[ March 26, 2020 ] (3/26/20) - Suspension of traditional school classes in Georgia has been extended through April 24, according to an announcement by Governor Brian Kemp on Thursday. This date could change to a later date depending upon directives by Governor Kemp.

The local board of education suspended traditional classes at its March 12th meeting to be effective March 16-27. Later Governor Kemp extended that period through March 31 as part of his Public Health Emergency powers.

According to Pickens County Interim Superintendent Dr. Charles Webb, all buildings and worksites are expected to remain on "hard lock-outs" through April 24. Any change in employees returning to worksites prior to that date may be announced later. This decision is being made in response to the growing number of COVID-19 cases reported by the Public Health Department in Pickens County and throughout the state.

Lunchroom workers and bus drivers are continuing to prepare and deliver weekly non-perishable meals to children 18 years and younger, with a schedule for either one or two days per week. Since March 16, bus drivers have been delivering these mid-day meals to more than 500 students each delivery day in various locations throughout the county.

"Generally, we are getting favorable responses to the online learning system that was introduced March 16," said Webb, "and we are continuing to work through various problems in delivery as they occur. I am proud of the flexibility by our students and the creativity by our teachers."

"We are in hopes of returning to school after April 24," added Webb. "At this particular time looking forward, this date seems to give us more flexibility in preparing for students returning to the buildings. Nevertheless, we are prepared to continue online learning if traditional school has to be extended even later."

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(3/17/20) - Pickens County School District will remain closed through Tuesday, March 31, 2020, per an executive order from Governor Kemp. The Board of Education will continue to monitor the situation and any changes will be communicated to our families and staff.

We appreciate the suggestions and ideas for our lunch and breakfast feeding program. Effective immediately, there will be some slight changes. Families may continue to drive in and pick-up meals at the following locations: Harmony Elementary, Hill City Elementary, Tate Elementary, Jasper Middle School, Mountainside Manor Apartments in Jasper, Hinton Milling on Hwy. 53 West, and Foothills IGA in Marble Hill. Pick-up times at these locations will remain 11:30 ? 12:30 daily, Monday through Friday.

Beginning Wednesday, March 18th, we will discontinue pick-ups at Pickens High, Pickens Junior High, and the City of Talking Rock. We will now be driving buses into different areas of the county in an effort to reach more students. We will be adding stops at the following locations (look for the school bus) and remember, children must be present at the stop to receive these free meals. You can pick up meals at any location, regardless of where you live in the county.

Please note, these times are approximate and we suggest arriving 5 minutes early.

BUS # S46
Mount Calvary Apartments-11:20 to 11:30
Cherokee Trail@Cherokee Wood Hollow Drive-11:45-11:55
Lawsons Landing-Bridle Path Drive@Brigadier Ct.-12:00-12:10
Eagles Nest-Eagles Perch Rd@Eagles Nest Trail-12:20-12:30

BUS # S40
Donna Lynn St, Dianne St, & Robin Rd - Robin Rd @Mineral Springs Rd North-11:10-11:20
Bethany Rd@Edgehill Place-11:30-11:40
Bethany Rd@Danburg Ct-11:40-11:50
Bethany Rd@Moorings Run-11:50-12:00
Mountain Lake Dr@Ridge Dr.-12:10
Ridge Dr.@Casual Ridge-12:15
Ridge Dr.@Ridge Crest-12:20

BUS # S30
Hood Rd. Stop @Hannah Ridge Apartments-11:15
Gennett Dr. Stop@Hood Park Dr.-11:30
John St.-11:45
Roland Tire @ 1305 Old Philadelphia Road and Hwy 515 North -12:00

Destini Shope at Tate Elementary School 3/18/2020


We extend great appreciation to our teachers, students, and families who continue to meet the challenges we face with determination and those who are persevering through this process. We would like to encourage our families to take advantage of our meal program being offered free of charge to children under the age of 18.

This is a learning process for all of us. Our pandemic taskforce will continue to meet and monitor the coronavirus and its impact on all aspects of our school district. We encourage you to continue following health and wellness guidelines provided on our district webpage at www.pickenscountyschools.org.

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(3/12/2020) Pickens County School District will be closed Monday, March 16, 2020, through Friday, March 27, 2020. During this time, our buildings and buses will be deep-cleaned.

On Thursday, March 26, 2020, a determination will be made as to whether or not additional days are added for school closures.

At this time, there are no known cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) within our district and community. Please continue to utilize the resources posted on our webpage for further information related to the coronavirus (COVID-19).

All students are encouraged to attend school tomorrow, March 13, 2020, in order to receive instructions so that there will be minimal interruption in student learning.

VOTE AND PROACTIVE PLANNING FOR CLOSURE PRESENTATION FROM BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING 3/11/2020


RELATED
Entire Board of Education meeting on March 12, 2020
'Grab and Go' Meals Provided FREE of Charge To All Pickens County Children Age 18 and Under