Blended Learning Model of Instruction to Begin Jan. 25

Based on the current public health data, the McDuffie County School System will enact a blended model for all face-to-face students beginning Jan. 25.  Coupled with the Learn from Home model, the blended schedule will ensure the ability for proper social distancing and to reduce the population in classrooms, in hallways, and in common areas.  The system plans to remain in this blended model for face-to-face students until Feb. 5. However, should changes be necessary, plans will be communicated as soon as possible.

BLENDED MODEL FOR FACE-TO-FACE STUDENTS 

Students who opted for the face-to-face instructional model will attend school two days per week and will engage in virtual learning three days per week through Feb. 5.  Students will be divided into two groups based on their last names. The chart below illustrates the schedule.

Students in Group A (last names beginning with the letters A-J) will attend school in a face-to-face fashion on Monday and Tuesday of each week.  On Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday students will complete virtual learning activities provided by the teacher. These activities will be a follow-up to the face-to-face lessons and may include web-based or written materials.

Students in Group B (last names beginning with the letters K-Z) will attend school in a face-to-face manner on Wednesday and Thursday.  On Monday, Tuesday, and Friday students will complete virtual learning activities provided by the teacher. These activities will be a follow-up to the face-to-face lessons and may include web-based or written materials.

MASKS / FACE COVERINGS REQUIRED

All students, employees, and visitors will be required to wear masks or face coverings when entering and exiting buildings, in transitions, on system buses / vehicles, and in areas where social distancing is not possible.

LEARN FROM HOME MODEL FOR VIRTUAL STUDENTS

Students who opted for the Learn from Home virtual instructional model are not impacted by this change.  Students registered for the Learn from Home model committed to a minimum of one nine weeks (ending March 10, 2021) for grades PK-8 and for one semester (ending May 21, 2021) for grades 9-12.  These pupils will continue to engage in virtual learning Monday-Friday until the conclusion of their commitments.

INSTRUCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES / ATTENDANCE

Students in both instructional models are expected to continue to participate in instruction. Students who are submitting weekly assignments and attending sessions in person or online will be counted present; failure to submit any work for the week or to participate in any live class sessions will result in a student’s being marked as absent in the official student record. Grades and attendance will be posted in the PowerSchool Parent Portal as usual.

WI-FI/INTERNET ACCESS

Internet access points remain available at the following locations:

 SCHOOL SYSTEM VEHICLE WI-FI ACCESS POINTS

MEALS

Effective Jan. 25, Monday-Thursday meal delivery by bus will end. Friday meal delivery will continue at 10 a.m. for those families who previously requested the service. Schools will serve meals to face-to-face students during normal breakfast and lunch hours.  In addition, all schools will serve as grab-and-go meal sites for pick-up by Learn from Home students or parents at the times and locations listed below.