FORT MILL, S.C. — COVID-19 cases spiked during the 2020 holiday season and the same is expected this year, so schools are trying to keep COVID-19 out of classrooms.
The Fort Mill School District adjusted its school calendar mid-year to extend winter break by two days starting Monday instead of Wednesday.
“The district believes the adjustment to these schedules are an important factor in mitigating of COVID-19 during the winter break," Fort Mill School Superintendent Chuck Epps said at a school board meeting.
That means students’ last day of school will be Friday, May 27 instead of May 26 to make sure they still have 180 days of in-person learning to stay in line with state guidelines.
The school district said starting winter break early will allow students who were identified as close contacts enough time to quarantine before Christmas -- and hopefully limit spread among family and friends gathering for the holidays.
“We hope that everybody over the break will, you know, not let down their guard and still trying to maintain the best they can with the guidance that we've received from our from our health organizations," Burke said.
Fort Mill isn't alone in altering school calendars midyear in an effort to keep COVID-19 out.
The Chester County School District had initially planned to have remote days from Jan. 5 through Jan. 7, but after input from the South Carolina Department of Education, decided to extend winter break through Jan. 7 instead, meaning students will resume classes in-person on Jan. 10.
Due to state mandate, the district made adjustments to the academic calendar to ensure students receive the required 180 days of face-to-face instruction. As is the case, Chester County Schools said May 31 through June 2 in 2022 will be added to the end of the current school year.
"Chester County School District has been advised that if it moves forward with virtual learning days in January then it will have to add in-person days later in the school year to meet the 180 day requirement," according to the South Carolina Department of Education, "Districts cannot choose to move to virtual instruction “out of an abundance of caution”. Moves to virtual instruction must be substantiated by actual COVID-19 isolation or quarantine figures. This was a requirement set forth by the General Assembly in legislation (S.704) earlier this year."
DHEC also isn't exactly on board for a longer winter break because of the holidays. The full statement released by DHEC said:
"We have heard that a few schools and districts have decided to go virtual a few days prior to releasing for winter break and/or a few days after returning from winter break. This was an autonomous decision made by these schools and districts in hopes of mitigating potential outbreaks due to holiday activity. At this time, we do not recommend a delayed return to in-person learning after winter break as a method for preventing increased cases.
DHEC recognizes that the most effective mitigation strategies continue to be masking, physical distancing, testing, and of course, vaccinations for ages 5 and up. We strongly urge all students and staff to get vaccinated as soon as possible and be proactive in utilizing prevention methods during their winter break."
Chester County Schools spokesperson Chris Christoff said the break should give students enough time to exhibit symptoms after the holiday gatherings.
“If they're going to get sick, I'll have extra time to really see if they exhibit any symptoms or any signs of COVID before coming back into the classroom," Christoff said.
Editor's Note: A previous version of this story reflected Chester County Schools' initial decision to add remote days instead of extending winter break. The article has been updated in line with the district's current plans.
Contact Indira Eskieva at ieskieva@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook and Twitter and Instagram.