Two schools begin the academic year online

Two schools begin the academic year online

Dan shaffer has the night off.

New information -- students were back in class in all but 2 lawrence county schools today.

Both moulton middle and elementary school will be virtual until the 26th.

Staff from both schools were exposed to the coronavirus.

Waay 31's grace campbell spoke with the lawrence county superintendent.

She learned more about the last minute changes and how the district is helping parents adjust.

I spoke with superintendent jon brett smith today - less than 24 hours after the district announced the virtual start for 2 schools.

He told me the district pushed the first day of virtual learning to monday.

That way parents have time to get the technology they need.

He said teachers are also going to be lenient with assignments.

Pkg: "we're going to take it very easy and we're going to be very easy to work with about these because we realize it is last minute and spur of the moment for our parents."

Lawrence county superintendent john bret smith said the schools are focused on making sure everyone can get the equipment they need to start the school year.

"nobody will be penalized for not having wifi, not having access to the internet on this short of notice.

We're going to do the very best we can.

We're working on that as a system and the state is also working on it."

Both moulton middle and elementary school will have chromebook pickups on friday and monday.

There will also be wifi-equipped buses parked in moulton so students can access it.

Shows facebook post smith explained some employees at both schools were in close contact with someone who tested positive.

He said they weren't going to risk students safety by keeping school open - and potentially exposing them.

"students would be somewhat in danger if we allowed that to go on."

Smith told me there is no specific number of outbreaks or cases that would force the entire district to go virtual but he told me the system is ready.

"i think we all anticipate later in the fall maybe when the traditional flu season comes about there may be a possibility we have to close.

We hope not, but that's a real possibility."

In lawrence county, grace campbell waay 31 news.

Thanks grace.

You're taking a look at the times you can pick up your chromebooks.

Again -- device pick-up is friday and monday.

After