Jefferson

County Schools

• Jefferson County Schools are operating five-days per week. By order of the governor, high school students must return to remote learning IF the WVDHHR COVID Community Map shifts to RED.

• Child Nutrition Services will also continue during this time, with weekly availability of multi-day meal packs at each school every Tuesday morning from 9:30 to 10:30.

• October 22, 2020: Based on new guidance from the WV Department of Health and Human Resources (WVDHHR) Jefferson County Schools released an updated version of the Pandemic Safe Schools Operations Plan

• October 17, 2020: Based on the latest metrics from the WV Department of Health and Human Resources (WVDHHR), Jefferson County was designated as "Gold" on the COVID-19 School Map. While still allowing for onsite learning, the "Gold" status does require that ALL students in grades three through 12 wear face coverings at all times. The designation also restricts athletic competitions to other "Gold" counties and limits fans to parents/guardians ONLY. This was the first time Jefferson County reached "Gold" designation, which indicates elevated community spread.

• September 29, 2020: Jefferson County Schools has released the latest version of the Pandemic Safe Schools Operations Plan

• September 22, 2020: As the third week of the 2020-2021 school year begins some early components of the JCS Future Ready Re-entry Plan have ben completed. Jefferson County Schools has transitioned that into the ongoing Pandemic Safe Schools Operations Plan. This plan, based largely off of the original re-entry document, focuses on continuing safety protocol being utilized in Jefferson County Schools. 

• September 18, 2020: Jefferson County Schools released an update to the JCS Future Ready Re-entry Plan with additional information about the WVDE and WDHHR color-coded map, providing internet access to students, and procedures for potential cases of COVID-19 in classrooms.

• September 15, 2020: The Governor’s office and the WV DHHR released a new COVID protocols map that adds a ‘gold’ category. Counties in the gold category are allowed to compete against in-county opponents or other gold county opponents in athletics. CLICK HERE to see the new protocols.

• September 4, 2020: An updated version of school re-entry metrics from the WVDE and WVDHHR was released. CLICK HERE to read the update.

• September 1, 2020: The Jefferson Virtual Academy Student Meal Pick-up Schedule is released. It includes the latest information regarding free meals for students, which will now continue through December 31, 2020. CLICK HERE to read the plan.

• August 27, 2020: The West Virginia Department of Education released the "Frequently Asked Questions: Providing a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) for Students with Disabilities While Considering School Re-entry Scenarios" document. CLICK HERE to read the FAQ

• August 26, 2020: The WVDE released an update of their re-entry plan. The changes are highlighted. CLICK HERE to review the document.

• August 26, 2020: Jefferson County Schools released another draft of the JCS Future Ready Re-entry Plan with additional information about the first two weeks of school and guidance for itinerant employees.

• August 24, 2020: Jefferson County Schools has released another draft of the JCS Future Ready Re-Entry Plan that includes revised guidance regarding face coverings and information about music, chorus, and band. 

• August 21, 2020: Gov. Jim Justice announced changes about when masks will be required in classrooms. The guidance is linked to the color-coded map system. You can read the information HERE.

• The West Virginia Department of Education and West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources released new guidance for instances of confirmed COVID-19 cases in schools. CLICK HERE to read the updated document.
  

• August 18, 2020: Jefferson County Schools has released another draft of the JCS Future Ready Re-Entry Plan that includes revised guidance regarding face coverings and information about music, chorus, and band.
  

• August 14, 2020: Gov. Jim Justice unveiled a new 'metric' to help guide school re-opening in each county. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

• August 13, 2020: The second Jefferson Virtual Academy Open Forum was held. CLICK HERE to see the video.

• August 12, 2020: The first of the Jefferson Virtual Academy Open Forums took place. CLICK HERE to view the video.

• August 11, 2020: The latest update of the JCS Family FAQ has been posted.

• August 5, 2020: Jefferson County Schools releases a detailed plan for Jefferson Virtual Academy, the 100% virtual option for students for the first semester of the 2020-2021 school year. 

• Registration for Jefferson Virtual Academy opens. families with students interested in receiving instruction online must complete a registration form. CLICK HERE for more information.

• July 30, 2020: Jefferson County Schools released the JCS Family FAQ based on questions received from parents and caregivers.
  
  

• July 28, 2020: After receiving important feedback from staff and the community, Jefferson County Schools released a second DRAFT of the JCS Future Ready Schools Re-entry Plan. 

• July 27, 2020: The Jefferson County Board of Education approved a revised 2020-2021 Calendar based on the Sept. 8, 2020, start date. 

• July 22, 2020: JCS released the JCS Future Ready Re-entry Family Survey to seek information from caregivers about how children will be receiving instruction during the first semester. The survey is NOT a commitment or registration. Sharing your choices regarding virtual or onsite instruction and what services you may need in terms of transportation, equipment, and nutrition is vital for us to plan our staffing and operations. 

• July 21, 2020: Jefferson County Schools released the first draft of the JCS Future Ready Re-entry Plan, a comprehensive guide for returning safely to school this Fall. The plan was developed based on feedback from JCS Staff, the Jefferson County community, and numerous partners at the local and state level. 
  

• Jefferson County Schools released the Virtual Instruction Overview. The overview offers additional information about the platforms that may be used depending on a student's age, grade-level, and circumstance if they choose virtual learning in the Fall.

• July 13, 2020: Gov. Jim Justice ordered that crowd sizes statewide must be limited to 25 people or fewer. He also called an end to fairs and festivals — unless any happen to exist with fewer than 25 people. 

• July 10, 2020: The start of the 2020 high school football season has been delayed. Games will be allowed to be played starting on September 3. WVSSAC Executive Director Bernie Dolan made the announcement Friday at Governor Jim Justice’s regular COVID-19 press conference.  
  
  
• The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) updated their guidance for local health officials, stating that "Educators and pediatricians share the goal of children returning safely to school this fall," but with a new emphasis on making sure they " pursue re-opening in a way that is safe for all students, teachers and staff."

• July 8, 2020: July 8, 2020: Gov. Jim Justice announced that all West Virginia Schools will have a target start date of Sept. 8, 2020. Jefferson County Schools is working with the WVDE to find out what this means for students, staff, and their families. This may impact the original July 13, 2020 release date of the draft re-entry plan.

Additional Resources