In a recent government meeting, officials provided an update on the return to school for students and staff at Apalachee High School, emphasizing a community-driven effort to support the transition. The meeting highlighted the phased approach to reintegrating students, which began with digital check-ins and culminated in an open house event on September 23, welcoming families back to the campus.

During the week of September 16-20, staff prepared for the return, and on September 24, students began attending half-day sessions to ease back into their learning routines. The school has also introduced Chi East, a newly branded facility that will host some classes, particularly in social studies, with transportation provided for students.

Attendance figures were shared, indicating a slight decline from 93.11% on September 3 to 88.36% recently for students, while staff attendance improved from 90% to 95%. Plans are in place for a full-time return after the fall break on October 14, with additional support for students who may feel overwhelmed by the transition.

Concerns regarding literacy and academic progress were raised, particularly for seniors worried about catching up after weeks away from school. Officials assured that partnerships with the Georgia Department of Education would facilitate tailored support and pacing for students, focusing on mastery of standards rather than traditional grading metrics.

The meeting also addressed the implementation of new grading practices across the district, shifting towards standards-based grading in elementary schools and mastery-based grading in secondary schools. This reform aims to provide a clearer picture of student understanding and progress, moving away from traditional letter grades to a more nuanced assessment of skills.

As the district continues to refine its approach, officials committed to regular updates for parents on student progress and the effectiveness of the new grading systems. The meeting concluded with a call for community engagement and support as students navigate their return to in-person learning.