The Tuscaloosa City School System will welcome students back into the classroom Monday, marking the first time students have had in-person instruction since March.

Elementary and middle schools will begin the staggered re-entry this Monday, September 21, and high school students begin their re-entry the following week with a start date of Monday, September 28. High School students remain learning virtually full-time until September 28.

As part of a staggered re-entry program, students have been divided into two groups. The green group will have classroom learning on Mondays and Tuesdays. The gray group will receive in-person instruction on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and schools will be closed to students on Fridays to allow for additional cleaning and sanitation.

Virtual assignments will be given to students for completion when not in the classroom. This will take the form of learning opportunities and additional assignments for students to complete on their own, as teachers will be engaged in in-person instruction for those on campus.

Students will eat breakfast and lunch in the classroom daily in an effort to enforce social distancing when possible. Physical Education classes will not include any contact sports or activities, and art and music classes will be delivered virtually for elementary school students. Students will not be allowed to gather in groups before or after school.

There will be hand sanitizer stations throughout the buildings. Students will be given additional time for hand washing, and signs will be in place to encourage social distancing. Students are required to wear a face mask, and all school employees will be using PPE in an effort to prevent the spread of the novel Coronavirus. Water fountains will be turned off, and students will be allowed to bring a water botte with them to campus.

Students who ride a TCS bus will be given an assigned seat. Bus seating will be spaced out to provide social distancing for students, and face masks are required while students are on the bus. Any student who shows symptoms of COVID-19 will not be allowed to board the school bus. The TCS Bus Plan can be viewed HERE.

Parents who wish to change their children's learning plan from in-person to virtual or vice versa are asked to contact the Tuscaloosa City School Board Office for additional information.

The TCS Return to Classroom Guide can be viewed HERE.

More From ME TV FM 97.5