Under their original plan, Thomasville City Schools would be in their second week of classes this week. The district initially planned to reopen August 3. But high positivity rates, community spread, and hospital numbers have led school officials to rethink that plan. Superintendent Ben Wiggins says students will now return September 8.
"We decided to push back the beginning of school as Thomas County's cases were a little high, and so we wanted to give ourselves the absolute best chance of once we start in-person to stay in-person," Wiggins says.
The plan falls in line with a push from Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, who recommended schools delay opening for in-person classes until after Labor Day. But When students head back to the classroom, life will be different. They'll be required to wear masks when social distancing isn't possible. That could include while riding buses, and also while in classrooms and hallways.
"But if there ever is a time where there is adequate social distancing such as recess or things like that, students will not have to wear a mask," Wiggins says.
Students will also have their temperatures checked before getting on the bus or entering the building.
To view the district's Return To School Plan, click here.
