Virtual Learning Continues

Alleghany County and Covington schools will be going all virtual due to the recent spike in COVID-19 cases in the Highlands.
Both school divisions made the announcement Friday morning.
Covington schools were already virtual this week and school officials decided to keep that option in place until Nov. 30.
Alleghany County schools also made the move to go all virtual until Nov. 30.
“Alleghany County Public Schools, along with other districts in the region, has recently experienced a substantial increase in COVID-19 cases,” said Sherman Callahan, acting superintendent.
County schools will utilize virtual learning Nov. 16 through Nov. 24. Schools will be closed for Thanksgiving Nov. Nov. 25 and under current plans, students will resume a hybrid schedule that blends virtual learning with in-person classes on Nov. 30.
“During the remote learning period, all schools will continue to be extensively cleaned. Food service will continue during the 100 percent remote learning period.  Meals are available, on a first-come, first-serve basis, as a grab-n-go breakfast and lunch unitized meal,” Callahan said.
“Children must be present to receive a meal or parent/guardian will be required to provide the students’ names.  Meal pick-up, as well as technology support information can be found on the ACPS county webpage,” he added.      
Covington Public Schools will continue remote  learning starting Monday, Nov. 16, through Tuesday, Nov. 24, Superintendent Melinda Snead-Johnson said. 
City schools will be closed for Thanksgiving from Wednesday, Nov. 25, through Friday, Nov. 27.
“Schools will reopen for in-person instruction Monday, November 30, given that COVID-19 conditions are determined to be appropriate for a healthy and safe environment for the students and staff,” Snead-Johnson said.
“CCPS continues to monitor local COVID-19 information and work closely with the Virginia Department of Health. Please monitor your child’s health closely for any symptoms of COVID-19. CCPS is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all students, faculty and staff,” Snead-Johnson said.
Callahan said: “Alleghany County Public Schools is appreciative of everyone’s cooperation in moving to a 100 percent remote/virtual plan across the district until after the holiday.  Uncertain times require flexibility in order to ensure everyone’s continued safety.”
In county schools, report cards, which were to be distributed the week of Nov. 16, will now be distributed the week of Nov. 30.