Kent School District updates Back to School plan

The Kent School District posted its first update Friday, July 3, to the 2020-2021 Back to School plan.

For details about the possible return to school buildings, click here.

Here is the statement from the district:

“It is becoming clear COVID-19 is still active in our community, and cases are on the rise in many states nationwide. What is not yet clear is if all students will be able to start the 2020-21 school year with in-person classes in our school buildings.

Since February, we have experienced how quickly this pandemic can change, and together we continue to adapting each time new guidance is issued. The final decision on how we will start the new school year, on Aug. 27, will be announced after the School Board adopts our Back to School plan on or before Aug. 13.

Together we, the school district community, must be prepared for three scenarios in the 2020-21 school year.

1. All students back in school buildings with elevated precautionary measures in place

2. Virtual learning with the possibility that school buildings will open again sometime in late fall or winter

3. A hybrid model of both in-class and virtual learning

Our Back to School Task Force is preparing for each scenario in alignment with local, state, and federal guidelines. The task force work groups are creating plans that include general information, best practices, checklists, and resources. All district principals and leaders will use these plans to support the health and safety of all students and staff, as well as student learning.

As our Back to School Task Force works through each scenario, we will share a general overview each week sharing our progress. Our first overview focuses on what you can expect if students and staff are back in schools in the 2020-21 school year, consistent with health and safety needs.

We will continue to closely monitor the situation and take guidance from the Department of Health and the CDC. We continue providing regular updates and additional information as the situation changes through all Kent School District platforms. We all can positively influence how soon students return to school buildings by being mindful of key preventive measures, including wearing masks and washing your hands thoroughly.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we have dealt with this unprecedented situation. We appreciate and value the time, expertise, and commitment of our more than 100 Kent School District community members and staff who are coming together to support all students through our Back to School Task Force.”