Thomasville board announces plans for in-person learning

The Thomasville City Schools Board of Education voted at a special called meeting on Tuesday, March 16th to allow middle and high school students to return to school for in-person learning. Beginning Monday, April 19th, 6th to 12th-grade students that opt to return will do so under Plan A. This option was made possible by NC Senate Bill 220.

Any student who wishes to attend school virtually will have their request honored. K-5 students will return to school under Plan A on Tuesday, March 23rd.

Instruction will take place four days a week, Monday through Thursday. Fridays will continue to be a remote learning day district-wide. While Plan A does enforce minimal social distancing, six feet of distancing isn’t required. Students must wear masks and daily temperature checks will be administered prior to entry into school facilities.

In explaining support for Plan A for middle and high school students, Thomasville City Schools Superintendent Dr. Catherine Gentry stated that students needed instruction “face to face as much as possible.” Citing guidance from the Lighting Our Way Forward document produced by the State Board of Education and Department of Public Instruction in consultation with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Gentry noted the system will take the necessary precautions to keep students and staff safe. Before making her decision, Gentry also consulted staff and parents regarding a return to in-person classroom instruction.

COVID-19 data, shared by Gentry, showed a peak in mid-January but noted that the numbers have consistently decreased in Thomasville.

Currently, the system has zero employees who are quarantining or COVID-19 positive. There are reportedly two students who are quarantined or positive. Staff explained that they will be eligible to return to school next week with their cohorts as their isolation period will have expired.

Staff at each school will be responsible for minimizing the gathering of students on the premises. To assist in addressing this issue, students will still eat lunch in classrooms and will be monitored throughout the buildings.

Before adjourning the meeting, Chairman James Carmichael stressed to those attending the meeting [via Zoom] that the district is in need of bus drivers. Training and tests are required. If interested, contact Thomasville City Schools coordinator Carlton Hogan.