RELEASE FROM THOMASTON/UPSON SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT LARRY DERICO

Will the 2020-21 school year begin as scheduled?

At this time, plans are to follow the previously published Thomaston-Upson School System 2020-21 School Year Calendar. This calendar is available on the district website at www.upson.k12.ga.us under the “Parents” tab. Students’ first day of class will be Wednesday, August 5.

What will the 2020-21 school year look like?

The Thomaston-Upson School System is offering parents two options for student learning this fall: 

• traditional learning option (face-to-face in class instruction) and
• remote learning option

How does the remote learning option differ from the distance learning my child participated in this past school year during the school closure?

The rigor and academic standards for students choosing the remote learning option will be equivalent to the traditional face-to-face expectations for students. There will be daily requirements and students will receive grades that will count toward their final average. Remote learning will differ by school and by grade level, and each school will give detailed information to parents and students who apply for the remote option. The remote learning application will be available on the T-U district website at www.upson.k12.ga.us beginning on Wednesday, July 1. The application must be completed by July 15.

What increased sanitization methods will be in place for the traditional learning option?

Sanitization efforts will be increased throughout the day and school buildings will be deep cleaned and disinfected every school day. Buses will be cleaned twice per day. Classroom tools & manipulatives will be cleaned and sanitized. All classrooms and school buses will be equipped with hand sanitizer dispensers.

Will my child have his/her temperature checked daily?

All students and staff will have their temperature checked daily. These checks will occur upon boarding a school bus in the morning or upon entering a school building. Touch-free infrared thermometers will be used. A temperature of 100.4 degrees for students and staff will be considered elevated. Individuals with an elevated temperature will not be allowed to stay at school. Please help us by keeping your child home if he or she does not feel well and by ensuring that your child’s emergency contact numbers are up to date.

Will my child be required to wear a mask?

On the 1st day of school, every student will be given 2 face masks. Students will not be required to wear the masks, but they will be encouraged to use these masks at school as a means of keeping themselves and their peers safe and healthy. (Students who register a temperature of 100.4 or above will be required to wear a mask while waiting for a parent/emergency contact to pick them up from school.)

Will my child eat lunch in the cafeteria?

No. Students will eat breakfast and lunch in the classrooms until further notice.

Will my child be allowed to drink from the school water fountain?

No. The water fountains will not be operable for individual student use. On the first day of school, every student will receive a reusable water bottle that can be brought to school each day filled with water only.