I’ve heard a rumor that Catoosa County Schools are transitioning to digital learning after Thanksgiving Break. Unless we have a drastic increase in cases next week, this IS NOT TRUE. I realize school systems in counties around us are changing their instructional delivery model due to an increase in COVID cases and quarantines.

On the 11/12 COVID weekly report posted on our website, 20 students tested positive (0.24% of the students in face-to-face learning), and 22 employees are positive (1.43% of total employees). Our students and staff in quarantine have increased this week; however, the majority of the increase is isolated to three schools. I am watching these schools closely.

Based on our data, students will continue the current schedule next week before Thanksgiving. PreK and elementary school students will attend 5-days a week. Middle and high school students will attend 4-days a week (off on Wednesday).

We had planned to begin a 5-day schedule for middle and high school after Thanksgiving; however, based on COVID increasing in neighboring counties, we will continue our 4-day schedule for the three weeks before Christmas (11/30-12/18). If the COVID situation remains stable, we will open on January 7, 2021, in a 5-day traditional schedule for all grade levels.

I appreciate our parents and students for being vigilant with social distancing, wearing masks, washing hands, and staying home when they have COVID symptoms. We have been successful with the 4-day week schedule in secondary schools, and the last thing I want to do is transition to hybrid or virtual before the Christmas break. While our learning model must be fluid and based on the spread of COVID in our schools and community, I hope we can remain in school until Christmas. I look forward to opening on a traditional schedule in January.

I understand some parents may be concerned about returning to school after the Thanksgiving Break. Parents may transition from face-to-face to digital learning at any time by completing a transition form and returning the form to Central Enrollment at [email protected] or fax to 706-965-9010.