Parent’s Guide for Returning to School
Jackson County School System (JCS) is making every effort to ensure the safe return of our students.
We hope this guide offers answers to your most pressing concerns. This document is general
information and more guidance will be available for parents and teachers before school starts.
When will school start?
● Students will begin August 7, 2020.
What are my child’s learning options?
● Students will choose between 2 learning paths and will make a
semester long commitment to that learning path.
● Path 1 – Traditional / Blended Ready Learning​ – Students on
this path attend school, receive face to face instruction, but
are prepared to learn at home for brief periods if
circumstances change (blended ready).
● Path 2 – Remote Learning​ – Students on this path learn at
home and receive virtual instruction from a designated JCS
teacher through Schoology, video conferencing, and other
digital tools.
● Your school will contact you within the next week about your
choice.
If my child learns at home (Remote or Blended), what will be used
to teach them?
● JCS will use Schoology (an online state aligned curriculum)
along with content created by our teachers using other digital
tools.
If my child chooses remote learning, will they be able to participate
in sports?
● Yes, they will be allowed to participate.

What is JCS doing to keep my child safe on the bus?
● Students are encouraged to wear a mask when riding the bus.
● All buses will be sanitized after each bus route/trip.
● Buses will load back to front and unload front to back.
● Students will have assigned seats on the bus, and will sit in the
same seat every day.
● Roof hatches or windows will be open when possible to allow
fresh air to circulate.
What is JCS doing to keep my child safe at school?
● All staff will be trained to recognize signs and symptoms of
Covid-19 and how to respond effectively.
● Staff and students will have their temperatures checked daily
upon arrival at school and as needed throughout the day.
● Each school will be cleaned/sanitized daily.
● JCS will ensure that frequently touched surfaces will be
cleaned frequently with either an EPA-approved disinfectant
or diluted bleach solution.
● Restrooms will be cleaned frequently.
● Hand sanitizer stations will be available throughout the
school.
● Students will have frequent opportunities for handwashing
and hand sanitizer use.
● Parents/guardians will only be allowed in the office area.
● Social distancing will be encouraged (class changes, break,
high traffic areas).

JCS Parent’s Guide for Returning to School July 8, 2020*

 Will students be required to wear masks?
● Masks are strongly encouraged, but not required.
● The Alabama State Department of Education will be providing
three masks for each student.
Will employees be required to wear masks?
● We will follow all Alabama Health Order guidelines set forth
by Governor Kay Ivey.
● As of 7/1/2020, the current health order requires the use of a
mask or other facial covering by an education employee
within 6 feet of a person from a different household.
What about school meals?
● Students will not self-serve meals. CNP employees will plate a
student’s meal to prevent them from touching utensils.
● Cashiers will key in each student’s number so that students
are not touching keypads.
● Breakfast- Should not exceed 50% occupancy in the cafeteria.
Grab n go breakfast options will be provided daily.
● Lunch- Should not exceed 50% occupancy in the cafeteria with
rotations of students dining in the cafeteria, in classrooms or
other designated areas.
● Outside visitors and/or family guests will not be allowed to
dine in the school cafeteria.
● Families will be ​encouraged​ to prepay online via PayPams:
https://paypams.com/HomePage.aspx​ and to complete online
free and reduced applications:
https://paypams.com/onlineApp.aspx​.
● A menu app is also available via Nutrislice:
https://jacksonk12.nutrislice.com/​.

What if a student or teacher tests positive for COVID-19?
● All schools will have a quarantine room for symptomatic
students near the nurse’s office. Students will be provided a
mask and isolated until a parent picks them up.
● Staff and students who test positive should test negative or be
quarantined for 14 days AND be asymptomatic (fever free) for
3 days before returning to school.
● The classroom and all common areas will be cleaned and
disinfected before any student returns to those areas.
● Without using names, parents of other students in the class
will receive notification as soon as possible. Student
information will be kept confidential. It is the responsibility of
the Alabama Department of Public Health to notify anyone
who has been exposed.
● The Alabama Department of Public Health defines direct
exposure as being within 6 feet or less for a period of 15
minutes or more.
What if my child has an IEP or 504 Plan?
● Jackson County Schools will consider the revision of students’
IEPS in coordination with general and special education
teachers. The evolving needs of students will be monitored
using assessment data and parent feedback. The IEP team will
design accommodations and match services accordingly.
What about school supply lists?
● A school supply packet will be provided by the school district
for each student.
What about after school programs?
● We will be having after school programs at some of our
schools.

JCS Parent’s Guide for Returning to School July 8, 2020*

 What about athletics?
● Yes, as of now, sports will happen. We will follow guidelines
set forth by the Alabama High School Athletic Association.
What about Pre-K?
● We have pre-k at eleven of our campuses and all of them will
be in session as long as regular school is in session.
What can I do to help?
● Check for symptoms.
● Personal responsibility is key:
o Do not send children to school exhibiting any
symptoms or illness, be mindful of others,
o Maintain personal space boundaries,
o Talk to your children about washing their hands often,
not touching their face, and maintaining personal
space boundaries.
Will my child’s school be having field trips this school year?
● Jackson County Schools will not be allowing field trips during
the 2020-2021 school year.
What if I have more questions?
● Visit ​jacksonk12.org/updates​ for the latest information
● Email questions to covid19@jacksonk12.org
● Contact your school principal

*Please note that information on this document is subject to change
as directed by state and local governments.

JCS Parent’s Guide for Returning to School July 8, 2020*