Oct. 2. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education voted in an emergency meeting to increase the in-person instructional time for K-5 students when they return to classrooms on Nov. 2.

The Board approved modifications Oct. 1 to the CMS Transition Plan for In-person and Remote Instruction (Plan B) so that K-5 pupils will be divided into two groups, instead of the previously approved three groups.

The first group of K-5 pupils will come to school on Monday and Tuesday of each week. The second group will come on Thursday and Friday of each week. Wednesdays are designated as remote-instruction days for all K-5 students. 

The initial transition plan called for dividing K-5 students into three groups, with each group attending school in person for one week, then having remote instruction for two weeks.

 “This modification will increase the amount of face-to-face instructional time for our youngest learners,” said Board Chairperson Elyse Dashew. “Like the earlier plan, it minimizes the risk of spreading the COVID-19 virus, but it also maximizes the time K-5 students have with their teachers. We think it’s in the best interests of our students to give them greater opportunities to learn in the classroom while continuing to be mindful of local public health concerns.”

 The modified transition plan follows state guidelines for social distancing in schools. All students will be required to wear masks at school, as will school staff.

 To see the full plan, click here.