Learning at Home
Tips and tricks from Elyria City School District
Dear families ...
I hope you’re enjoying your summer and above all, staying safe and well.
Before I get into the nitty-gritty of "back-to-school" let me begin by simply saying, we've missed you.
As you read this newsletter and familiarize yourself with the plans that we're setting in place for the fall, I hope you'll remember that we're in this together.
The only perfect plan is the one that brings us all back together. We're still not there, but we're inching closer.
We know it is a hardship to adjust your work and home schedules to adapt to an unusual school schedule but we ask you to work with us and we will work with you to ensure your child thrives this school year.
Throughout the summer we’ve been working on a plan of return that will bring students and staff back to school as safely and effectively as possible.
The plan we’re rolling out today offers students' two options of return. We’re asking parents to select one option and to commit to that model of learning for an entire semester.
In-person/online hybrid
One model—the In-Person Attendance and Virtual Hybrid option—offers a mix of an in-school and online experience.
In this model, students will attend school two days per week and learn from home three days per week.
Students will be divided into two cohorts by last name and they will attend school on different days of the week. (Cohort assignments will be made after Aug. 3.)
- Cohort A will attend Monday and Tuesday and learn from home Wednesday through Friday.
- Cohort B will attend Thursday and Friday and learn from home Monday through Wednesday.
This means only half the number of students will be in school at one time.
Safety and daily thorough cleaning protocols (per CDC guidelines) will be followed.
No students or staff will be in school on Wednesdays to allow for mid-week intensive cleaning practices by the district.
Virtual Academy
If parents are not yet comfortable with their students returning to the school setting they can instead opt to learn from home through the Elyria Schools Virtual Academy.
This online option offers a full virtual learning platform taught by teachers in the Elyria Schools.
Students learning remotely will participate in online classes five days a week during school hours. Attendance will be taken and assignments will be graded.
Parents must pre-register for the Virtual Academy by August 3, 2020. (Registration form in Spanish.)
Being flexible
With the shifting state of COVID-19 locally and abroad, we’ve taken great care to design a leveled plan that aligns with the state-designated “risk levels” set by health officials.
This helps us be prepared for changing scenarios with COVID-19 that might up the public health-level warnings or likewise lower the risk levels should conditions begin to improve.
For example, the in-person/virtual hybrid model of learning that we are offering this fall aligns with the state’s elevated risk levels at this time.
If that risk level should increase, we would consider going to the full virtual model.
If that risk level should decrease we are prepared to transition to 4-day model of attendance with the ultimate goal of returning to a five-day-a-week schedule.
School Days
The first day of school is September 8, 2020.
The first week of school, September 8-11, will operate on a staggered schedule. Students will be assigned one day during that week to come to school on a shortened schedule.
This gradual return will bring students back to school in smaller groups so they can meet their teachers, review their schedules, receive their materials and become comfortable with the routine of their day while in school.
Students also will be assigned a chromebook that will be theirs and theirs alone to use at school and to take home if needed.
The district is working on a plan to offer Internet hotspots to families in need of this service. (Free and reduced lunch qualification required.)
On Monday, September 14, students will begin full-day learning through either the in-person/online hybrid option or the full virtual option.
Students who are in kindergarten through eighth grade will see their school days end a half an hour earlier than typical to allow teachers to touch base with their students who are attending school on opposite days.
Preschool and Special Education
The district will continue to offer preschool and special education services.
The preschool program will be offered four days per week—
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday—in half days with an a.m. or p.m. option. Class sizes will be small. To register for preschool or for questions, please call 440-284-8250.
Special education services will be arranged through the Special Education Department of Elyria Schools and parents will be contacted individually.
Health and Safety
Safety is of the utmost concern in everything that we do and in all of our planning for a fall return, it remains our number one priority.
We are working closely with the Lorain County Public Health Department on all aspects of our back-to-school plan.
In accordance with the state-mandated mask order, all students and staff are required to wear masks in school and on the bus. (Medical exemptions may apply.)
Social distancing will take place when possible and other precautions will be taken to improve safety. (Distancing likely will not be possible on busses. Pre-registration is required for eligible riders and masks are mandatory.)
Handwashing and daily cleaning procedures will be enforced.
Parents are asked to monitor their child’s temperature daily and to keep students home if they have an elevated temperature (100 degrees F or above) or if they are showing any signs of illness.
We know this is a time of great uncertainty and your child’s education is but one of many thoughts weighing on your mind. Please be assured we will work with you every step of the way.
Despite the peculiar circumstances of this year’s return to school, we are excited to welcome your child back to school and to see their love of learning flourish.
For further details on the plans outlined in this newsletter, please visit our new micro website: Pioneer Path: Back to School.
You can always reach out to us at ask@elyriaschools.org, as well.
Please stay safe and enjoy the rest of your summer. We look forward to seeing you in September!
Sincerely,
Ann Schloss
Elyria Schools Superintendent
Elyria City School District
Email: ask@elyriaschools.org
Website: www.elyriaschools.org
Location: 42101 Griswold Road, Elyria, OH, USA
Phone: 440-284-8000
Facebook: facebook.com/elyriacityschools
Twitter: @twitter_elyriaschools