The Kent School District is looking at Feb. 22 as the earliest date to start hybrid learning for students in pre-kindergarten through first grade.
The district is planning to start hybrid learning (in-person and remote learning) beginning with elementary students when the COVID-19 infection rate reaches and remains in the moderate range as defined by the state Department of Health guidelines. Initial plans for hybrid learning will include the younger elementary students and students prioritized based on student needs, according to a school district statement released Jan. 15.
“We do not have a firm date for a return as of now,” according to the district. “Based on current COVID-19 activity trends, we anticipate that the soonest pre-k to first grade students could begin limited in-person learning is Feb. 22. However, this date is not confirmed and is for planning purposes only. A final decision on a return date will be based on public health guidance, the spread of the virus in our community and bargaining with our labor partners.”
The district also wants families to fill out an online survey by noon on Jan. 25 to help it plan the return to in-person learning,
“We ask all KSD families to fill out one survey for each child in your family who currently attends school in our district,” according to the statement. “If you have multiple children, you do not have to select the same learning option for each child, but you do need to answer individually for each child.”
The survey will ask for your student’s name, grade and school so that district officials can plan for adequate staff, but this is not a final commitment. Student level information is critical for planning. Individual family responses will not be published.
District staff are also completing a survey during this time.
Families will have an opportunity to learn more about the final hybrid plan before the district returns to limited in-person learning. General expectations for in-person learning include social distancing, wearing facing coverings and completing daily health screenings.
Click here to find answers to frequently asked questions about the return to in-person learning.
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