21% Putnam Students Learning Virtually

As Friday’s deadline to decide on virtual or in-person learning for the first nine weeks, some 21 percent of Putnam County School students will learn virtually.

“This is significantly more students in the remote setting than indicated by our initial survey in early July,” Director Of Schools Corby King said. “I want to commend our teachers and administrators for their hard work as our families have made their choices of either remote or traditional learning.”

The total of 2,289 students will spend this nine weeks virtually. King said the increase in online learning means the system will need to adjust.

“PCSS is continuing to evaluate our procedures to improve the educational experience for both our remote learners and their teachers,” King said. “Serving students in a remote setting requires a different skill set than that of teaching in a regular classroom setting.”

King said through three weeks, the system has yet to have a cluster outbreak in any school. As of Friday afternoon, the system reported 33 positive COVID cases.

If a student tests positive or is exposed, King said students must contact the school nurse to begin the referral process. That will be the first step in quarantine learning.

“Please continue to be patient and communicate with our teachers and staff,” King said. “Continue to extend grace to all. Our students’ continued growth and success remain our top priority,” King said.