Aug. 10. The Town of Cornelius on Friday launched PARCplus, a full school day in a safe camp setting with time for online learning plus art, exercise and homework.

A maximum 30 children per week may be enrolled, beginning Monday, Aug. 24.

“We are awaiting final direction from NCDHHS on how we may proceed safely. Once we receive the green light, we plan to open on Monday, Aug. 24,” the PARC department announced on its Facebook page.

Registration is by the week; $125 per child per week for Cornelius residents, and $175 per child per week for others, with priority registration for Cornelius residents. Registration for the lottery will  close Wednesday, Aug. 12, at 8 pm.

The program is for children who will be in first through fifth grade, with a maximum of 30 children per week. PARCplus will operate 7:30 am – 5:30 pm weekdays at the Cornelius Arts Center, 19725 Oak St.

PARCplus is described as a mash-up combining a school day with a safe camp setting, which will include time for online learning plus art, exercise, homework and more.

Laptops, headsets/earbuds and school supplies required. Family notifications will begin on Thursday, Aug. 13. Details and to register here.

The town’s population of school-age children is estimated to be in the 6,500 range.

As public school opening shifts to 100 percent remote, families are grappling with questions about not just education, but health safety and finances. Parents have started organizing home schooling pods in which a handful of students learn together in homes and community rooms under the tutelage of parents or even a hired teacher.

DUKE

Town Commissioner Jim Duke said PARCplus is a good idea. “Yes, this is a good thing, but limited to so few. I would think something so important could expand to the community room at Town Hall,” he said.