The Roanoke Rapids Graded School District Board of Trustees voted unanimously Tuesday night to allow all students to return to in-person instruction under Plan A five days per week beginning March 29.  

Governor Roy Cooper signed Senate Bill 220 last Thursday, which requires Plan A for elementary schools and allows Plan A for middle and high schools with minimal social distancing requirements as long as they adhere to certain requirements in the new law.  

In order to comply with the law, the district must submit a safety plan and consult with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services regarding implementation of the plan for grades 6-12, and agree to participate with a data monitoring initiative with Duke ABC Collaborative.  

(A PDF of the bill is included as a download via this link)

Over the next few days staff members will contact all students and their families to determine whether or not they will choose to return for in-person instruction or choose virtual-only learning.  All rosters and teacher schedules will be adjusted as necessary to accommodate these changes. 

“This bill allows us more flexibility.  We will still ask our students and staff to social distance as much as possible,” said Superintendent Dain Butler.  “Our staff, parents, board, and students have all worked diligently to reach this point that allows our full return.”

Under Plan A, wellness checks will continue prior to boarding buses or entering school buildings and face coverings will be required for every student and staff member.  

The district will continue its current cleaning protocols and ongoing disinfection of high-touch areas. 

The board also approved a teacher work day for students and teachers on April 1 prior to the spring break.  

“It’s been a long year,” board member Cathy Keeter said. “Our teachers have worked hard and this teacher work day will allow them time to wrap up their responsibilities before earning a much deserved spring break.”