last updated July 29, 2020
Preparing for the 2020-2021 School Year
Our top priority is the health and safety of our students and staff.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. When is the first day of school?
On August 26th Henderson County Schools will start the school year with Non-Traditional Instruction (NTI).
The calendar may be viewed under the calendar tab on our website.
Q. How can I provide my feedback/input?
We have set up an email address to receive input from our families and community regarding the reopening of school.
Q. Will my child be able to ride the school bus next school year?
Yes.
* Social distancing must occur at the bus stop
* Students will load busses from the back to front and have assigned seats with families sitting together.
* Hand sanitizer will be administered when boarding the bus.
* Students 1st-12th grade and drivers must wear a mask on the bus.
* Keep hands to yourself unless need to touch seatbacks for balance
* No congregating in the aisle
* Students should remain seated until time to exit to maintain social distance
* Unload front to back
* Temperatures and health screenings will occur when the students reach school.
* Buses will be sanitized and cleaned after each route
Will temperatures be taken of each student on the bus?
No. It is up to each student’s parent/guardian to ensure that their student does not have a fever or symptoms prior to loading the bus per the Student Code of Conduct.
Q. Will my child have to wear a face-covering?
Under the current KDE
guidelines, the answer is Yes.
Masks can be
-cloth
-disposable
-neck gaiter
Masks should:
Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
Be secured with ties or ear loops
Include multiple layers of fabric
Allow for breathing without restriction
Be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to the shape
Cover both nose and mouth
Parents must provide their child with a face mask for school. If assistance is needed, families can contact their Family Resource/Youth Services Center Coordinator
Masks must always be worn (grades 1-12) when moving through the classroom/building and when social distancing is not possible.
“Mask when you move.”
Masks must adhere to the school dress code policy.
Q. Will there be an alternative schedule, NTI schedule, or a traditional schedule for school next year?
The plan for students and families for the school year include the following:
- In-Person Instruction - 5 days a week
- Virtual Learning Academy
- Non-traditional Instruction (NTI) (used upon school closure)
- Hybrid schedule would be possibly implemented if we were out of school for an extended period of time.
Students attend school 1 or 2 days a week and use NTI 2 to 3 days a week.
Parents/Guardians can choose either In-Person Instruction or the Virtual Learning Academy for the
2020-2021 school year.
Virtual Learning Academy
Q. Who would I need to talk about Virtual Academy?
Henderson County Schools Virtual Learning Academy (VLA) is a new voluntary, non-traditional online program grades K-12. This option was created by the district for families who are choosing that their child does not return to in-person classes during the 2020-21 school year. The program is a complete school year commitment and is 100% online with Chromebooks being supplied by the district.
Families that are interested in this option are encouraged to complete an
online application or call Student Services at 270-854-0141. Families must complete a virtual parent session in order for students to be able to participate in Virtual Academy.
Q. Is Virtual Learning Academy completely online?
Yes. 100% online--no pencil / paper
Q. How do I register my student for Virtual Learning Academy?
Email Kasey Wolfe, Director of Pupil Personnel
kasey.wolfe@henderson.kyschools.us
Parents/Guardians must attend a virtual parent informational session before signing their child up for Virtual Learning Academy. Email Mrs. Wolfe to schedule the session.
Q. Will my child still be enrolled in their current school?
Yes. Virtual Learning Academy students are still enrolled in their current school (Ex: Cairo Elementary/South Middle School) and will follow the Henderson County Schools 2020-2021 school year calendar.
Q. Do I have to register my student online if we choose the Virtual Learning Academy?
Yes. All students must register online before August 26th regardless if they will attend in-person classes or the Virtual Learning Academy.
Q. Will I be able to switch my student from Virtual Learning Academy to traditional classroom instruction if our family health concerns are no longer an issue?
Yes. Contact Mrs. Wolfe in order to make a change. The only exception is ---a student cannot transition from Virtual Learning Academy back to their home school during Non-Traditional Instruction (NTI) days. If the school district were to utilize NTI days - a student will have to stay in their current VLA placement until schools have returned to in-person classes.
Q. Can my student participate in extra-curricular or sports?
No. The Virtual Learning Academy has been created due to health concerns related to COVID-19. If this option is chosen, a student will not participate in extracurricular activities to maintain a healthy environment chosen by the parent.
Can VLA students still take AP classes? YES
Can SOFA VLA students still take “arts” courses? Not right now -- we are currently looking at this
Q. How will my student’s progress be assessed and monitored in Virtual Learning Academy?
Multiple assessments will be used throughout the curriculum. Virtual Learning Academy teachers will follow the same curriculum map that teachers use in an in-person classroom setting.
Q. Who will provide my child instruction in the Virtual Learning Academy?
Students will receive instruction using an online learning platform. An HCS staff member will be assigned to each VLA student to issue all assignments online, monitor each student’s grades, and each student’s completion of assignments.
Daily attendance will be taken.
Q. Can I register my child for Virtual Learning Academy if we do not have an internet connection at home?
No. The program is a 100% online internet-based program. Families who choose the Virtual Learning Academy for their child must ensure reliable internet access.
Q: My child receives services through a 504, IEP, KSI, or GT identification. Will my child still receive services in Virtual Learning Academy?
Yes. A contingency plan will be created in cooperation with the student’s TOR (teacher of record).
Do I need to register my child online for the 2020-2021 school year?
Yes. Our online registration is now open. All students must register for the school year.
Current HCS families- use Infinite Campus IC parent portal from a computer at home to register.
New/returning families (students that are not currently attending HCS schools)
Call Student Services 270-854-0141 to find out which school(s) to attend based on address.
Health & Hygiene
Henderson County School’s Mental Health Counselors are available throughout the summer:
Misty Shaw, MHC at HCHS (860) 375-0535
Amy Bassett, MHC at NMS (502) 276-5076
Zachary Capps, MHC at SMS (812) 518-0176
Amber Williams, MHC at BGT and Cairo (270) 577-8334
Kelly Palmer, MHC at SPTS and JEFF (812) 783-0557
Elyse Dowdy, MHC at EHS and ABC (270) 883-1088
Yvonne Hall, MHC at NIA and SHS (502) 627-0179
Jamie Like, Project AWARE Director (270) 823-3465
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