School lunch, attendance policy changes explained by SCCPSS

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Lots of changes are coming to the Savannah Chatham County Public school system, including free breakfast and lunch for every student and a new policy for attendance.

Additionally, the day of the week school will begin has also changed from previous years.

WTOC has been following the conversation about how Savannah-Chatham County schools have been working to improve attendance post pandemic.

One of the new solutions is an asynchronous remote learning option.

Officials say this will give flexibility to students and parents who aren’t able to attend school but keep them engaged from where they are.

Students will have a maximum of 5 days of asynchronous remote learning to use. Communication with teachers in advance is encouraged, if it’s not an emergency.

If more than those 5 days are used, any days missed will be considered an absence.

Our biggest hope is that out students again will not miss that all important instruction and be able to remain engaged so that when they return to the classroom, they have not missed out on valuable and meaningful instruction.

KIMBERLY MCGUIRE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

Officials also told WTOC they are focusing on accountability. Students deemed chronically absent this year could possibly not get credit for courses.

Another big change this year involves expanding services for students with autism.

SEE ALSO: Changes to SCCPSS autism program leaves displaced families frustrated