Tift County Schools, working in partnership with our local health officials, understands the need for our schools to be operational. As such, we encourage all eligible staff and students to get fully vaccinated against COVID-19. It is our intention to be responsive to our community and serve it in a manner that puts a priority on the health and safety of our students, faculty, staff, and community as a whole. In an effort to accomplish these goals, we will be in frequent communication with regional Department of Public Health officials to evaluate our current data and determine mitigation measures appropriate at the time.

We will monitor each school closely for any school-based spread and respond accordingly. We will continue to assist the Department of Public Health with contact tracing. The Department of Public Health will determine when quarantines are necessary.

Tift County Schools will encourage the following practices as recommended by the Department of Public Health: 

• Physical distancing to the extent possible (currently 3 feet)

• Good hand washing practices

• Covering coughs and sneezes

• Use of masks for staff and students who are not vaccinated

• Staying home when experiencing any of the following symptoms 

  • Fever or chills

  • Cough

  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

  • Fatigue

  • Muscle or body aches

  • Headache

  • New loss of taste or smell

  • Sore throat

  • Congestion or runny nose

  • Nausea or vomiting

  • Diarrhea

Tift County Schools will also take the following actions: 

Masks

• Masks are recommended for unvaccinated students, staff, and visitors

Facilities

• Daily sanitizing of facilities including classrooms

• Electrostatic machines will be used to perform deep sanitizing and disinfecting

• Hand sanitizing stations will be installed throughout all schools

• Encourage physical distancing when possible 

Bussing

• All bus occupants are encouraged to wear masks while traveling to and from schools

• Hand sanitizing stations will be installed on each bus

• Electrostatic machines will be used to perform deep sanitizing and disinfecting

• Bus drivers will be provided disinfectant/sanitizer to use daily

Nutrition

• Hand sanitizing stations located throughout the kitchen areas

• Glove changing and constant wipe down of high touch areas will be required by all cafeteria staff

• No visitors will be allowed in the meal preparation area or behind the serving lines

Positive COVID Cases Protocols

• We will follow the most current guidance from the DPH and GADOE 

• All confirmed cases must be reported to the appropriate system contact

Instruction (Face-to-Face and Online)

PreK-5 Instruction

Face-to-Face- Students will be participating in traditional classroom and enrichment activities. Teachers will maximize available space in their classrooms to allow for physical distancing. Masks are encouraged when physical distancing is a challenge. 

Online Learning- Students in grades K - 5 may apply for online learning. Online instructors will be using the Google Classroom platform. Scheduled google meetings with educators employed with Tift County Schools will be available for students. Students are present for the learning when google meets are attended and online learning activities are completed. Students will be assessed for mastery of essential standards. Students engage in learning using their school issued device; however, the family must supply the internet access.

6-12 Instruction

Face-to-Face- In the face-to-face classroom environment, students receive instruction from educators employed by Tift County Schools in classes with their peers. Students are able to enroll in the usual course offerings for grades 6-8 and high school credit courses. Teachers use available programs and technological tools, such as Google Classroom, Illuminate, USA Testprep, and Edgenuity, to design, deliver, and assess student learning. Students engage in learning activities using their school issued device and materials provided in the classroom.

Online Learning. Students may apply for online learning via the Edgenuity platform. Students will work towards mastering the same learning targets as students in the face-to-face learning environment. They are expected to work in a self-paced environment. Facilitators and academic tutors are available to assist students with unlocking assignments and explaining content and assignments, respectively. Instruction within Edgenuity consists of video lessons that explain the content and learning activities that provide opportunities for practice, extensions, and critical thinking. Students engage in learning using their school issued device; however, the family must supply the internet access.

Extra-Curricular Activities

We understand the importance extracurricular activities play in the overall educational experience of our students. We also know physical distancing will be an even greater challenge for these groups. We will adhere to all guidance given by the associations that govern athletic and academic events. We will also make every effort to provide a healthy and safe environment for those groups not governed by an association while still allowing for the activity to take place.

ARP ESSER LEA Plan Application

ARP Public Meeting April 2023 Agenda

ARP ESSER Expenditures (2021-2024)