Vestavia School System Updates Reopening Plan

VESTAVIA HILLS, AL — Following the Vestavia Hills Board of Education meeting Monday night, Superintendent Todd Freeman issued a statement outlining the school system's plans regarding COVID-19 protocols moving forward.

Based on information provided by students and parents, a total of 16 students this year have been identified in the system as having tested positive for COVID-19 because of a close contact at school, Freeman said.

"I appreciate the cooperative efforts of our staff, students, and families that have contributed to keeping this number so low," Freeman said. "As we move into the final two months of school, our focus remains on learning in a safe and healthy environment. Accordingly, we will continue to observe the enhanced safety procedures and precautions that have allowed us to operate successfully this year."

Freeman said teachers, staff and students will continue wearing face coverings/masks for the remainder of the year while indoors. Students, staff, and guests may remove their face coverings/masks while outdoors and observing appropriate social distancing, which means staff will still be required to quarantine students and staff who are exposed to a positive case within 6 feet of distance.

Two significant updates to to the system's reopening plan:

• Final exams for students in grades 6-12 will count toward their final course averages. Parents will receive communication from the school regarding their final exam schedules and requirements. If a student is quarantined at the time of final exams, an alternate time will be scheduled for them to make it up.
• Students who are enrolled in the traditional learning model will no longer be able to move to remote learning unless it is for a quarantine related to COVID-19. In those cases, school administrators will consult with the lead nurse to make the determination if a student should be moved temporarily to remote learning. Students who are committed to, and currently enrolled in, remote learning will remain there through the end of the school year.

"I am excited about the on-campus opportunities our students and families can participate in during April and May," Freeman said. "We remain committed to keeping our students and staff safe while maintaining a focus on our mission to provide our students the opportunity to learn without limits. I wish for our students, staff, and families a successful finish to the school year."