Start of 2020-21 School Year FAQ

Will JCPS students be returning to in-person classes in the fall? 

The simple answer is “we don’t know.” JCPS is relying on guidance from state health and education officials to determine how or if we can safely return to our school buildings.  

Assuming the buildings can reopen, when might JCPS students return to school? 

The first day of classes is scheduled for August 12. Right now, we’re planning on students resuming their education that day.

What will the daily school schedule look like? 

This is still being determined. We are studying a number of options. 

Will we be going back to Non-Traditional Instruction (NTI)? 

It’s possible. It depends on what back-to-school model we can safely institute in the fall. NTI might also be used again if the COVID-19 pandemic worsens and our schools are forced to close for a short or long period of time. We are also looking at other options for virtual learning.

Will my child be required to wear a mask to attend school?

Under the current guidelines from state officials, the answer is “yes” when students are not six feet apart. 

If my child is required to wear a mask, will JCPS provide one?

Under the current guidelines from state officials, the answer is yes.

When will a decision be made on what school will look like this fall? 

A final decision is expected in mid-July, but we are also ready to pivot if circumstances change.

Will all Kentucky public school districts start school the same way? 

Not necessarily. Current guidance says that each district will make its own decisions on the measures necessary to safely return to school or learn from home. 

Could some JCPS schools open their buildings while others stay closed due to the COVID-19 outbreak? 

We do not anticipate using this option.

What happens if we open school buildings and a student or staff member tests positive for COVID-19? 

Current guidance suggests that anyone who has been exposed would need to be quarantined for 14 days.

How do I register my child for school when the school buildings and VanHoose Education Center aren’t open to the public?      

Call your nearest school, and the school staff will help you enroll over the phone. School staff returns July 13.

If we do go back to in-person classes, will my child be able to ride the bus? 

Yes, with health and safety protocols in place. The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) guidelines, at this moment, call for far fewer students on a school bus to allow for better social distancing or every student wearing a mask on the bus. Every student would get a temperature check and have a mask on before boarding the bus. We are waiting for more guidance from the Health Department on this issue.

What if some or all of my child’s instruction will be online and we don’t have a computer or Wi-Fi?

JCPS distributed more than 20,000 Chromebooks to families in March, and we expect to deliver more to students who might need them this fall. We also plan to continue our distribution of Wi-Fi hotspots for families without high-speed Internet service.    

Will JCPS be testing my child for COVID-19?

At this point, there is not a plan for that, but we will work with the local Health Department to support families.