MCSD Releases Updated Return Plan And Meal Plan

COLUMBUS, GA- Students in Muscogee County continue to hit the books virtually to start this semester. However, the Muscogee County School District has updated its plan for students returning to class. In the plan released on Thursday by MCSD officials have announced a two phase plan to get students back to learning.

In a release, the Muscogee County School District announced that the district has remained in consultation with its panel of local medical professionals and public health agencies. The consultations have allowed district officials to continue to monitor the community status of COVID-19 and its impact on the Columbus community.

Following the recommendations of those health officials and operational needs the district has adjusted its return to classrooms on a phased approach.

MCSD announced the first phase will take place January 19-22, 2021. In Phase one students in grades Pre-K through five and special education students will be offered a choice model for return. Students in grades 6-12 will remain on virtual instruction for this period.

In Phase two which will take place on January 25, 2021, all students in grades between Pre-K through 12 will be offered a choice model for return to the classroom or remaining on virtual learning.

"Our foremost goal is to balance the educational needs of our students with the safety and well-being of our students and employees during this time. We appreciate your patience as we look forward to welcoming your students back under the choice model as soon as possible," said Dr. David Lewis, Superintendent of the Muscogee County School District in a released statement on Thursday.

MEAL PLANS

The changes in how students will learn will also impact meals for students. The Muscogee County School District released its student meal plan in relation to the phased opening as well on Thursday.

In phase one in-person students will be able to receive their meal at their assigned school site. Students on virtual learning can pick up their meals curbside daily at any school site between 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

In phase two in-person students will also be able to receive their meal at the assigned school site. Students on virtual learning will be able to pick up their meal curbside daily between 10:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. at any school site.

Over the Christmas break, Muscogee County School officials announced January 6 through 15, 2021, the district would shift to virtual learning for all students. In the statement plans called for the district to shift back to a choice model on January 19, 2021. Similarly MCSD announced that beginning on December 18, 2020, Columbus High School was transitioning to virtual learning based on an increase in COVID-19 exposure and two or more linked cases to CHS.