Cherokee Schools Gives Update On Athletics, Digital Learning

CHEROKEE COUNTY, GA — Schools Superintendent Brian Hightower gave an update Monday regarding after-school activities, and digital and hybrid learning.

• Hybrid Model: The three high schools currently operating on a hybrid model – Creekview, Etowah and Woodstock high schools – all will resume traditional in-person instruction (five days a week) beginning Oct. 13. Oct. 12 is a scheduled school holiday for all students/professional development day for teachers and staff. This decision does not affect students currently enrolled in digital learning.

• Extracurricular Activities: Beginning the week of Oct. 12, schools are permitted to start all after-school activities for all grades that were postponed as part of the reopening plan, as well as host school fine arts performances for families and PTA/PTSA board meetings and small-scale PTA/PTSA functions. Beginning the week of Oct. 26, schools are permitted to begin winter athletics activities and fundraisers as well as junior athletics programs, and permit community rental of their facilities for Cherokee Youth Basketball and other specific functions.

• Digital Learning: Digital learning will be extended as a learning choice for the second semester, which runs from Jan. 5 through May 28, 2021, for all middle and high school students currently enrolled in the program. Parents of middle and high school students currently enrolled in digital learning will receive a separate email through Aspen this evening with a link to the online declaration form that is due by 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 23. A decision has not yet been made about extending digital learning for the second semester for elementary school students. Additionally, the superintendent has appointed an ad hoc committee made up of educators, administrators and students to develop guidelines for the design and implementation of a permanent Cherokee virtual school choice to possibly begin next school year for high school students.

• Testing: The State Board of Education on Friday rejected State Superintendent Richard Woods’ recommendation limiting the impact of Georgia Milestones testing on student grades. The state board now is asking parents to complete a survey about the issue by Nov. 16. The survey is online.