COVID forces change to school operation

Because of the rise in COVID cases in the school system and the community, and based on the students and staff in quarantine, Jeff Davis County Schools have made changes in how the schools will operated.
The schools will operate as normal through Aug. 19. All schools will be closed for students only Friday. Staff will report to work Friday as a planning day.
Starting next week, the district will operate under an “A/B” schedule for two weeks. On Sept. 2, the district will evaluate whether or not to return to a regular schedule starting Sept. 7.
The format for the next two weeks is as follows:
Monday/Tuesday: Students with last name A-L will attend school
Wednesday: NO STUDENTS – Staff Planning day with deep cleaning of schools and buses.
Thursday/Friday: Students with last name M-Z will attend school
School Transportation will continue as normal. Student meals will be prepared for days when students are not in school. Additional information will be given toward the end of the week on where pick up locations will be for student meals.
The use of an “A/B” schedule gives the district the ability to limit the number of students in school and on buses to increase social distancing. It also allows teachers to provide “in-person” instruction for students. Students who participate in “face-to-face” instruction perform at a higher level than those in a virtual setting.
School official;ls continue to HIGHLY encourage students and staff to use good judgement and follow safety protocols, to include wearing face coverings, washing hands, covering the mouth when coughing and sneezing, and using hand sanitizer.
By the end of the week, each school will post specific information for their students.