The goal of the Roanoke Rapids Graded School District is to come back in August with 100 percent in-person learning, Superintendent Dain Butler said.

That, of course, depends on whether the state allows it.

“Roanoke Rapids Graded School District leaders have been meeting over the past few weeks to explore various options if the state requires minimal social distancing, moderate social distancing, or remote learning when schools are scheduled to reopen in August,” he said.

The early college is tentatively scheduled to open August 10 while the other schools in the district are scheduled to open August 17.

The North Carolina State Board of Education and the state Department of Public Instruction, in consultation with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has released its Lighting Our Way Forward: North Carolina's Guidebook for Reopening Public Schools in response to the COVID-19 public health crisis. 

(A copy of the guidebook can be found at this link) 

“The safety of our students and staff is our top priority,” Butler said. “Based on state guidance, we’re looking at every aspect of what we do from transporting students, school nutrition, cleaning procedures, and ultimately how we will operate if the state requires moderate social distancing and only 50 percent of our students allowed in our buildings at any one time.” 

As statewide and local COVID-19 public health numbers change, RRGSD is exploring a variety of learning scenarios for the 2020-21 school year.  

“Our RRGSD trustees and administration are committed to doing what is best for this district while adhering to the state guidelines,” Butler said. “As we learn more in the coming weeks, we will continue to communicate with our staff and parents.  I want to thank you in advance for your patience and understanding as we continue to deal with this unprecedented situation. We look forward to seeing our students again soon.” 

The state’s guiding principles include the following:  

Consider the safety and wellness of students and employees, first and foremost

Respond to the needs of vulnerable and high needs populations

Be adaptable and flexible with the ability to move throughout the academic year from one reopening plan to another based on public health needs

Synergize multiple operational and academic factors to develop effective plans

Ensure engagement with all voices represented in the schools; 

Maintain consistent communication with students, families and employees to ensure respect and success within the evolving situation