This information has since been updated as of April 20, 2020. Click here for the updated information.
It was reported on March 13 that Lexington schools will close doors on March 16 and try to reopen on April 6 after being sent home due to COVID-19. However, on March 23, another announcement was made stating schools will remain closed until April 20.
On Thursday, April 2, Governor Andy Beshear held a conference call with all Kentucky superintendents to discuss the remainder of the 2019-2020 year. It was recommended that schools remain closed until May 1 and keep to at-home schooling.
Asked what factors will come into play as to when it will be safe for students to come back to traditional teaching, Governor Beshear said one factor is “…part of it, honestly will be feel. Relying on our healthcare professionals and it’ll be making the very best decision we can, but we’re going to make sure that we make a decision that protects our students and our faculty and the rest.”
Dear Fayette County Public Schools Families:
I hope this communication finds you and those you love “Healthy at Home,” as Governor Andy Beshear has advised. Although this week was originally scheduled to be Spring Break for Fayette County Public Schools, we have remained in daily contact with state and local officials to monitor the developing situation related to COVID‐19 in the Commonwealth.
As predicted, we have continued to see an increase in cases of COVID‐19 here in Fayette County and across the state. We are in full support of efforts by Gov. Beshear and Mayor Gorton to mitigate the spread of this virus, and as such, we are officially extending the closure of all schools and offices through at least May 1, 2020.
Although students and staff will not physically be on campus, we will be having school. All Fayette County Public Schools will be offering “Non‐Traditional Instruction,” also known as “NTI” for all students beginning April 6, 2020 and continuing for as long as our schools remain closed. As you may have already heard, there will not be any state accountability testing this school year.
Each school has developed its own plans for how to deliver NTI and worked directly with their students and families so that we are prepared to hit the ground running after Spring Break. Some schools developed individualized packets of work for students, others made plans to move to primarily online instruction, and many will provide a mix of both.
Distribution of materials was organized by each school in order to best meet the needs of the students and families they serve. Some schools offered “drive thru” pick‐up opportunities, some delivered materials along with meals on our school buses, and others brought materials to families at their door step.
Districtwide, Fayette County Public Schools has roughly 35,000 Chromebooks and laptops available for students to use at home. Based on their NTI plans, schools have made Chromebooks and laptops available for checkout to families on an as‐needed basis for student use. Schools have communicated directly with families about requesting and receiving devices.
Most have already begun distribution, and many schools are complete. The district established a process for schools to request additional devices, and at this time, we are not aware of any school that was unable to meet the needs of their students and families with existing inventory.
If you have not heard from your child’s school by April 6, 2020, please reach out in one of the following ways:
- Check your school’s website, and click on the tab labeled “NTI” for additional information.
- Email the principal at your child’s school for help.
- Call the Offices of the School Chiefs. For help with Elementary Schools, call (859) 381‐ 4169 or (859) 381‐4234; Middle Schools, call (859) 381‐4168; High Schools or Special Programs, call (859) 381‐4233.
The district has also set up a temporary help‐desk for families who need technical support with their child’s FCPS account or Chromebook. The Student Technology Support line will be available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays by calling (859) 381‐4410.
We know families are hurting during these challenging times and we are working closely with community partners to find resources to provide food, financial assistance, and mental health support. We will be sending a follow up communication soon with additional details and resources. Please look for that information and share with those in your network.
Although we knew this might happen, extending the closure of our schools is still disappointing for all of us. Like yours, my children miss their teachers and friends, and have question that I cannot answer definitively. Providing comfort and reassurance is difficult given the many unknowns we face during this rapidly evolving situation. We are especially sensitive to the importance of special milestone events for our students and we will do everything possible to continue these special traditions.
Lexington is an incredibly caring and generous community. Working together, we will conquer the challenges ahead and take care of one another.
Your Partner,
Manny Caulk Fayette County Public Schools Superintendent
For a list of resources at home, click here.
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