Jefferson County School System Releases 2021-22 Reopening Plan

BIRMINGHAM, AL — The Jefferson County School system announced its reopening plan for the 2021-22 school year, which will include both in-person and virtual learning options for students. School begins August 10 for the system.

"My goal is to have as normal a school year as possible," superintendent Walter Gonsoulin said. "However, please understand that while we are in a much better place than we were a year ago at this time, the pandemic is far from over. If for some reason cases start to go back up, there is always a chance we would have to adjust our policies and procedures accordingly."

The reopening plan includes:

Learning Options

• On-campus learning
• Five days a week following the JEFCOED calendar
• JEFCOED Teachers

• Jefferson County Virtual Academy of Learning (JCVAL)
• Considered an alternative for students seeking a non-traditional pathway for their K-12 education
• 100% of instruction takes place online
• Classes taught by virtual school teachers employed by Edmentum, an outside vendor
• JCVAL is different from “Remote Learning” that took place in 2020-2021
• Should be considered a long-term option; students may choose to attend JCVAL by semester.

Technology

• All students in all grades will be provided a Chromebook
• Devices will be checked out to students at the beginning of the school year
• Schoology will be used to facilitate technology engagement in the traditional school model including instructional support, communication, and collaboration with students and parents
• Students attending virtual school that are zoned to attend a Jefferson County School will be provided with a device for checkout.

Wellness

• Students and staff will respect personal space in all school areas and activities
• Visitors allowed on a pre-approved basis for certain scheduled activities
• Masks Optional for all students and staff.

Vaccinations:

• All eligible students and staff members are encouraged to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Cleaning and Hygiene:
• All school areas will be cleaned and disinfected daily
• Cleaning schedules adjusted to clean and disinfect common areas on a more frequent basis
• Hand washing and hygiene routines reviewed with students and staff

• Assigned seats
• Buses cleaned and disinfected after morning and afternoon runs.

• Rotation and schedules used to provide greater personal space during meal service
• Surfaces will be sanitized between meal service times.

• Students should be fever-free (less than 100 degrees Fahrenheit) without the use of fever-reducing medication for 24 hours before returning to school
• All guidelines according to ADPH will be enforced.