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Mustang delays fall semester start date

Classes now begin Aug. 24

 

By Traci Chapman

After initially delaying the first day of the fall semester to Aug. 14, Mustang Public School District officials announced Wednesday afternoon classes would now begin Aug. 24 for all students.

“The decision to delay students’ start date further to Aug. 24 is based on many factors,” Superintendent Charles Bradley said in a release. “The more time that we are able to give to our staff to become comfortable with these new programs, the better the setup for student success will be – these new programs will allow us to be prepared for our learning options (M.O.R.S.E.Y.), including Mustang Virtual Academy and also to be prepared in the event that a move to Distance Learning is necessitated due to an extended school closure.”

Teachers will be working during that time, district communications director Kirk Wilson said. Professional development would look very different from that seen historically, however – as teachers and staff work on COVID-19 safety protocols, new systems and resources to assist students as they return to class.

“Aug. 24 also gives additional time to monitor the numbers of positive COVID-19 cases and the levels of community spread,” Wilson said.

As the school calendar now stands, the 2020-2021 school year would end May 20, Wilson said.

“As always, the safety of our students and staff is our top priority,” Bradley said. “We are monitoring the situation as it evolves, and any further changes will be communicated as soon as possible.

“We will remain fluid and adjust as needed – he are in uncharted waters, and our team is working hard to provide for staff and students while creating an environment for both to be successful in this upcoming school year,” the superintendent said.

The Times will update and expand on this story as more information is received.

 

 

 

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