It’s Good News at MOCO Schools

The number of virtual students in Montgomery County schools has decreased by more than half, Superintendent Hugh Kight told the Board of Education at its last session on October 19; and, more encouraging news, COVID-19 cases appear to be diminishing as well. Beginning the school term with over 270 virtual students, the system now has 108 students still participating in remote learning and 811 back on campus, Kight noted. On Friday, Kight reported no current positive COVID-19 cases and only eight quarantines throughout the system. Seven students and one staff member are quarantined for suspected exposure to the virus.

During his superintendent’s report, Kight also informed the board that the system now has community libraries at Quarterman-Robinson Park in Mount Vernon, Higgston Park, Tarrytown Park and Uvalda Park. The libraries give students the opportunity to have books available in their communities. More sites are planned to open soon.

Kight announced that a Rural Resource Grant, received in December 2019, has helped purchase cameras for all elementary classrooms. Also, Chromebooks with internet access for the system’s Eagle Express Mobile Classroom have been purchased through a grant. The mobile classroom will be available four nights a week.

The superintendent said that issues with asphalt bonding have slowed progress at the system’s new track, but rubber and paint lines should be completed within the next 30 days. Basketball games begin November 28 in a contest with Toombs County. Southeastern Early College and Career Academy superintendents are in the process of setting up the same academic calendar for the 2021-2022 school year. The group’s first meeting was held October 22. The system’s Eagle Thrift Shop will reopen November 6.

The system hosted a food box giveaway and Census 2020 “Count Me In” event on September 26. Sponsors were Feeding America Food Bank, America’s Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia and Tri-County Connection, with assistance from Elizabeth Williams and Harold Quarterman. Also, The system recently honored bus drivers during an appreciation day and breakfast on October 21.

Kight announced Thanksgiving holidays are planned for November 23-27, Teacher Professional Learning Day is slated for December 18, Christmas break is scheduled for December 17 – January 1, and Teacher in-service day is planned for January 4.