CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Clarksville-Montgomery County Schools announced it's delaying the start of the upcoming school year by 20 days.
The district confirmed the delay Friday morning, saying the first half day of school will move from August 11 to August 31.
District officials say the delay gives families more time to prepare for traditional or virtual school, allows faculty and staff more time to prepare for health and safety protocols and helps them to better determine bus routes.
Even with the delay, school officials say it won’t affect dates for fall break, spring break or graduation that have already been set.
Based on current guidance, the district says it will reopen schools in the traditional model, which includes having students physically in class with “health and safety modifications and precautions in place.” All parents/guardians will have the option to enroll their children in CMCSS K-12 Virtual, a school of choice taught by CMCSS teachers and provided at no cost to families.
Next week, the district will ask parents/guardians to make their choice between Traditional or CMCSS K-12 Virtual for each of their children via an electronic form. Parents choosing the traditional option will also be asked to confirm if their kids will be riding CMCSS bus transportation.
The district said the American Academy of Pediatrics encourages alternative modes of transportation for students who have other options.
