From Staff Reports

The Buncombe County Schools’ Board of Education — at a special called board meeting on July 28 — voted to implement an enhanced version of Return to Learn Plan B as an updated plan for a return to school on Aug. 17. 

Specifically, BCS’s Plan B Beyond is described in a BCS press release as “a mostly remote learning strategy for all students in grades K-12. 

“There will be a two-week period of in-person onboarding and orientation for students (One week for K-8; Two Weeks for 9-12). 

“Beginning in week three (Aug. 31), all students K-12 will transition to remote learning until Sept. 28. During this six-week period, in consultation with local health professionals, we will make a decision regarding the remainder of our schedule this semester.”

The release added that “other important details are as follows:

• “Students in grades K-8 will have their onboarding week Aug. 17-20.

• “Students in grades 9-13 will have their onboarding for two weeks from Aug. 17-27. This extra time is needed to ensure proper social distancing can be maintained while students are in the building.

• “These school days will begin at 8 a.m. for grades K-8 and 9 a.m. for 9-12, and all schools will operate on a two-hour early dismissal each day.

• “Schools will follow up with families regarding bus transportation and specific scheduling on these days.

• “Friday 8/21 and Friday 8/28 will be Remote Learning Days for ALL students.

• “If parents would prefer to have their child complete their onboarding at home in a virtual setting, simply reach out to your school’s principal to let them know.

• “Our teachers will report to their classrooms in their school building in order to facilitate instruction during the onboarding week and when students transition to remote learning.”

What’s more, the BCS release noted, “YMCA of Western North Carolina has committed to enhancing their childcare options in order to serve more BCS families. 

“In addition to its onsite after-school programs, the ‘Y’ will offer full-day care at the YMCA Youth Services Center at Beaverdam and the Reuter Family YMCA during Plan B weeks. During Plan C, the ‘Y’ will operate ‘School’s Out’ locations in the Roberson, Reynolds, Enka and North Buncombe districts for Buncombe County Schools. Please call the YMCA at 828-251-5910 to register,” the release noted.