PORT ANGELES — The Port Angeles School District plans to begin fall classes in a “hybrid model” that has students attending the physical classroom part-time and being taught remotely part-time.
The board will consider approving the 2020-21 Reopening and Response Plan at 3:30 p.m. today.
The public can view the special meeting by going to meet.google.com/myu-vnvp-eai or listen only by calling 1-440-482-1537. The PIN is 515 205 539#.
No public comment will be taken.
In an 82-page report released late Wednesday afternoon — providing 24 hours notice of the special meeting — the primary purpose of the plan is said to “introduce and agree on the hybrid model for the 2020-21 school year.”
The state closed public schools in March because of the COVID-19 pandemic. It has since recommended that they reopen in the fall.
The Port Angeles School District (PASD) report is expected to remain in draft form throughout the summer and into the school year so it can be modified as needed given continuing studies and information on COVID-19.
The report can be found at tinyurl.com/PDN-pasdplan.
It follows a June 24 community forum during which the public provided input. The plan is to be published and shared with families by Aug. 17, according to a timeline in the report.
A survey of parents found that 58.26 percent of those who responded — 1,325 — preferred using alternating days of instruction, the report says.
Slightly more than 83 percent of certificated staff felt that remote learning could not meet the social emotional needs of their students, the report continues.
The hybrid model could be accomplished through alternating weeks or days. The staff has recommended that students be in either A Group or B Group.
A Group would be in physical classrooms on Mondays and Thursday while B Group would attend the brick-and-mortar building on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Remote learning would be used on those days when students are not in classrooms.
Those who prefer remote learning only can join Seaview Academy, the district says.
Additional face-to-face interaction would be provided for those students most impacted by the loss of in-person services, such as students with disabilities, the report said.
Masks will be required for staff and students with some exceptions and with suppression for younger students.
Students can use face shields as an alternative.
Physical-distancing requirements will mean changes in busing, meal service and passing periods as well as in the classroom, the report notes.
Infection control measures are to be in place.
The report says district officials will work to maintain as many extracurricular activities, such as sports and performing arts, as possible.
