MCSD News
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October - 2020
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23
Mercedes Parham
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 will now be updated each Friday and accessible on the District’s COVID-19 website.
Muscogee County School District
COVID-19 school-based active cases
Week of October 19-23, 2020
Category Description
#
Total enrolled students
31,529
Total in-person students
16,689
In-person student positive cases*
9
In-person student self-quarantine or isolation cases**
273
Total employees
5,175
Total school-based employees
3,538
School-based employee positive cases***
6
School-based employee self-quarantine or isolation cases****
22
Additional precautions were taken at the Woodall Center due to a reported exposure. Given the vulnerability of the specified student population, the Woodall Center will proceed with the virtual instruction model through November 5, 2020. No positive cases were reported at this location. This action is being implemented as a precautionary measure.
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 mandated 14-day quarantine or isolation period.
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.
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23
Mercedes Parham
On October 26, 2020, we will launch the Daily Health Assessment symptoms tracking tool to help us continue efforts to prevent the spread of illness.
Important details:
- This tool is mandatory for all employees and optional for students, but we strongly encourage participation to help us mitigate exposure and risks.
- Each employee and student/parent will receive a daily email notification, starting at 5:00 a.m., to complete the assessment prior to or upon arrival to his/her assigned District site.
- The District will use the email address currently in Infinite Campus with your student’s assigned school. Please check/update your email address to ensure you receive the Daily Health Assessment email notifications.
- If an employee or student/parent does not receive the email notifications, he/she can use the QR codes posted/links on our COVID-19 site and at the entrance of all District buildings.
- View QR code instructions.
- Note: Some phones may require you to download a QR Code Scanner from your phone an app store.
- Employees who may have tested positive or been exposed to someone who tested positive must report this to their immediate supervisor and Tracy Fox, Director of Risk Management, or Jeannie Polhamus, Lead School Nurse via exposuretracking@muscogee.k12.ga.us.
- Parents with a student/students who may have tested positive or been exposed to someone who tested positive must report this to their principal and Tracy Fox, Director of Risk Management, or Jeannie Polhamus, Lead School Nurse via exposuretracking@muscogee.k12.ga.us.
Missed the parent overview sessions? View each recorded session using the links below.
Safety expectations 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.
- Testing overview
- When to quarantine
- When you can be around other after you’ve had/likely had COVID-19
Resources:
- Board Presentation: Re-opening Plan Updates (August 10, 2020)
- Re-opening Plan (at-a-glance)
- Re-opening Plan (detailed)
- Online Registration
- Parent Tech Academy (technology support)
- Program for Exceptional Students Re-opening Plan
- School Nutrition
- Student Handbook and Code of Conduct
View the latest updates related to the District's COVID-19 plans HERE
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21
Mercedes Parham
Columbus, GA- In a recent release, the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) announced its 2020-2021 Student Advisory Council representatives. State Superintendent, Richard Woods, selected 64 students across the state from more than 1,400 applications.
Gustavo Varela Leon, a senior at Hardaway High School, and Pranati Yadlapalli, a junior at Columbus High School, will represent the Muscogee County School District. The council includes middle and high school students, representing schools from each Regional Educational Service Agency (RESA) district in Georgia.
"Now more than ever, it is essential that I receive feedback directly from students on their educational experience," said Superintendent Woods. "My Student Advisory Council has been an invaluable part of my decision-making process for the last six years, and I am looking forward to meeting with the 2020-21 Council soon."
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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21
Mercedes Parham
October marks National Disability Employment Awareness Month nationwide. In recognition of this month, the Program for Exceptional Students recognizes its Community Based Instruction business partners who increase access and opportunity for our students with exceptionalities.
Community Based Instruction affords our students the opportunity to work in natural environments amongst their non-disabled co-workers, supervisors, and peers. Our students learn job readiness skills in a real-world environment while focusing on soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, adaptability, problem-solving, time management, and interpersonal skills. The post-secondary success of our students is dependent on this key component of their education and we could not do this without the wonderful partnership of the businesses listed below.
2nd Avenue Animal Hospital
2nd Home Pet Resort
Ambassador of Christ Church
Animal SOS
Columbus Animal Care and Control
Feed the Valley
The Fife and Drum
Goodwill Industries of the Southern Rivers
Holiday Inn Express
JoAnn’s Fabrics
LaQuinta Inn and Suites
North Highland Church
Piggly Wiggly-Victory Drive
Publix Macon Road
St. Peter United Methodist Church
Sales Fast Tax
Southern Glam Salon and Boutique
TJ Maxx Macon Road
TSYS-A Global Payments Company
Piggly Wiggly-Victory Drive
Stars and Strikes
Valley Hospitality -
19
Mercedes Parham
1. The application process
- Online magnet applications will open HERE October 28, 2020.
- The 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.
- Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, middle and high schools will not conduct in person open house events.
- Each school will provide information for students and parents to get a snapshot of their programs.
- Schools will provide parents/students opportunities to participate in Q&A sessions regarding their magnet programs beginning October 28, 2020.
- Information about each school’s magnet program can be viewed HERE.
- October 28: Magnet applications open.
- 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.
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19
Mercedes Parham
Columbus, GA- The Muscogee County School District is pleased to announce a new partnership effort with the Pastoral Institute to address employee and student needs for mental health support and resources amid the COVID-19 pandemic. All sessions are free and have been made possible by the Coronavirus Response Fund—a partnership between the United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley and the Community Foundation of the Chattahoochee Valley. District employees and students will have virtual access to licensed professionals who will address subjects such as resiliency, suicide and self-harm prevention, dealing with grief, depression, and self-care.
Employee-specific content will feature live interactive chat sessions, offering participants opportunities to present questions in real-time to each session’s hosts. Student-specific content will feature videos, three to five minutes in length, aimed at helping students gain an understanding of mental wellness and providing quick tips for coping during the pandemic.
“The District Wellness Committee is grateful for the amazing support we have received from this partnership. Our goal is to create safe spaces and provide equitable access to resources that would help each student and employee address his/her mental health needs,” said Dr. Angela Vickers-Ward, District Mental Health and Wellness Committee Chair and Chief Student Services Officer.
In response to the pandemic, the District formed the Mental Health and Wellness Committee to focus on mental and physical health supports needed in preparation for re-opening measures. Initial feedback was gathered from the District’s Connect & Chat sessions, which indicated mental health as a foremost concern with re-opening plan measures.
After reviewing all available resources, the committee approached the Pastoral Institute to expand its previous partnership offerings to emphasize mental health awareness, anticipating significant impacts due to the pandemic.
The Coronavirus Response Fund Advisory Committee awarded The Pastoral Institute a grant totaling $9,838 to fund this initiative, providing critical support to the District, serving more than 5,200 employees (full-and part-time) and approximately 31,000 students.
“The Pastoral Institute is excited to serve the MCSD community to offer this new, innovative virtual mental health and wellness resource to help address the behavioral health needs of students, parents and educators in our community. This partnership is a true example of how the crisis has brought the community together,” said Amarylis West, Business Development Coordinator, Pastoral Institute.
About the Pastoral Institute
The Pastoral Institute was established in 1974 as a nonprofit, faith-based, non-denominational organization that offers education and counseling services to individuals, couples, and families. Our founders wanted to create an outpatient facility to treat mind, body, and spirit. They believed the Pastoral Institute would be a refuge of healing, clarity, and inspiration for those who come seeking help with difficult life experiences.
About the Coronavirus Response Fund
The Coronavirus Response Fund, hosted by Community Foundation of the Chattahoochee Valley (CFCV) in partnership with United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley (UWCV), is providing flexible resources to organizations in the Columbus area that are working with our most vulnerable citizens: members of communities who are disproportionately impacted by Covid-19 and the economic consequences of this outbreak. They are working closely with government, business partners and other philanthropic resources to help the Response Fund rapidly deploy resources to community-based organizations at the front lines of the area’s Coronavirus pandemic.
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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16
Mercedes Parham
Report card access
As done with our first nine weeks progress reports, we will not print/distribute hard copy report cards District-wide.
- Each student's first nine weeks report card will be available through the Parent Portal October 20, 2020.
- How to access report cards (see the detailed guide HERE):
- Log into Parent Portal.
- If you have more than one student in your account, select a student using the drop-down list.
- Click the “Documents” link in the menu.
- Select "20-21" under the "School Year" drop-down list.
- Select "Report Card."
- IMPORTANT: If you experience difficulty accessing your student's report card, contact your student's assigned school for assistance.
We will continue to provide progress and report cards via Infinite Campus on the following dates:
- First nine weeks report cards: October 20, 2020
- Second nine weeks progress reports: November 13, 2020
- Second nine weeks report cards: January 12, 2021
- Third nine weeks progress reports: February 5, 2021
- Third nine weeks report cards: March 18, 2021
- Fourth nine weeks progress reports: April 19, 2021
- Fourth nine weeks report cards (elementary): May 21, 2021
- Fourth nine weeks report cards (secondary): May 26, 2021
Introduction of the District Daily Health Assessment
Overview session (optional)
October 22, 2020 | 4:00 p.m. or October 22, 2020 | 5:30 p.m.
CLICK HERE to register
Parents—we invite you to attend an interactive session outlining our efforts to implement a symptoms tracker platform. We began this effort in response to feedback we received from our Connect & Chat sessions, where parents and students indicated a preference for symptoms tracking.
During the session, we will review how to access the platform and how we will use the provided information. You will have an opportunity to present questions in the chat function. Sessions will be recorded and made available for public viewing.
Important: Participation in the Daily Health Assessment is optional for students, but highly recommended to help us continue efforts to prevent the spread of illness in accordance with CDC guidelines.
Safety expectations for in-person students:
- 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).
- Wear face masks or coverings at all District sites.
- 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:
Resources:
- Board Presentation: Re-opening Plan Updates (August 10, 2020)
- Re-opening Plan (at-a-glance)
- Re-opening Plan (detailed)
- Online Registration
- Parent Tech Academy (technology support)
- Program for Exceptional Students Re-opening Plan
- School Nutrition
- Student Handbook and Code of Conduct
View the latest updates related to the District's COVID-19 plans HERE
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16
Mercedes Parham
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 will now be updated each Friday and accessible on the District’s COVID-19 website.
Muscogee County School District
COVID-19 school-based active cases
Week of October 12-16, 2020
Category Description
#
Total enrolled students
31,333
Total in-person students
16,622
In-person student positive cases*
5
In-person student self-quarantine or isolation cases**
140
Total employees
5,175
Total school-based employees
3,590
School-based employee positive cases***
2
School-based employee self-quarantine or isolation cases****
19
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 mandated 14-day quarantine or isolation period.
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.
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14
Mercedes Parham
Columbus, GA- The 2020 American College Test (ACT) composite and subject results for the Muscogee County School District mark the highest set of scores for the District to date. The ACT is a college admissions test, administered by a non-profit organization, which measures English, Math, Reading, and Science to determine academic readiness for college.
“We are pleased with our students’ continued improvement, realizing all-time highs in three of the four assessed areas and the composite average, despite the recent challenges. Similar to the SAT, the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the number of test takers and our students’ ability to complete college preparatory coursework in the spring,” said Dr. David Lewis, Superintendent of Education.
Muscogee County School District ACT Reasoning Test
FIVE-YEAR TREND
NUMBER OF STUDENTS TESTED
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
Total Tested
908
857
902
843
775
Number of students Enrolled (from FTE 1)
2083
2006
2061
2053
1,965
Percentage of Students Tested
44%
43%
44%
41%
39.4%
MEAN SCORES
READING
Group
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
Nation
21.3
21.4
21.3
21.2
21.2
Georgia
21.8
22.0
22.1
22.2
22.5
MCSD
19.9
20.2
20.0
20.7
20.8
ENGLISH
Group
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
Nation
20.1
20.3
20.2
20.1
19.9
Georgia
20.7
21.0
20.9
20.9
21.3
MCSD
18.7
18.9
18.6
19.0
19.1
MATH
Group
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
Nation
20.6
20.7
20.5
20.4
20.2
Georgia
20.6
20.9
20.7
20.7
21.0
MCSD
19.2
19.5
19.0
19.1
19.4
SCIENCE
Group
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
Nation
20.8
21.0
20.7
20.6
20.6
Georgia
21.0
21.3
21.2
21.2
21.6
MCSD
19.4
19.6
19.4
19.6
19.8
COMPOSITE
Group
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
Nation
20.8
21.0
20.8
20.7
20.6
Georgia
21.1
21.4
21.4
21.4
21.7
MCSD
19.4
19.7
19.4
19.8
19.9
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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9
Mercedes Parham
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 will now be updated each Friday and accessible on the District’s COVID-19 website.
Muscogee County School District
COVID-19 school-based active cases
Week of October 5-9, 2020
Category Description
#
Total enrolled students
31,449
Total in-person students
14,842
In-person student positive cases*
13
In-person student self-quarantine or isolation cases**
182
Total employees
5,175
Total school-based employees
3,519***
School-based employee positive cases****
0
School-based employee self-quarantine or isolation cases*****
21
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 the total number of school-based employees (note: previous reports inadvertently reflected inaccurate employee counts from three school locations)
****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 mandated 14-day quarantine or isolation period.
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.
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