Shipman

Students not to return to school

By Michael Butler

Students in the state of Alabama will not return to classrooms for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year. Gov. Kay Ivey issued a proclamation on March 26 to implement alternative methods of instuction to complete coursework.

In Tallassee, students will use online, virtual learning and curriculum packets.

"As Gov. Ivey said, we need to take this seriously," Tallassee City Schools superintendent Wade Shipman said. "Every school will get a template. The (state) is going to give us some guidance but still allow each school system to make individual decisions. We're all in different situations. We have a one-to-one initiative here with iPads which will give us an advantage."

Tallassee High School and Southside Middle School use iPads. The school is reviewing options, including hotspots, for students without internet access.

"There are commitments to different groups," Shipman added. "There is a commitment to our seniors to finish the year somehow for them, so they can make the next moves in their lives. If we get an end to this sooner than later, we can have some kind of ceremony for them."

A target date of June 5 has been set by the state to have academic work completed.

"It's sad that we're not going to be able to finish the year as normal," Shipman continued, "but that's the reality we're in. We're going to make the best of it. At the end of the day, I'm confident that we will finish this year out and move forward."