Birmingham City Students Return To Classrooms In November
The buildings in the Birmingham City Schools system will house students again for the first time since spring — but only for four days each week.
The official announcement came Tuesday from Superintendent Mark Sullivan. He’d hinted in previous messages to stakeholders that it would not be long before the system returned to in-school learning after beginning the 2020-21 school year with virtual learning only.
In a prepared statement, Sullivan said, “Our overall goal has always been and still remains the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff. That commitment has not changed. For several weeks now, our test positive rate in Jefferson County has been moderate, according to the Jefferson County Department of Health.”
The return of students begins Monday, Nov. 9, starting with children in pre-K through eighth grades, plus students with what Sullivan described as “low-incidence special needs.” High school students come back the following Monday.
Students will be divided into two groups, with one group attending school on Mondays and Tuesdays and the other Thursdays and Fridays. Wednesdays will be reserved for cleaning facilities, and teachers will provide virtual learning.
A BCS spokesperson said that about 40% of all families indicated in a survey that they still prefer virtual learning full time, and those families still will be afforded that option.
Teachers and faculty will return to the schools in person Oct. 26 to prepare for the return of students.
Students will be required to wear face masks and teachers will wear face shields.
The move by Birmingham school officials follows most other districts in the metro area, which recently have moved students back into face-to-face classroom settings at least two days a week. Some have fully returned to in-school classes every weekday. All schools must still offer virtual learning as an option.
Shooting attack at Jerusalem bus stop kills at least 5
Paramedics said at least five people were killed in a shooting attack in Jerusalem after two attackers opened fire at a bus stop at a busy intersection in north Jerusalem.
How brightly colored do we want our food? For brands, it’s a hill to dye on
Sam's Club is among the food makers removing artificial dyes from products, yet hoping shoppers don't notice a difference in color. But why?
What kind of dairy does a body good? Science is updating the answer
New dietary guidelines are coming soon. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has promised the days of skim milk and other low-fat dairy products are over. Is there a case for more fat in dairy?
20 years ago, New Orleans fired its teachers. It’s been rebuilding ever since
When New Orleans schools reopened after Katrina, most of the city's educators didn't get their jobs back. Instead, they were often replaced with young people who were new to town — and new to teaching.
Alone in a foreign country, a young woman is saved by two strangers
In 1980, Elaine Batchelor was attacked on a night train while backpacking alone in Europe. Two strangers stepped in and stayed by her side for the rest of the 12-hour ride.
World Cup ticket sales are about to begin. Scoring them may not be easy — or cheap
FIFA is set to launch the first window of regular ticket sales for the 2026 World Cup on Wednesday. Brace yourself: because they may not be easy to get — or cheap.
