School district preparing for online classes if schools are closed due to coronavirus

Eric Terrell

Madison City Schools interim superintendent Eric Terrell sent this message to parents this morning concerning coronavirus preparations in Madison schools.

Everyone,

I’d like to report back to you again from last week’s communication on coronavirus (COVID-19). As we continue to focus on precautionary and preparedness actions at both the school and district level, Madison City Schools continues to monitor timely resources to respond in ways that best protect our students and community.

I’ve been meeting regularly with admin staff on response plans in the event we have to close a school – or the entire district. We hope that doesn’t happen but I assure you we stand prepared if it does.

The instruction team has completed a comprehensive e-learning plan that utilizes online teaching. E-learning will minimize lost instructional time by enabling students to complete assignments from home. For students who may need electronic devices, the technology department has worked out a checkout system complete with portable Wi-Fi hot-spots for those who need it. Locations are being identified at each school where parents/guardians would go to check out equipment.

The district has developed a work flow chart identifying essential staffing during a school or district closing. Teachers and instructional support, of course, will work in the shift to e-learning. Some business office operations must also continue and our Operations Department will conduct deep cleaning/sanitizing of schools during any closing.

One question that has come up is on the subject of travel. Madison City Schools has no overseas school-sponsored trips planned for the remainder of the school year. There are, however, many school groups planning domestic travel. As of this writing, those trips can go on as planned, unless we receive information that they are going to places where COVID-19 is present and poses a threat. We will continue to evaluate each school field trip as new information is received. Keep in mind this is subject to change with very short notice. If so, your school wil notify you. Once a community has a confirmed case of the coronavirus (COVID-19), it is important to minimize the number of large gatherings.

With Spring Break fast approaching, we are particularly mindful that many of our families have plans to travel. We encourage families to follow CDC and U.S. State Department guidelines on travel and stay abreast of changes in restrictions. Travel guidance and other helpful coronavirus information can be found on our website at https://www.madisoncity.k12.al.us/domain/131.

Additionally, there are many spring school activities that lead to large gatherings including sporting events (Memo from AHSAA https://www.madisoncity.k12.al.us/…/Domain/131/AHSAA%20COVI…), choral and theater performances, Greenpower events, etc. If we become aware of a risk of exposure, we will take steps to limit or temporarily cancel extracurricular activities. This may include total cancelation of events.

Finally, this is not a time to let one’s guard down. But please try to stay abreast of the situation to separate facts from misinformation. We will continue to rely on the health care experts to base our decisions.

Mr. Eric Terrell
Interim Superintendent