Asheville City Schools extends remote instruction through March

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — Asheville City Schools is extending its remote instruction through March for all students due to the ongoing pandemic.

In a press release, the school system announced pre-kindergarten through 12th grade students will continue with remote instruction through the end of the third nine weeks, Tuesday, March 16, 2021. Tentatively, the district plans to gradually transition from Plan C to Plan B for pre-kindergarten - 5th grade students on Wednesday, March 17. A tentative return date for secondary students will be announced at a later time.

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The release cites the spreading of COVID-19 across the state and country "at a dangerous pace," and hospitalizations due to the virus for the decision to continue remote learning.

"Truly, we applaud our educators and families for facing the many challenges at-home learning has brought upon our district," Monday's announcement read. "We know communities have been built over the computer, and both the quality and content of remote instruction has continued to increase. In addition to your outstanding efforts, we think this can be partially credited to the district’s cautious approach vs. flip-flopping between remote and in-person instruction."

The release adds that a survey was sent out to all staff members in collaboration with Asheville City Association of Educators. "Citing high transmission rates and limited access to vaccines, 85% of those who responded said they do NOT believe it is safe for students to return for face to face learning at this time," the announcement states.

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Grab-and-go meals will continue to be provided at scheduled community-based Food Distribution Sites.

CLICK HERE to view the school system's full announcement with more information regarding staff, tech support and athletics.