Coffee County Schools resume class work from home

Coffee County Schools Board of Education discussed the school system’s return to school work from home at the April 9 board meeting.

The school’s approach to home learning will provide online learning for students with devices and internet connection, while physical take-home packets are available for students without internet availability.

Coffee County Superintendent Kevin Killingsworth said much of the previous week’s work had been in regards to preparing the take-home packets and lesson plans for teachers.

“I will say our people at Coffee County Schools have done an excellent job,” Killingsworth said to the board. “Hopefully we’ll get all the packets out by the middle of next week.”

The date for completion of courses will be May 8 with the last day for teachers coming on May 22.

Physical school work won’t be returned to the school but instead will be received by either taking a picture or scanning and sending it to the teacher via e-mail.

Seniors in good standing will not have to take courses at home and instead are considered graduates.

“We ask that the parents and students be patient,” Killingsworth said. “If you have questions, especially about the assignments, please contact your teacher.”

Killingsworth emphasized that the school would be planning some form of a graduation whether it be a virtual ceremony or a physical one later in the summer. Also, personal items from lockers and cubbies will be collected and placed in a paper bag with the student’s name on them. Principals of each school will provide students with pickup times for those belongings.

In regards to capital projects, Killingsworth said that contractors would be starting on the lights at Zion Chapel’s football stadium soon and bids for the improvements at Gamecock Stadium in New Brockton opened on April 16. A special called meeting will likely be coming to award the contract to get it started.

New Brockton Elementary School’s plans for 12 new classrooms have also been approved by the state and bidding will begin on it soon, as well. The school system is also waiting on approval from the state’s Building Commission on plans for classrooms for New Brockton High and Zion Chapel’s gym.