Pittsboro, NC – The Chatham County Board of Education voted unanimously July 16 to begin the upcoming school year with four weeks of at-home instruction, or remote learning, for all students. The first day of school is August 17.
The board’s decision to go with the option known as Plan C followed a lengthy discussion.
Plan C means school facilities are closed to students with remote learning for all students. Board members chose that option in the interest of the safety and well-being of students and employees.
With that date in mind, district personnel throughout the summer have been actively preparing to resume instruction.
After the first four weeks of school, board members will reevaluate to determine whether shifting to a less-restrictive option is appropriate. For families who prefer a 100% at-home remote instruction beyond those first four weeks, the district has established the Chatham County Schools Virtual Academy as an option for students in kindergarten through 12th grade.
The virtual academy will position students to engage in learning at home. There is no cost to enroll in the virtual academy. However, it does require students and families to commit through the end of the first semester unless there are unique and compelling circumstances. The first semester ends Jan. 15, 2021. This virtual academy option may be extended into the second semester if there is sufficient interest.
More information about the virtual academy is on the district’s website and each school’s website. A link to submit an application for the virtual academy is located below. Paper copies of the application are available at the schools. The priority deadline to apply is Aug. 3, 2020. That ensures the enrollment process is completed in time for the first day of school, which is Aug. 17.
Application: https://bit.ly/2WRXAaX