FRANKLIN COUNTY, Ky. — As districts across the commonwealth unveil their back-to-school plans, Franklin County Public Schools released their own. The plan involves two phases, the first one including 100 percent virtual instruction beginning Aug. 26.

During Phase 1, which was approved by the school board Monday night, students will attend school on a normal schedule and receive instruction from teachers. The district hopes to make the instruction look as much like in person learning as it can.

The district will use Google Classroom during the initial phase, and each student will be given a chromebook to access their schoolwork. Google Classroom will integrate grades into Infinite Campus, giving parents easier access to their child's grades, assignments and more. For students who don't have access to internet, the district is working on potential solutions such as hotspots and flash drives for areas where internet coverage may be limited.

Grades will also look a little different during Phase 1. Now, they'll be based on achievement, not just attendance or participation. 

The district will still provide limited Extended School Services (ESS) during the week, specialized services such as Reading Recovery and speech therapy on a limited basis, and meals for students across the district.

Phase 1 will be reassessed at Fall Break. 

The second phase will include all of Phase 1 with the addition of transitioning back to in person learning. That transition could include a hybrid model of two days per week with three days of virtual instruction, or it could be five days a week depending on factors such as cases at the time, logistics, etc. Virtual options may still be available.

The district plans to monitor the pandemic and determine when Phase 2 would be safe.