July 27, 2021

The Greene County School System is planning for a return to school that is as normal as possible this year, with a few COVID-19 related procedures remaining in place as students begin the new year on August 2. 

Masks will be optional for students, staff, and visitors in school buildings, on the school bus, and at extracurricular activities. Hand sanitizing and hand washing practices will be continued and encouraged. Enhanced cleaning and sanitizing procedures by custodial staff will be extended, and CDC-recommended physical distancing will be practiced within schools when possible.  

Field trips, assemblies, and other special events will resume this school year, and visitors will also be welcomed back to all campuses. The system looks forward to welcoming parents back into their students’ schools, as well as resuming school tours and community celebrations, such as the Homecoming Tailgate at GCHS on September 3.

The school system will continue reporting positive COVID-19 cases to the Department of Public Health (DPH) to assist with contact tracing efforts. Parents will be notified by the school nurse if their child has shared a classroom with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, and close contacts will be quarantined.

These COVID-19 procedures are subject to change based on local COVID-19 spread rates, CDC and DPH guidelines, or state government mandates. District leadership will continue to monitor local COVID-19 conditions, as they have been doing throughout the past year.

Currently, over 70% of GCSS staff are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and more than 50% of Greene County residents have received at least one dose of the vaccine.

“We are looking forward to having all of our students back in school for a new year, learning and growing alongside each other as much as safety will allow,” said Dr. Chris Houston, GCSS Superintendent. “While the COVID-19 pandemic taught us some important lessons over the last year, we are ready to move forward but will constantly evaluate safety issues and respond when necessary. We are excited to prioritize teaching and learning, but also all of the activities, special events, and extracurriculars that make our students’ school experience great.”