Dear Parents and Families,
Newton County School System officials have reviewed the weekly data for our community and unfortunately, we haven’t seen a decrease in the rate of transmission of the COVID-19 virus. After consulting with local medical professionals representing both the Gwinnett/Newton/Rockdale Health Department and Piedmont Newton Hospital the decision has been made to continue in a remote learning setting for an additional week. All students will utilize online learning or pre-developed work assignments through Friday, January 29, 2021. Students currently served in-person, as well as those who signed up to transition from remote to in-person for the second semester, will now report to school on Monday, February 1, 2021.
We understand that this may be an inconvenience to many parents and guardians; however, the health and safety of our students and staff is our number one priority. Our hope is that this short-term solution will aid in the reduction of the transmission of the virus in our schools and community. We want to assure you that this is indeed just a short-term solution. We have heard rumors that our plan is a method to move to a completely virtual instructional model; this is simply not true. We will continue to monitor the numbers on a weekly basis and collaborate with our local medical professionals in order to make the best decision possible for our students and staff.
While remote learning is in process, parents of regular in-person students may obtain free breakfast and lunch meals daily from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the nearest school or pick up meals from one of our designated bus stop delivery locations. Visit the link below to determine the location and timing of the meal delivery stop closest to your residence.
http://newtonschoolnutrition.org/index.php?sid=0702132359289201&page=MealRoutes
The NCSS School Nutrition Department in conjunction with the NCSS Transportation Department, will also deliver daily meals, including weekend meals on Fridays, to the following temporary bus delivery locations: Arbor Lake Apartments, Cedar Grove Community, Covington Estates, Five Oaks Subdivision, Jamestown, Long Branch Subdivision, Salem Springs, Twin Chimneys Subdivision, Wagon Train, and Wells Mobile Home Park. Delivery times may be found at the following link:
https://newtoncountyschools.org/departments/public_relations/news/n_c_s_s_meal_delivery_updates
In addition to daily meals, NCSS School Nutrition will also provide weekly meal boxes for pickup at the following school distribution sites: Live Oak Elementary, Heard-Mixon Elementary, West Newton Elementary, Middle Ridge Elementary, and Oak Hill Elementary. The NCSS Food Bus will also stop at select locations throughout the county to distribute weekly meals. Location, days and distribution times may be found on the NCSS website at the following link:
https://newtoncountyschools.org/departments/public_relations/news/n_c_s_s_meal_delivery_updates
Please note that current virtual learning students may continue to obtain free meals at their regular bus stop drop off site.
We realize that in-person instruction is the most beneficial method of instruction for most of our students, and we look forward to getting our students back into our buildings. Our goal is to return to in-person instruction as quickly as possible. It is important to note, that our ability to return to in-person instruction is directly connected to what is happening in our community with regard to COVID-19. Each of us plays an important role in stopping the transmission of the virus in our community. Please wear a mask, watch your distance, wash your hands, and stay home if you are sick.
In addition to the district calls, school principals will also utilize School Messenger to provide parents with school-specific information as necessary. Parents with questions or concerns should contact their school administrator for additional details.