Both Poplarville School District and Pearl River County School District are offering distance learning options for the upcoming school year for all students if their parents or guardians do not feel comfortable sending them to school in-person due to the pandemic.

Picayune School District will not offer a distance learning option for all students. The only exception will be for students who provide proof of a documented medical diagnosis.

“Distance learning options may be available for students who qualify for services due to a documented medical diagnosis from a qualified medical provider,” the plan for reopening schools within Picayune School District states. “School administrators will work with parents on a case-by-case basis to meet the learning needs of all students. If a student does not physically attend school, he/she will not be able to participate in sports or other extra-curricular activities.”

“We’d really like for our students to be in school,” said Superintendent of Picayune School District Dean Shaw. “We feel like it’s very important for them to receive the time in class.”

“Distance learning is great but I really don’t feel like we can receive the same type of education or instruction at home as you can receive sitting in that desk at school,” Shaw said.

With COVID-19 cases continuing to rise in many areas of the state, some parents are not comfortable sending their students to school in person. The only other option for parents of students attending Picayune School District who do not want their students at school in person would be to homeschool their children.

“That’s their choice if they want to keep them at home,” Shaw said.