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On March 14, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper issued an executive order prohibiting mass gatherings and directing the closure of all K-12 public schools to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

In the time since the order was issued, Dare County Schools officials have held meetings and announced plans for remote learning, athletics, travel and meal availability.

DCS has suspended all athletic events, resulting from a decision made by the NC High School Athletic Association. Out of district field trips and travel have also been suspended until further notice.

DCS had been preparing to switch over to a remote learning program in anticipation of school closures. The transition to remote learning for students in grade kindergarten through 12^th grade will be effective March 23.

Due to the one-to-one Chromebook initiative, DCS is able to better facilitate online learning. On March 16, DCS teachers attended trainings on remote learning protocols. Throughout the week of March 16 through 20, teachers will create digital resources and online learning platforms for students.

Parents and/or students will be able to sign out technology devices, musical instruments, books and personal effects at each of child’s school on March 17 from noon until 6 p.m. and March 18 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Medications may also be picked up from school nurses during these times.

On March 17, information on teachers and remote instruction will be posted to www.daretolearn.org and teachers will be in contact with students and parents to discuss how to participate in remote learning. The remote learning program will start Monday, March 23.

DCS is also providing free breakfast and lunch to all children living in Dare County aged 0 through 18. Meals will be served Monday through Friday beginning March 17 on a daily basis until further notice. Breakfast will be available between 7:45 a.m. and 8:45 a.m.; lunch will be available from 11 a.m. through 12:30 p.m. Meals can be picked up at the following locations:

• Manteo Elementary School
• Cape Hatteras Elementary School
• First Flight Elementary School
• Wanchese, Bethany United Methodist Church
• Manteo, Roanoke Community Center (Head Start)
• Stumpy Point, Community Center
• Manns Harbor, Fire Department
• East Lake, Community Center
• Nags Head, Tanger Outlet and Dowdy Park
• Kill Devil Hills, Belk Center
• Kitty Hawk, Daniels Home Import and Kitty Hawk Elementary
• Avon, Food Lion
• Tri-Villages, Community Building
• Buxton, Cape Hatteras Elementary
• Hatteras Village, Civil Center
• Colington, TJ’s Gas & Grill

Pick up and go kiosks will be located at each site and there is no cost to students.

Superintendent John Farrelly stated that “we are working around the clock during these trying times to serve you and your children. The health and wellness of our stakeholders are paramount. We remain calm, steady and hopeful.”

READ ABOUT MORE SCHOOL NEWS AND EVENTS HERE.

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