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Charlotte County Public Schools will begin a new school term on Monday, Aug. 10, with all students learning virtually, but schools will continue to support students’ needs in very real ways by continuing to provide nutritious meals.

This new way of instruction not only leaves teachers learning a new way of teaching their students but bus drivers and cafeteria workers as well.

When schools closed in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, CCPS still worked to feed students by providing lunches at pick up areas around the county, and that will continue this new term.

According to CCPS Superintendent Robbie Mason, the school system will still provide meals for students.

“Cafeteria workers will continue to report to work to prepare meals for students who are at home; therefore, they will continue to be paid,” Mason said.

Mason said CCPS plans to be able to deliver meals to children at their homes while school is being conducted remotely.

“We will have to reevaluate the drop-off locations once students return to school because buses will not be available for meal delivery,” Mason said.

CCPS’s 45 bus and car drivers will also be utilized despite no in-person school instruction.

“We have technology devices, instructional packets, and student meals that all need to be delivered multiple times per week and  we plan to utilize our drivers to help us with this important service,” Mason said, “In the case that the drivers are assisting with the delivery of this material, they would still be able to get paid.”

With classes beginning next Monday, parents are urged to contact their child’s school for any assistance they may need. Teachers will also be reaching out to parents frequently throughout the school week.