New Hanover County Schools COVID-19 Update for Sunday, March 29, 2020
This statement supersedes all previous communication. Please note that this information is accurate as of March 29, 2020 - 2:15 PM. We are continuing to monitor this evolving situation, and we will provide updates.
Under State of North Carolina Executive Order 121 and New Hanover County Board of Commissioners Declaration of State of Emergency - First Amendment COVID-19 Stay at Home Orders, New Hanover County Schools is considered a COVID-19 Essential Business and Operation.
Schools will remain closed through May 15. Beginning Monday, March 30, all schools and facilities will be closed to the public except by appointment and at the discretion of the principal. Drive-through meal services will continue at 20 designated school sites from 11:00 a.m-1:00 p.m., with expanded bus delivery at 48 neighborhood sites. Electronic device distribution will begin on Monday, March 30. Schools will contact parents to schedule pick up.
In-person meetings and facility use is limited to less than 10 people and social distancing requirements will be maintained to the greatest extent possible. Social distancing requirements as outlined in Executive Order 121 mean maintaining at least six feet distancing from other individuals; washing hands using soap and water for at least 20 seconds as frequently as possible or the use of hand sanitizer; regularly cleaning high-touch surfaces; and facilitating online or remote access by customers if possible.
Learning Continuity
March 24-March 31 have been designated training and development dates for teachers. April 1 has been designated as a launch date for all courses. For traditional calendars, Spring Break will remain on April 6 through April 13. Spring Break remains unchanged on all other calendars.
Staffing & Working Remotely
As an Essential Business and Operation, NHCS will continue to be open for employees. Employees have the option to come to work, work remotely if assigned duties can be executed in a remote work environment and there is work to do, or take leave. For staff unable to perform their job remotely, alternative duties are being assigned to the greatest extent possible.