Dear parents and caregivers:
This morning, the school board approved my recommendation to transition to the hybrid learning model for secondary students. (Note: These changes will not affect students in the Distance Learning Academy.)
Here is the approved plan:
- Feb. 12 & 16: No school for grades 6-12 to allow staff preparation time for the learning model shift. (Mon., Feb. 15 is a non-school day due to the Presidents’ Day holiday.)
- Feb. 17: Middle school (grades 6-8) and high school grades 9 & 12 return to the hybrid model in their previously assigned groups (Group A will return to physical buildings on Wednesday, Feb. 17; Group B will return on Thursday, Feb. 18)
- We are starting with these two grade levels to support 9th graders in their first year of high school, and to help seniors have every opportunity to complete graduation requirements.
- Mar. 1: Grades 10 & 11 return to the hybrid model in their previously assigned groups (Group A will return to physical buildings on Monday, Mar. 1; Group B will return on Tuesday, Mar. 2)
- We continue to operate under state guidance for the implementation of each learning model. While guidance changed to allow us to implement full in-person at the elementary, the parameters were not changed for secondary, which means full in-person learning is not yet an option for secondary.
Operational preparations
Our operational staff will be working non-stop to make sure our secondary buildings are ready to welcome students for part-time in-person learning again.
- Schools (and buses) will operate at 50% capacity.
- Meal service in the hybrid model: Free breakfast and lunch are served to students in school on their in-person learning days in the hybrid model. At the end of each in-person learning day, free breakfast and lunch bundles will be offered to students to take home for the next day. If you do not wish for your child to be given meals for their home learning days, please opt out of this service.
Please know that I recognize the importance of having as much stability as possible for your family. We don’t make learning model changes lightly because we know they have a significant impact on your children and your family. This shift reflects our belief that in-person learning, even in a hybrid model, best meets the academic, social, and nutritional needs of our students. Thank you for your patience and understanding during these challenging times.
We are excited to welcome more students back to their physical schools next month.
Respectfully,
Cory McIntyre
Superintendent
