COLUMBUS, Ind. – Franklin Community Schools (FCS) is moving to a hybrid model for students following a recent surge in coronavirus cases in Johnson County. On Wednesday, the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) updated the COVID-19 community spread status for Johnson County from yellow (moderate spread) to orange (moderate to high spread).
Because of the change, ISDH strongly recommends that secondary schools follow a hybrid model that allows for more social distancing during the school day. The recommendation was endorsed by the Johnson County Health Department. FCS benchmarking data regarding faculty and staff attendance is also trending higher, which is causing added stress to the learning environment.
Under the direction and guidance from the state and county health department, effective Monday, November 9, the middle school (FCMS) and high school (FCHS) will move to “Phase II” in the hybrid model. Central Nine students will also move to a hybrid schedule. The phase will separate students into two groups who will alternate days in the classroom.
Group 1 has onsite learning on Monday and Tuesday and studies online Wednesday through Friday. Group 2 has onsite learning on Thursday and Friday and studies online Monday through Wednesday.
For now, elementary schools will remain in person five days per week.
Indian Creek Schools and the Edinburgh Community School Corporation announced similar plans.