Cumberland County Schools: Navigating Remote Learning

Cumberland County Schools (CCS) is committed to providing educational opportunities for all students, even when traditional in-person learning is disrupted. Remote learning, utilizing both synchronous and asynchronous instruction, plays a crucial role in ensuring continuity of education. This article outlines the guidelines and practices employed by CCS in its remote learning initiatives, drawing upon recent announcements and state-level policies.

Remote Academies in North Carolina

The North Carolina State Board of Education (SBE) authorizes Local Education Agencies (LEAs) to offer remote instruction via remote academies, as per SL 2022-59, ratified in June 2022. These academies, which must be approved by the SBE for five-year periods, deliver instruction primarily online. The instruction combines synchronous and asynchronous methods for students learning remotely, away from the physical school building. Remote academies can encompass any combination of grade levels, as defined in §115C-234(b). School districts planning to operate a remote academy need to apply to NCDPI for SBE approval.

Asynchronous Remote Learning Days

Implementation and Structure

Cumberland County Schools sometimes implements asynchronous remote learning days due to inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances. During these days, students complete assignments online independently and at their own pace, without mandatory live video sessions or login times. Assignment completion is used to verify attendance.

Assignment Delivery and Deadlines

Teachers provide assignments through various platforms, including digital postings on Canvas, Google Classroom, and other school-approved platforms. Alternatively, paper packets may be sent home before the weather event. Elementary and middle school students typically have five days to complete and submit assignments, while high school students have three days.

Example: February 2nd and 4th, 2026

On Monday, February 2nd, 2026, CCS announced an asynchronous remote learning day due to icy road conditions. District offices and school buildings remained closed. Similarly, on Wednesday, February 4th, 2026, asynchronous remote instruction continued due to persistent hazardous road conditions and cold temperatures. Assessments by the district’s Auxiliary Services team revealed that many roads, parking lots, and entryways remained icy.

Read also: Cumberland Academy of Georgia Cost

Impact on Other Activities

All after-school activities, including athletic practices and events, are typically canceled on asynchronous remote learning days to ensure the safety of students and staff.

Staffing

During these days, district offices may reopen with a delay, and while some staff work remotely, others, such as 12-month school-based and district employees, may report in-person with a delayed schedule.

Strategies for Effective Online Learning

Several webinars and series have been developed to support educators in creating effective online learning environments. These resources focus on various aspects of online education, including course design, student engagement, and adaptability.

Cultivating Excellence Webinar Series

This series features expertise from educators actively leading virtual learning across the state. Topics covered include:

Effective Online Course Design
Keeping Students Engaged
Collaboration Online
Cultivating a Learner's Mindset
Building Student Autonomy Online
Adaptability: Meeting the Needs of All Learners

Staying Connected Webinar Series (Spring 2024)

This series provided timely and relevant support for educators working in online environments.

Prioritizing Safety

Cumberland County Schools prioritizes the safety of students, staff, and families when making decisions about remote learning days. Assessments of road conditions and weather forecasts play a crucial role in determining whether to transition to remote instruction.

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