Jennings High School Students Return to School
on a Modified Schedule Starting January 20, 2026
Note: Instructions for School Day and FAQ at the bottom of this page.
In the aftermath of a pipe break at Jennings High School on Dec. 22, 2025, Jennings School District leaders announced more time is needed to complete repairs, with return to in-person classes delayed until after Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, Jan. 19. The new return schedule will have students observing an alternating A/B hybrid schedule starting on Tuesday, Jan. 20.
According to JHS Principal Cryslynn Billingsley, students will continue studying virtually, followed by the new hybrid A/B schedule. Freshmen (9th grade) and sophomores (10th grade) will return for in-person at school on Tuesday, Jan. 20, for a B-day, alternating days with juniors and seniors who will return on Wednesday, Jan. 21 for an A-day and Jan. 22 for a B-day. Students who are not scheduled to be in-school will have virtual days to work from home. Fridays will be designated Academic Lab Days, where students will have the option to attend in-person or work virtually as needed, following an A/B schedule.
Billingsley says she drew upon experience with the COVID-19 crisis to develop an alternative plan that considers in-person and virtual learning, meal services, afterschool activities, sports and more. “We have adapted programs as needed, and we have mobilized every team within the District to make sure that our transitions run smoothly,” she said. “A good portion of the school was untouched by the flood, and we will make use of that space as we reconfigure classrooms to accommodate students and teachers. We will be working on a familiar A and B day schedule, alternating their physical attendance at school.”
Superintendent Dr. Paula Knight says that restoration and District operations and maintenance crews, who have been onsite from day one, will shift their schedules to night work when students return.” All damaged tile has been removed from the cafeteria and connecting hallways and classrooms, leaving a smooth and safe walking surface. Temporary safety barriers are being installed to help guide students through the building.”
Dr. Knight says the high school will hold Town Halls at the school, offering tours for parents, students and teachers. Town Hall meetings will be held 3 - 6 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, January 14 and 15, on the school campus. This will allow the school community to see the progress for themselves. “Maintaining a safe environment for students and teachers is always our priority, and we consistently monitor air quality and do safety checks when any materials are disturbed. Even so. We believe it’s important to allow students, parents and staff the opportunity to see the space for themselves and to ask questions.”
In the meantime, she says daily walk-throughs will continue along with daily staff updates. “Each day, we see the amazing progress being made in restoration efforts. I’m very proud of all of the teams who have worked night and day over winter break to limit the inconvenience to our students and teachers,” Knight said. “And I’m proud of the students and teachers who have shown such resilience and dedication in transitioning to virtual learning.”
As of January 10, District officials say that it is still too soon to determine the full financial impact, but they are working closely with insurance contacts who have been helping to determine the extent of damage. “I very much want to stress that this event has been one of the most serious crises we have had to face for some time. It will take time for us to learn what items we can salvage or replace, particularly when it comes to band instruments and uniforms.”
All things considered, Dr. Knight added that she feels very fortunate in many ways. “The pipe break happened overnight when the building was empty. A patrol officer noticed the water and called it in quickly. Since 2 a.m. on Dec. 22, our staff, recovery teams, American Water and Jennings Fire and Police Departments have worked around the clock in their service to our students and staff. Add to that the many calls and offers for help I’ve received from across the region; I would say that, despite everything, we have a lot to be grateful for in 2026.”
Principal Billingsley says staff members are working to ensure that every student receives their modified schedules for school for the coming week.
INSTRUCTIONS For the School Day:
Shuttles | All shuttles will continue to run daily based on the hybrid A/B schedule. |
School Starts | 7:30 a.m. for all students |
Student/Teacher Entry (Floors are clean and smooth, but please do consider the shoes you will wear.) | All students enter through the E-Gym door - Door 21. ECA Students will be picked up here for transport to Flo Valley. |
Accessible Entry | ADA entrance is the Office Door in front of the building. |
Cell Phones | Students will leave their cell phones/yonder bags upon entry and pick them up at the office after school. |
Meal Service (Breakfast) | Breakfast Grab ‘N Go stations will be set up in the gym and in the upper shelf of the E-Gym. (Security will guide you.) Students will eat breakfast in classrooms. |
Meal Service (Lunch) | Lunch Grab ‘N Go will be in the upper level of the E- Gym. Tables will be set up in the E-Gym. |
Meals on Virtual Days | Students studying virtually may reserve a lunch for that day (link online). They have the option of reporting to campus for lunch between 11:55 a.m. to 12:25 p.m. on their virtual days. Tables will be set up in the E-Gym for them to eat. (Virtual students will have to make a reservation at least one day prior via online format at https://bit.ly/JSD-Meals2026.) |
Some classes will be temporarily displaced. Those changes will be posted. We will guide you to the new spaces. | |
Choir/Choral Music | Choir will use the A-Gym Shelf |
Band | 4th and 8th Period Band may take place in RJJJH (TBD) |
No After School Programs until further notice | After-school classes are temporarily suspended due to the night restoration schedule. More to come. |
Technology Support | For any technology support you might need, please email Ms. Getmam at Getmanp@jenningsk12.org. |
Athletics (Basketball) | Both Boys and Girls Basketball will play the remainder of their home basketball games in the E-Gym for the rest of the season. As a result of this change, seating capacity will be limited. Therefore, a limited number of tickets will be available for each game. ALL TICKETS MUST BE PURCHASED ONLINE. No one will be allowed to purchase any tickets at the door - NO EXCEPTIONS. We strongly encourage everyone to purchase tickets early, as games may sell out. |
Custodial/Maintenance | Our custodial and maintenance teams are working very hard to keep our school clean. Staff/Students can help:
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
What is a hybrid schedule?
Blended placement alternating in-person and online instruction. We will follow an A/B schedule of which our students are familiar. Freshmen and sophomores will alternate in-person days with juniors and seniors. Fridays will offer the opportunity to study virtually or in person.
Is the building safe?
Yes. We have conducted a variety of tests on systems and air quality. Our school has been designated safe. See for yourself during the January 14 & 15, 2026, Town Hall meeting with building tours. Sign up at https://bit.ly/JSD-TownHallRSVP.
Did a pipe freeze or break?
This is one of the challenges of having older school buildings. The pipe simply collapsed due to age. The break occurred about seven feet below ground and sent water up through a section of the cafeteria. The water traveled down a ramp and into corridors and hallways with direct connections. The water was promptly drained, dried and damaged tile removed. Very shortly will enter the restoration phase where a new tile will be applied. Our school will look better than ever.
Will students understand the A and B schedules?
Yes, our students are very familiar with A and B schedules. The difference is that they will now alternate in in-person and virtual learning on those days. Just as we learned during the pandemic, something good generally comes out of a challenge like this. We've already considered ways in which we can add more flexibility into schedules.
How will students know which classrooms are off-limits?
There will be some classrooms that will be displaced, but the new locations will be posted and easy to find.
How is the District guaranteeing security during the clean-up?
The safety and security of students and staff always come first. Our security team will have an ongoing presence at all entries.
What's the plan for meal service during this time?
Our food service partners at Southwest Food Excellence have thought of nothing else since Dec. 22. We have mobilized all teams and are prepared and able to deliver delicious warm and cold foods in box form. Not only for those students in school, but also for those who are studying virtually. Virtual-learning students are welcome to come to school for lunch from 11:55 a.m. to 12:25 p.m. in the E-Gym. They are asked to go online to reserve a lunch for virtual days at least 24-hours prior. (Please sign up at https://bit.ly/JSD-Meals2026 for virtual day meal reservation.)
Will masks be made available for students and teachers?
We recognize that some people may be more sensitive to environmental changes, so we will provide masks as needed. However, if the concern is air quality, we continue to monitor it daily, and we do not anticipate any issues.
What are Academic Lab Days?
This is the term we are using for the flex days on Fridays. Students will have the option to report to school in person or work online according to a rotating A/B schedule.
How are athletics impacted?
We have found workarounds for sports as well. Both Boys and Girls Basketball will play the remainder of their home basketball games in the E-Gym for the rest of the season. As a result of this change, seating capacity will be limited. Therefore, a limited number of tickets will be available for each game. ALL TICKETS FOR BASKETBALL GAMES MUST BE PURCHASED ONLINE. No one will be allowed to purchase any tickets at the door - NO EXCEPTIONS. We strongly encourage everyone to purchase tickets early, as games may sell out. Please click here to access the athletic website for ticket details.
Are there other after-school activities?
All after-school classes are temporarily suspended due to the night restoration schedule. Watch for updates to come.
Can parents/guardians come and see the school before students return in person?
Absolutely. Town Halls are scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 14 and Thursday, January 15 between 3 to 6 p.m. both days. Students, parents/guardians and staff are invited to reserve a space for one of these meetings that will include a guided tour of the facility. (Please sign up at https://bit.ly/JSD-TownHallRSVP.)
Thank you for your attention. On behalf of students and staff at the Jennings Senior High School, the Board of Education and District administration, we want to thank our community, our utility companies and our service agents for their good work and support.