MCSD News

 
  • January - 2021
  • 22
    Mercedes Parham
    District weekly COVID-19 report

    Columbus, GA- In an effort to further increase transparency and provide clarity to its public stakeholders, the Muscogee County School District has updated its data points related to active COVID-19 cases to reflect school-based sites only. The data reflects information made available to the District from individual sources. Information is updated each Friday and accessible on the District’s COVID-19 website.

    Muscogee County School District

    COVID-19 school-based active cases

    Week of January 18-22, 2021






    Category Description

    		 #
    Total enrolled students

    		 31,207
    Total in-person students

    		 9,851
    In-person student positive cases*

    		 5
    In-person student self-quarantine or isolation cases**

    		 34
    Total employees

    		 5,175
    Total school-based employees

    		 3,479
    School-based employee positive cases***

    		 13
    School-based employee self-quarantine or isolation cases****

    		 50


    The data points were updated to further align the District report to the Georgia Department of Public Health’s report, which exclusively reports school-based site information.

    *Accounts for in-person students reported with active COVID-19 positive cases during the specified week

    **Accounts for the total in-person students reported with self-quarantine/isolation cases, considering quarantine periods of 14 days which could overlap with District reporting weeks

    ***Accounts for school-based employees reported with active COVID-19 positive cases during the specified week

    ****Accounts for the total school-based employees reported with self-quarantine/isolation cases, considering quarantine periods of 14 days which could overlap with District reporting weeks

    Totals within each data set reflect active cases reported to the District within the specified week of each report with the exception of self-quarantine or isolation cases, which could overlap with the weekly District report due to the 14-day quarantine or isolation period endorsed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

    All active cases are monitored in coordination with the Department of Public Health to prevent the spread of illness. The District will continue to monitor data regarding COVID-19 within our local community, under the advisement of our public health agencies.

    The mission of the Muscogee County School District is to inspire and equip all students to achieve unlimited potential. For more information, please contact the Office of Communications at 706.748.2034 or communications@muscogee.k12.ga.us.

    # # #

  • 22
    Mercedes Parham
    Important reminders

    Return plan: Phase II

    • Phase two begins January 25, 2021. All students will return to the choice model for instruction.
    • Each student will return based on his/her submitted choice model declaration for either in-person or virtual instruction.
    • Contact your student’s assigned school with any questions related to your choice model declaration.
    Meal service plans

    All student meals are free through June 30, 2021. School Nutrition will provide meals for in-person and virtual students.

    • In-person students: meals provided at assigned school site
    • Virtual students: curbside pickup daily at any school site, 10:30-11:15 a.m.
    Safety reminders for in-person students:

    • Wear face masks or coverings at all District sites.
    • Consider participating in the student daily health assessment HERE.
    • Stay home if you/your student(s) are displaying any signs or symptoms of illness.
    • If your student tests positive for COVID-19, do not send him/her to school until the following criteria is met: 
      • At least 10 days have passed since the student first displayed symptoms AND
      • The student has had no fever without fever reducing medicines (e.g. Tylenol, Advil, etc.) for 48 hours AND
      • The student is no longer displaying symptoms
    • If someone in your household has been diagnosed with COVID-19, or your child is exposed to someone who has COVID-19, do not send him/her to school until 14 days after their last exposure to the person with COVID-19 (note: The CDC defines exposure as being within six feet for a total of 15 minutes or more with someone who has COVID-19).
    • Observe District social distancing guidelines upon entry.
    • Avoid direct contact with District staff and other guests.
    • Wash or sanitize hands before entering the building, before meals, after bathroom breaks, after sneezing/coughing, and frequently throughout the instructional day.
    • Avoid sharing personal items such as pens, pencils, devices, etc. to prevent cross-contamination.
    2021-2022 Magnet and Academy Applications (Secondary)

    • Application portal: https://apps.muscogee.k12.ga.us/Magnet/
    • Online applications will close at 5:00 p.m., January 26, 2021.*
    • Each parent and/or student will receive an email regarding his or her application status on February 19, 2021.
    • Decisions will include a status of acceptance, wait-list, or denial.
    • Information about each school’s magnet program can be viewed HERE.
    • Important dates
      • January 26: Magnet applications close.
      • February 19: Last day to complete entrance exams and auditions
      • February 19: Magnet decisions will be emailed.
      • February 26: Offer decisions must be made by 11:59 p.m. on this date or all offers will be rescinded after this time.
    *Any students new to the Muscogee County School District may apply to any academy/magnet program after this date. The Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction must approve acceptance.
    Early release schedule

    We will release all students 2.5 hours ahead of their regular schedule Wednesday, February 3, 2021.

    Dismissal times:

    • Elementary: 12:00 noon
    • High: 12:55 p.m.
    • Middle: 1:20 p.m.
    See the remaining schedule and details:

    School Year 2020-2021 Calendar Revised
    Early Release Presentation
    Links and resources:

    View the latest updates related to the District's COVID-19 plans HERE

  • 15
    Mercedes Parham
    District weekly COVID-19 report

    Columbus, GA- In an effort to further increase transparency and provide clarity to its public stakeholders, the Muscogee County School District has updated its data points related to active COVID-19 cases to reflect school-based sites only. The data reflects information made available to the District from individual sources. Information is updated each Friday and accessible on the District’s COVID-19 website.


    Muscogee County School District

    COVID-19 school-based active cases

    Week of January 11-15, 2021

    Category Description

    #

    Total enrolled students

    31,255

    Total in-person students

    0

    In-person student positive cases*

    0

    In-person student self-quarantine or isolation cases**

    0

    Total employees

    5,175

    Total school-based employees

    3,488

    School-based employee positive cases***

    12

    School-based employee self-quarantine or isolation cases****

    27


    The data points were updated to further align the District report to the Georgia Department of Public Health’s report, which exclusively reports school-based site information.

    *Accounts for in-person students reported with active COVID-19 positive cases during the specified week

    **Accounts for the total in-person students reported with self-quarantine/isolation cases, considering quarantine periods of 14 days which could overlap with District reporting weeks

    ***Accounts for school-based employees reported with active COVID-19 positive cases during the specified week

    ****Accounts for the total school-based employees reported with self-quarantine/isolation cases, considering quarantine periods of 14 days which could overlap with District reporting weeks

    Totals within each data set reflect active cases reported to the District within the specified week of each report with the exception of self-quarantine or isolation cases, which could overlap with the weekly District report due to the 14-day quarantine or isolation period endorsed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

    All active cases are monitored in coordination with the Department of Public Health to prevent the spread of illness. The District will continue to monitor data regarding COVID-19 within our local community, under the advisement of our public health agencies.

    The mission of the Muscogee County School District is to inspire and equip all students to achieve unlimited potential. For more information, please contact the Office of Communications at 706.748.2034 or communications@muscogee.k12.ga.us.

    # # #


  • 14
    Mercedes Parham
    Return plan update

    Return plan update

    Based on current data and advice from our medical community and public health agencies, students will return to the choice model using a phased-in approach.

    • Phase one: January 19-22, 2021
    Choice model: grades Pre-K-5 and self-contained special education students
    Virtual instruction model: grades 6-12

    • Phase two: January 25, 2021
    Choice model: all students, grades Pre-K-12
    Meal service plans

    All student meals are free through June 30, 2021. School Nutrition will provide meals according to the following schedule:

    • Phase one: January 19-22, 2021
      • In-person students: meals provided at assigned school site
      • Virtual students: curbside pickup daily at any school site, 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
    • Phase two: January 25, 2021
      • In-person students: meals provided at assigned school site
      • Virtual students: curbside pickup daily at any school site, 10:30-11:15 a.m.
    2021-2022 Magnet and Academy Applications (Secondary)

    • Application portal: https://apps.muscogee.k12.ga.us/Magnet/
    • Online applications will close at 5:00 p.m., January 26, 2021.*
    • Each parent and/or student will receive an email regarding his or her application status on February 19, 2021.
    • Decisions will include a status of acceptance, wait-list, or denial.
    • Information about each school’s magnet program can be viewed HERE.
    • Important dates
      • January 26: Magnet applications close.
      • February 19: Last day to complete entrance exams and auditions
      • February 19: Magnet decisions will be emailed.
      • February 26: Offer decisions must be made by 11:59 p.m. on this date or all offers will be rescinded after this time.

    *Any students new to the Muscogee County School District may apply to any academy/magnet program after this date. The Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction must approve acceptance.
    Links and resources:

    View the latest updates related to the District's COVID-19 plans HERE

  • 12
    Mercedes Parham
    2021-2022 Magnet and Academy application deadline extended

    The middle and high school (secondary) magnet and academy applications are now available through 5:00 p.m., January 26, 2021.

    Apply HERE

    Important dates to remember:

    • January 26: Magnet applications close.*
    • February 19: Last day to complete entrance exams and auditions
    • February 19: Magnet decisions will be emailed.
    • February 26: Offer decisions must be made by 11:59 p.m. on this date or all offers will be rescinded after this time.

    *Any students new to the Muscogee County School District may apply to any academy/magnet program after this date. Acceptance must be approved by the Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction.

  • 8
    Mercedes Parham
    District weekly COVID-19 report

    Columbus, GA- In an effort to further increase transparency and provide clarity to its public stakeholders, the Muscogee County School District has updated its data points related to active COVID-19 cases to reflect school-based sites only. The data reflects information made available to the District from individual sources. Information is updated each Friday and accessible on the District’s COVID-19 website.

    Muscogee County School District
    COVID-19 school-based active cases
    Week of January 4-8, 2021

    Category Description

    #

    Total enrolled students

    31,538

    Total in-person students

    0

    In-person student positive cases*

    0

    In-person student self-quarantine or isolation cases**

    0

    Total employees

    5,175

    Total school-based employees

    3,502

    School-based employee positive cases***

    3

    School-based employee self-quarantine or isolation cases****

    5


    The data points were updated to further align the District report to the Georgia Department of Public Health’s report, which exclusively reports school-based site information.

    *Accounts for in-person students reported with active COVID-19 positive cases during the specified week

    **Accounts for the total in-person students reported with self-quarantine/isolation cases, considering quarantine periods of 14 days which could overlap with District reporting weeks

    ***Accounts for school-based employees reported with active COVID-19 positive cases during the specified week

    ****Accounts for the total school-based employees reported with self-quarantine/isolation cases, considering quarantine periods of 14 days which could overlap with District reporting weeks

    Totals within each data set reflect active cases reported to the District within the specified week of each report with the exception of self-quarantine or isolation cases, which could overlap with the weekly District report due to the 14-day quarantine or isolation period endorsed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

    All active cases are monitored in coordination with the Department of Public Health to prevent the spread of illness. The District will continue to monitor data regarding COVID-19 within our local community, under the advisement of our public health agencies.

    The mission of the Muscogee County School District is to inspire and equip all students to achieve unlimited potential. For more information, please contact the Office of Communications at 706.748.2034 or communications@muscogee.k12.ga.us.

    # # #

  • December - 2020
  • 31
    Mercedes Parham
    Return Plan Update

    Based on current data and advice from a panel of local medical professionals, public health agencies, and hospital administrators, we will proceed with a virtual instruction model for all students, January 6-15, 2021. The District will tentatively return to the choice model for all students, January 19, 2021, pending further advisement from public health agenices. We will continue to monitor our community’s data related to COVID-19 during this time.


    Please make sure your student:

    1. Places his/her learning device in a safe place to avoid damage or theft.
    2. Keeps each device fully charged.


    Please contact your student’s assigned school, upon return to instruction, for assistance. To access our technology help line, contact us at 706-748-2271 during regular business hours.

    Meal pickup details


    When: January 6-15, 2021 | 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

    Where: The MCSD school location of your choice

    How: Free meals will be provided per the USDA waiver. Students are not required to be present during pickup. However, parents should be prepared to provide each student’s name, assigned school, and PersonID number (if known).

    Links and resources:

    View the latest updates related to the District's COVID-19 plans HERE

  • 18
    Mercedes Parham
    District weekly COVID-19 report

    Columbus, GA- In an effort to further increase transparency and provide clarity to its public stakeholders, the Muscogee County School District has updated its data points related to active COVID-19 cases to reflect school-based sites only. The data reflects information made available to the District from individual sources. Information is updated each Friday and accessible on the District’s COVID-19 website.

    Muscogee County School District

    COVID-19 school-based active cases

    Week of December 14-18, 2020

    Category Description

    		#

    Total enrolled students

    		31,507

    Total in-person students

    		16, 292

    In-person student positive cases*

    		50

    In-person student self-quarantine or isolation cases**

    		730

    Total employees

    		5,175

    Total school-based employees

    		3,550

    School-based employee positive cases***

    		18

    School-based employee self-quarantine or isolation cases****

    		115





    The data points were updated to further align the District report to the Georgia Department of Public Health’s report, which exclusively reports school-based site information.

    *Accounts for in-person students reported with active COVID-19 positive cases during the specified week

    **Accounts for the total in-person students reported with self-quarantine/isolation cases, considering quarantine periods of 14 days which could overlap with District reporting weeks

    ***Accounts for school-based employees reported with active COVID-19 positive cases during the specified week

    ****Accounts for the total school-based employees reported with self-quarantine/isolation cases, considering quarantine periods of 14 days which could overlap with District reporting weeks

    Totals within each data set reflect active cases reported to the District within the specified week of each report with the exception of self-quarantine or isolation cases, which could overlap with the weekly District report due to the 14-day quarantine or isolation period endorsed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

    All active cases are monitored in coordination with the Department of Public Health to prevent the spread of illness. The District will continue to monitor data regarding COVID-19 within our local community, under the advisement of our public health agencies.

    The mission of the Muscogee County School District is to inspire and equip all students to achieve unlimited potential. For more information, please contact the Office of Communications at 706.748.2034 or communications@muscogee.k12.ga.us.

    # # #

  • 18
    Mercedes Parham
    District phase-in return plan and important reminders

    View messages from our Superintendent

    VIDEO | LETTER
    Phase-in return plan

    Based on current data and advice from our medical community and public health agencies, we will return for the spring semester using a phased in-approach for students:

    • Phase one: January 6-15, 2021
    Choice model: grades Pre-K-5 and self-contained special education students
    Virtual instruction model: grades 6-12

    • Phase two: January 19, 2021
    Choice model: all students, grades Pre-K-12

    Please make sure your student:
    1. Receives his/her learning device and instructional materials before leaving for the winter break.
    2. Places his/her learning device in a safe place to avoid damage or theft.
    3. Keeps each device fully charged.
    Early release schedule

    We will release all students 2.5 hours ahead of their regular schedule on the following days:

    • Tuesday, December 22, 2020
    • Wednesday, February 3, 2021
    • Tuesday, March 16, 2021
    • Thursday, April 15, 2021
    • Friday, May 21, 2021
    Dismissal times:
    • Elementary: 12:00 noon
    • High: 12:55 p.m.
    • Middle: 1:20 p.m.
    Please plan accordingly for after-school arrangements; student supervision will not be available 30 minutes after school dismissal on these dates.

    Further details are included in the links below:

    School Year 2020-2021 Calendar Revised
    Early Release Presentation
    2021-2022 Magnet and Academy Applications (Secondary)

    • Application portal: https://apps.muscogee.k12.ga.us/Magnet/
    • Online applications will close at 5:00 p.m., January 19, 2021.*
    • Each parent and/or student will receive an email regarding his or her application status on February 19, 2021.
    • Decisions will include a status of acceptance, wait-list, or denial.
    • Information about each school’s magnet program can be viewed HERE.
    • Important dates
      • January 19: Magnet applications close.
      • February 19: Last day to complete entrance exams and auditions
      • February 19: Magnet decisions will be emailed.
      • February 26: Offer decisions must be made by 11:59 p.m. on this date or all offers will be rescinded after this time.
    *Any students new to the Muscogee County School District may apply to any academy/magnet program after this date. The Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction must approve acceptance.
    Safety reminders for in-person students:

    • Wear face masks or coverings at all District sites.
    • Stay home if you/your student(s) are displaying any signs or symptoms of illness.
    • If your student tests positive for COVID-19, do not send him/her to school until the following criteria is met:
      • At least 10 days have passed since the student first displayed symptoms AND
      • The student has had no fever without fever reducing medicines (e.g. Tylenol, Advil, etc.) for 48 hours AND
      • The student is no longer displaying symptoms
    • If someone in your household has been diagnosed with COVID-19, or your child is exposed to someone who has COVID-19, do not send him/her to school until 14 days after their last exposure to the person with COVID-19 (note: The CDC defines exposure as being within six feet for a total of 15 minutes or more with someone who has COVID-19).
    • Observe District social distancing guidelines upon entry.
    • Avoid direct contact with District staff and other guests.
    • Wash or sanitize hands before entering the building, before meals, after bathroom breaks, after sneezing/coughing, and frequently throughout the instructional day.
    • Avoid sharing personal items such as pens, pencils, devices, etc. to prevent cross-contamination.
    Review information from the CDC for further guidance:

    CDC travel advisories and resources

    Additional resources:

    View the latest updates related to the District's COVID-19 plans HERE

  • 17
    Mercedes Parham
    District school transitions to virtual instruction

    Columbus, GA- Under the advisement of the Department of Public Health, the District has enacted a closure for Columbus High School, effective December 18-22, 2020. The closure follows a recent increase in exposures and two or more linked positive COVID-19 cases at this location.

    Students at Columbus High School will follow the virtual instruction model December 18-22, 2020 and return to the District schedule for instruction, January 6, 2021. Each student can receive meals, according to the virtual meal pick up plan, at the location of his/her choice.

    During the closure, this location’s athletic and/or extra-curricular activities are postponed.

    The District will continue to prioritize the safety for all students and employees in coordination with public health agencies to monitor all active cases and data related to COVID-19.

    The mission of the Muscogee County School District is to inspire and equip all students to achieve unlimited potential. For more information, please contact the Office of Communications at 706.748.2034 or communications@muscogee.k12.ga.us.

    # # #

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