Navigating the River
Wednesday, 22, 2020
On July 21, the Forsyth County Board of Education adopted the 2020-21 school calendar that includes no reduction of student days and extending the first day of school from August 6 to August 13 for planning purposes for both in-person learning at school and online learning from home. Teachers will still report to work on July 29 and will use this extended planning time for in-depth professional learning to be ready for full-time virtual learning for all students if needed by classroom, school, vertical team or across the district at any time this school year.
Additionally, in the 2020-21 school and employee work calendars, there are no reduction of workdays for all employee classifications as was previously projected. We greatly appreciate the Board of Education working diligently to make this happen.
As of July 21 at 4 pm, the Georgia Department of Public Health is reporting 1,414 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Forsyth County, which includes 16 deaths and 148 hospitalizations. According to the 2019 U.S. Census, Forsyth County’s population is estimated to be at 244,252. This means 0.58% of Forsyth County’s residents have had a confirmed case of COVID-19.
Based on this information and on survey feedback input from staff, parents/guardians and students, Forsyth County Schools developed guidelines for opening schools and offered families a choice between in-person learning at school and online learning from home for 2020-21. Out of an estimated 22,000 elementary students, 7,500 or 34% have chosen to learn online from home for the first nine-weeks of 2020-21. The deadline to sign-up for middle and high school online learning is July 31.
We will continue to consult with the Department of Public Health and Georgia Emergency Management weekly and appreciate your patience as we navigate the challenges and opportunities that are before us for 2020-21. Please visit www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/restartforsyth for the school and employee calendars and for updated information.
Riverwatch Community Questions
Q: When will 6th graders have accelerated testing?
A: All 6th grade students Any students who are recommended for the placement test for accelerated math will test in person at Riverwatch on August 19 or August 20. Students enrolled in face to face classes at Riverwatch will take the exam during their math class. Students enrolled in FVA will take the test at Riverwatch, in the cafeteria with social distancing, on August 19. Additional information will be sent to parents of recommended students.
Q: When is the Virtual Open house? Will the teachers send us a link?
A: Open House for middle school will be August 10. Sixth graders and students new to Riverwatch will have the opportunity to sign up for an in person tour. Returning students will be able to access the virtual Open House through our website. More information will be sent directly via Messenger. Families will also receive specific information regarding class changes, meals, lockers, and other logistical issues during the virtual Open House.
Q: When will we get class schedules? If my child has PE, is there a way to purchase a PE uniform online?
A: Student schedules will be shared as soon as possible. Mypaymentsplus.com will be open and available for the purchase of PE uniforms, as well as some other school expenses.
Q: Where can I find the school supply lists?
A: The link to an updated school supply list can be found here, as well as on our school website.
Continue to watch the Restart Forsyth page!
Events Happening on the River!
NEW Date for 6th Grade Tours --- August 10th!
Welcome 6th Grade Panthers!
Please review the Sign-Up Genius for available slots and signup. If you already signed up and your time no longer works for you, please go in and choose another time that works for you.
We look forward to meeting you and seeing you "on the river" soon!
~The RMS Administrative Team
New 7th and 8th Families to Riverwatch or Forsyth County Schools for the 2020-21 school year! August 10-11
Please review the Sign Up Genius for available slots and signup. If you already signed up and your time no longer works for you, please go in and choose another time that works for you.
Sign Up Genius New Student Tours
If you have questions about these tours, please contact Kelle Russo in our counseling office, krusso81@forsyth.k12.ga.us.
Questions for us, use the link below!
We know that there are many questions surrounding the school opening this year. Please use the link above to ask questions, share ideas, and celebrate something good at RMS. We will answer these questions in future newsletter communications.