LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The 2020-2021 school year will begin at home for Jefferson County Public School (JCPS) students on Tuesday, August 25 if Superintendent Dr. Marty Pollio's plan is adopted by the school board.

 

What You Need To Know


  • JCPS students to start school year at home

  • Superintendent's plan needs school board approval

  • Dr. Marty Pollio says the non-traditional instruction will be different than what students experienced before

  • School begins August 25

 

“The COVID-19 crisis has left us with only imperfect options for our return to school this fall,” Pollio said. “But the health and safety of our students and staff will always be our top priority. That’s why I’m recommending we limit the amount of person-to-person contact by beginning the school year with Non-Traditional Instruction for students.”

Pollio's proposal has online Non-Traditional Instruction (NTI) lasting for six weeks. JCPS will then look at data and science with input from local and state health officials to determine if it is safe for kids to return to school for in-person classes. 

Pollio is calling this round of NTI, NTI 2.0, and promises it will be more robust, challenging, and improved from what students experienced at the end of last school year.

“NTI 2.0 will be more like a normal classroom model for students, with increased instruction and more online contact with their school, teachers, and fellow students,” Pollio said.  

JCPS will host orientation sessions for parents and continue sharing available community resources. 

“I understand that not being able to come together in person will cause hardships for many families and, as I’ve repeatedly said, online instruction can’t replace the benefits of face-to-face classroom instruction from a teacher,” Pollio added. “But I believe starting the school year with NTI is the best, and safest, decision for our students and staff.”

 

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