the first way you can help.  Haywood County Schools in 2020-21 is not remote learning or in-person learning.  It is remote learning and in-person learning.  We are committed to providing both so students and parents can make a personal choice that best meets their family needs.  Please help us by taking some time during the first couple weeks of school to determine the best choice for your family.  Don’t worry about other families making a different choice.  Their choice will not prevent you from having your choice and your choice will not prevent them from having their choice.

Here is some initial information to get started on your personal learning choice.  Our school system selected Plan B, Option F of the state’s authorized reopening options for schools. Orientation for teachers and other ten-month school staff began on August 11th.  School officially begins on August 17th with remote and some small group in-person orientational learning for students and parents.  When orientation is completed, we will transition into a period of intensive remote learning including daily check-ins between teachers and students.  Simultaneously, we will provide on campus in-person learning for some at-risk students.  This work will be evaluated to determine when we can provide in-person learning for families who choose the in-person option.  Our goal for starting broad-based in-person learning is September 21st.

Another way everyone can help is by working intentionally, on a personal and community level, to foster more unity and less divisiveness.  When there are disagreements, some people choose to be malicious, assaultive, and polarizing.  These behaviors drive people apart and can turn a disagreement into something that becomes harmful.  We can choose to build relationships, foster unity, and create partnerships.  These behaviors help people better understand each other, be more respectful, and can turn a disagreement into something that becomes beneficial.

We can accomplish a lot if we work together.  Be kind, be smart, and be safe.

Bill Nolte, Ed.D.