On Monday, we announced an accelerated plan to bring all of our students back into the classroom for in-person instruction at least two days per week. I am energized to see our students again, as face-to-face instruction is my priority.
As you know, I hoped to return students to school in August in a blended, or “hybrid,” model, in which only about half of our students are in school at any one time. However, in an abundance of caution, our board instead directed us to begin the year fully remote. Under our subsequent phased return plan, most students would have remained virtual into the new year, perhaps as late as March.
Since then, the school board and I heard from many parents and teachers about the challenges of trying to keep children engaged in virtual learning, especially when internet access is unreliable. Parents have told me their children are frustrated, some have quit trying, and they are beginning to hate learning.
This is concerning. Our staff is working very hard and being creative, but Zoom is no substitute for face-to-face time. That’s why many teachers and staff have gone to students’ homes on their own time to help students who are struggling.
We based our timing on an analysis of county health data, which show some local stability in COVID-19 cases and positivity rate. Our team of medical professionals and administrators is reviewing both the number of cases over seven days per 100,000 residents and our county positivity rate. Both metrics have been stable since July.
Our phased return plan prioritizes our youngest learners and others with unique needs, such as pre-kindergarten and early readers. Career and technology programs at McCaskey that require a certain number of practice hours for certification return earlier than other high school grades. Students in some special education programs will be in class four days per week to increase their supports.
We are all experiencing a new phenomenon we never expected. Yes, there are many challenges. Yes, we are scared and anxious! However, I also know that the SDoL staff do amazing things for children. We never took a course on how to teach in this new environment, first virtually and now blended. But I know that we can do this. Together, we can get our students college and career ready and give them the opportunities and education they deserve. Together, we can!
| Phase One | Phase Two | Remaining Grades | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary | Pre-Kindergarten Kindergarten Grades 1 and 3 | Grades 2, 4 and 5 | |
| Middle | -- | Grades 6, 7, 8 | |
| High | -- | Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 | |
| Return Date | October 26 | November 2 | TBD |