Moss Point is 1st Coast district moving to 100% online learning for start of school year
Moss Point schools will delay the start of the academic year to Aug. 17 and all students will learn virtually until at least Sept. 8, the district announced on Facebook Wednesday afternoon.
The move came just hours after the Bay-Waveland School District announced it was delaying the start of its school year until Sept. 8, and may indicate that momentum is shifting towards delaying the start of school as COVID-19 cases surge in South Mississippi.
“This decision is based on the increased numbers of cases in our area, recommendations from the research, and the fact that 40% of our day is spent with our Tiger Family,” Superintendent Shannon Vincent said in the post. “This fact, I do not take lightly. Our Tiger family’s health and safety are our top priority while providing a quality education to our students.”
Vincent cited the Sun Herald’s reporting on the rising cases in Jackson County as one factor that influenced her decision. Another factor was the recent press release by a group of Mississippi pediatricians recommending school districts delay reopening schools until cases are on a downward trajectory.
The district had previously planned to join other Coast districts by reopening in early August with virtual learning as an option for anyone who wanted it.
Vincent also laid out a timeline for the next few weeks. Chromebook checkouts and technology training will take place from Aug. 5 to 7, and virtual orientations will be held for parents and students.
The district will review the 100% virtual learning plan on Sept. 8 and Oct. 12.
This story was originally published July 29, 2020 at 5:11 PM.
