There’s no confirmed date yet for the return to in-person learning in the Kent School District.
District leaders released a revised hybrid plan on Monday, Feb. 1 but have not yet set a date for students to return to school. Hybrid includes in-person and remote learning.
The district updated the plan to align with state and federal guidelines as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, according to a district statement. The details in the document are subject to change as directives from governing authorities, health officials, public health conditions or bargaining agreements determine.
“Initial plans for hybrid learning include younger elementary students (pre-kindergarten to first grade) and students prioritized based on student needs,” according to the district. “Although we do not have a confirmed date yet for returning to in-person learning for those families that choose this option, we are continuing to plan and finalize details to minimize the risk of transmitting the virus at school by following all public health guidance.”
In mid-January the district released a tentative date of Feb. 22 to start hybrid learning. The district plans to begin the program when the COVID-19 infection rate reaches and remains in the moderate range as defined by the state Department of Health guidelines.
“We do not have a firm date for a return as of now,” according to the hybrid plan. “Based on current COVID-19 activity trends, we anticipate that the soonest PreK-1 grade students could begin limited in-person learning is on Feb. 22. However, this date is not confirmed and is for planning purposes only.”
A large task force of labor partners, PTSA members, students, community members and district staff wrote the hybrid plan.
“The final hybrid schedule for students learning in-person and those in remote learning is currently still being
bargained with our labor partners,” according to the district. “A great deal of time these last 11 months has been listening and collaborating with our public health officials, our district leaders, educators, union leaders and staff.”
District leaders are looking at a hybrid plan that would have students at schools two days a week and doing remote learning on three days. Approximately 50% of students would attend in-person Monday and Tuesday, the other 50% on Thursday and Friday. Wednesday would be a day for teacher collaboration and planning and for thorough cleaning to disinfect schools between student groups.
For more information, go online to kent.k12.wa.us/BacktoSchool.
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