SCCPSS announces temporary shift to virtual learning for 3 high schools due to COVID

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Due to COVID related issues and confirmed positive cases among staff and students that is impacting staff availability, the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System says three of its high schools will shift to remote learning for the remainder of the week.

SCCPSS is notifying families of a temporary shift to virtual learning for Beach High School, Islands High School, and Johnson High School from Jan. 11-14.

The school system says extensive contact tracing procedures have been completed and all affected students and staff have been identified.

DETAILS FROM SCCPSS:

• This virtual shift goes into effect on the evening of Monday, January 10, 2022, and includes all school activities.
• January 11 – January 14, students should log in to the itsLearning portal for class assignments and should follow instructions from their teachers for virtual learning schedules.
• Athletic schedules may also be impacted to include possible game/practice cancellations. Student athletes should contact their coaches for schedule information.
• Available staff will continue to work in isolation from their assigned workstations at school. The school will not be open for appointments

At this time, the schools are expected to resume in-person classes on Tuesday, Jan. 18. If that schedule changes, families will be alerted through the Parent Notification System.

The Coastal Health District’s Health Director commended the school system for continuing to balance the safety and health of students and staff...with the need for in-person learning.

Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Ann Levett said at last week’s board of education meeting that there is a possibility coming back from the holiday break for classrooms and entire schools to have rolling closures if COVID case counts get too high.

It’s because of that Dr. Levett strongly encouraged parents to have emergency back-up plans.

“Sometimes I think that public health is in a tough spot, and I know politicians are in a tough spot. The school system is in a real tough spot. They’re taking care of our most valuable assets. So, my hats off to them for doing the best they can do,” said Dr. Lawton Davis, Director of Coastal Health District.

Students at Beach, Johnson and Islands High Schools will be on their regular learning schedules this week.

Families will be notified if there are any changes through the district’s parent notification system.

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