(MURFREESBORO)  Murfreesboro City Schools Director of Communications Lisa Trail told WGNS News that due to the growing number of COVID cases in Murfreesboro, for the first three weeks of January, Murfreesboro City Schools will reopen in an A/B Hybrid model based on the first letter of the student’s last name. She and Interim Director Ralph Ringstaff will give details and talk with parents on WGNS' Action Line radio broadcast this Monday morning from 8:10-9:00AM.

She noted that students with different last names but living in the same household will be accommodated. Trail suggested that parents contact the school principal if you have name concerns.

This hybrid plan will ensure that approximately half of the students are in a classroom each day making social distancing of six feet or more easier to maintain.

Monday, January 11, will be an asynchronous day for all students.  Comprehensive Development Classes and BEST classes will be open to all CDC and BEST students Tuesday through Friday. Students attending school via distance learning will continue as planned.  Adjustments in specific classrooms may need to be made based on classroom makeup. 

The City's Extended School Program (ESP) will be open for all students on Monday, January 4, and Monday, January 11.  Otherwise, for the first three weeks of school, ESP will only be open for those students attending school that day. For example, only Group A students will be allowed attend ESP on Tuesdays and Wednesdays while only Group B students will be allowed to attend ESP on Thursdays and Fridays. This will help the schools ensure that the groups of students attending are kept as small as possible.  ESP will be closed on Monday, January 18, (MLK Day). 

Listeners are encouraged to phone or text their questions to WGNS (615-893-1450) this coming Monday morning.