(November 23, 2020 6:42 PM) Jackson Public Schools is extending the return to in-person learning until January 11, 2021. In a Facebook message to JPS families, Superintendent Jeff Beal said “the numbers and information regarding COVID-19 cannot simply be pushed aside”.
Beal points to the increase in positive cases and testing needs in Jackson. The Jackson County Health Department has reported 698 new positive cases in the past week.
The district had previously planned to return to the hybrid in-person learning plan on Monday, November 30th for K-8 students. The recent MDHHS order prohibits in-person learning for high school students through December 8.
Beal wrote, “I am making the decision to once again suspend in-person at JPS for all grades (Y5-12) until we return from (after) Christmas Break. This means that students and staff will continue to work online until we return for Cohort A on Monday, January 11, 2021, and for Cohort B on Thursday, January 14, 2021.”
The normal return for Christmas break was January 4, 2021. The district will not be returning back to in-person learning until the following week.
Beal encouraged families to consider their actions as they plan for the holidays. “Today’s limit of exposure can and will be what brings us back together. COVID-19 is no joke and I have personally seen the effects on those who have become sick and full recovery is a long process. It is a horrible and dangerous virus that no loved one should have to endure so please think twice before gathering together. I myself will not be attending the big family Thanksgiving this year. Be creative, Zoom your family and friends and be the example to our children that we are all doing what it takes to get back to school in person for them!” he wrote.