News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
All Overton County Schools will transition to virtual only learning from December 14th to December 17th.
Director of Schools Mark Winningham said the reason is to protect students and staff as COVID numbers rise.
“We have seen an increase in our numbers again as far as students being quarantine. Students being positive,” Winningham said. “Staff being quarantined. Staff being positive.”
Winningham said students can expect similar instruction and exam participation as previous online learning periods. Laptops and some hot spots are being provided for students lacking access.
The following week is Overton’s Christmas break, which lasts until January 2nd. The school system also has free WiFi in school parking lots or inside buildings where students can download materials. Technology support is available by calling (823)-209-2615.
Winningham said the school system has also struggled to find substitute teachers to fill needs.
“It is very difficult at this point to fill positions with substitutes,” Winningham said. “Primarily, because I guess of concerns from people who traditionally substitute for you having concerns of coming into the school and contracting the virus.”
Meals will still be distributed during the week of virtual instruction at each school from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Parents of students that ride the bus can call in before 8:30 each morning to have a bus driver deliver a meal to your home.
