We all know that parents with kiddos have had a tough time these past few months trying to work, run a household, teach long division, and master the art of gourmet grilled cheese. But the question still remains – with coronavirus lingering (and some experts predicting a second wave in the fall), do we send K-12 students back to school this year?

Many colleges + universities have proposed a mix of online + in-person courses, and quite a few in South Carolina will be sending students home for the rest of the year before Thanksgiving break. See University of South Carolina, Furman University, Anderson University, and Bob Jones University.

Yesterday, Greenville County Schools released a survey for one parent or guardian in each family in the district to complete regarding their thoughts on reopening schools in the fall. The survey is offered in both English and Spanish, is less than 30 questions (roughly 10-20 minutes to fill out), and must be completed by June 24.

No open-ended questions were included due to the short deadline + the need to use automated analysis to review responses. If you have specific input or questions, you are encouraged to call (864) 355-3100.

Here’s a brief look at some of the topics included in the survey:

○ What were your family’s eLearning experiences like? (Do you have reliable internet access in your home today?)

○ How much time was spent completing eLearning courses? (If your child(ren) did not complete any or most eLearning lessons last school year, which of the following best describes the reason he/she/they did not participate?)

○ What are your thoughts on reopening schools in the fall? (If there is no widely available vaccine for COVID-19 by August, will you allow your child to return to in-person (at school) instruction this fall?)

○ Provide feedback on the draft Flex Attendance Plan currently under consideration. (If GCS is unable to return to full-time in-person instruction, do you have childcare options or the ability to work from home the days your child is not in school?)

Below are the options Greenville County Schools has proposed as part of a potential Flex Attendance Plan. With 0 being zero days of physical attendance and 100% eLearning + 5a being normal school. Note: “In order to implement any of the options other than 5a (traditional in-school), GCS will require waivers from the State Department of Education or an existing State of Emergency.”

Infographic from Greenville County Schools

Make sure your opinion is heard and take the survey from Greenville County Schools today.