x
Breaking News
More () »

North Carolina schools to close for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year, remote learning will continue

Gov. Cooper announced Friday that North Carolina schools will close for the remainder of the 2019-2020 year for in-person learning.

RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina schools will close for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year, Governor Roy Cooper announced Friday during a news conference alongside educational leaders. 

Gov. Cooper announced remote learning will continue instead of in-person at schools.

"We don't make this decision lightly, but it's important to protect the health and safety of our students and our school staff," said Gov. Cooper.

Gov. Cooper said North Carolina understands the importance of providing meals through school nutrition programs and wants to continue those programs into the summer. 

Additionally, state officials announced plans to provide a program for students who would benefit from going back to school early, mainly younger students or students struggling with reading and writing.

To help students without home internet access online learning opportunities, Gov. Cooper today announced a partnership to equip more school buses with Wi-Fi. School buses with Wi-Fi will travel to areas without internet connections so students can turn in assignments, download materials, and connect with teachers. AT&T is providing 100 hot spots, Duke Energy Foundation is providing 80, and additional partners are expected to join the effort, officials said.

As for safety, guidelines are being developed for schools to follow once schools resume, state officials said.

Students started remote learning on March 23, after Gov. Cooper made the executive decision to close schools through an original date of May 15. 

The State Board of Education adopted a statewide policy on Thursday that would mostly eliminate student letter grades for the semester. High school students will still have the option of getting traditional grades for the semester. Middle school students will be on a pass/fail system, and elementary students will not get grades.

Yesterday, Gov. Cooper extended the statewide stay home order through May 8. He also unveiled a three-phase plan for reopening North Carolina based on downward trends for coronavirus in the state.

NC coronavirus relief package:

Gov. Roy Cooper also announced a budget proposal that would bring $1.4 billion of coronavirus aid to North Carolina if passed. The funding would come predominately from the state's CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF). The North Carolina General Assembly would be responsible for distributing it during its upcoming session.

The budget package is intended to fund immediate needs in three main areas:

  • Public health and safety
  • Continuity of operations for education and other state government services
  • Assistance to small businesses and local governments.

"We know that people are hurting, businesses are struggling, and local governments are facing severe shortages. That’s why we have to act now to get resources in the hands of people and organizations that provide vital support,” said Gov. Cooper.

You can watch Gov. Roy Cooper's full press conference HERE

RELATED: Friday real-time updates: Davidson County reports third and fourth coronavirus related deaths

Gov. Roy Cooper North Carolina schools announcement | Watch LIVE

BREAKING | Gov. Roy Cooper announces North Carolina K-12 schools will remain CLOSED and continue remote learning for the remainder of the school year. Friday live updates: https://bit.ly/2VXHWtt

Posted by WFMY News 2 on Friday, April 24, 2020

RELATED: Winston-Salem Forsyth County Schools hiring teachers, bus divers, HR staff through virtual job fair

RELATED: Gov. Cooper unveils 3-part plan to reopen state, extends stay-at-home order through May 8

RELATED: Have we reached coronavirus peak in North Carolina?

RELATED: Guilford County Schools superintendent presents 2020-2021 budget recommendation

RELATED: Bright lights shine to honor the class of 2020

FACTS NOT FEAR

Remember facts, not fear when talking about the coronavirus. You should take the same measures recommended by health leaders to prevent the spread of the flu and other viruses. That means washing your hands, avoiding touching your face, and covering coughs and sneezes.

RELATED: Facts Not Fear | What you need to know about the COVID-19 outbreak

WHERE YOU GET INFORMATION ABOUT THE CORONAVIRUS IS IMPORTANT

It is important to make sure the information you are getting about the coronavirus is coming directly from reliable sources like the CDC and NCDHHS. Be careful not to spread misinformation about coronavirus on social media.

For more information visit the CDC OR NCDHHS

NC CORONAVIRUS HOTLINE 

The state also has a special hotline set up where you can call 2-1-1 or 866-462-3821 for more information on the coronavirus. You can also submit questions online at ncpoisoncontrol.org or select chat to talk with someone about the virus.

You can also text keyword VIRUS to WFMY News 2 at 336-379-5775 to find out more information.

Stay connected to local, national and breaking news: Download the new WFMY News 2 app. 

Text the keyword APP to 336-379-5775

DOWNLOAD FOR IPHONE HERE

DOWNLOAD FOR ANDROID HERE

►For the latest weather conditions and forecast text the keyword WEATHER to 336-379-5775

►For local news stories right to your phone text the keyword NEWS to 336-379-5775

►Need our Call for Action Team? Text keyword CFA to 336-379-5775

►For traffic alerts text the word TRAFFIC to 336-379-5775

Before You Leave, Check This Out