Clark County Public Health announced this week that COVID-19 activity has dropped to the moderate level in the county
Battle Ground Public Schools is preparing to bring middle school students into the classroom for hybrid learning beginning the week of Feb. 22.
Clark County Public Health announced this week that COVID-19 activity has dropped to the moderate level in the county. In accordance with the state metrics, school districts can bring middle school students into buildings for in-person learning when the COVID-19 activity level falls within the moderate level.
“It has been wonderful to see our primary students back in school this week,” said Superintendent Mark Ross. “The joy and excitement students bring to our buildings makes all the difference in our days, and we are looking forward to that same experience with our middle school students returning soon.”
Battle Ground kindergartners have been attending school in-person since early November. The hybrid learning model was expanded this week to include all primary students (grades K-4). Fifth graders will attend an orientation the week of Feb. 15 to help them get acclimated to their new schools before transitioning to in-person, and hybrid learning for all middle school students will begin the following week.
The district will follow state health guidelines for safety and cleaning protocols, including for attestation, physical distancing, the wearing of face coverings, personal hygiene, and cleaning. Face masks are required for all staff and students per the Washington State Department of Health, except under special circumstances such as a developmental or health diagnosis. Students will be permitted to remove masks to eat meals and during physically-distanced outdoor activities.
To accommodate physical distancing during in-person learning, students have been divided into two groups. All students will have two days each week of direct instruction, with Group A meeting in person on Mondays and Tuesdays, and Group B students attending on campus on Thursdays and Fridays. The remaining three days, students will continue independent learning at home. During independent learning time, teachers will provide assignments for students to continue working on at home.
“The health and safety of students and district staff is our first priority as we move towards welcoming more students back into our buildings,” said Deputy Superintendent Denny Waters. “We are committed to doing this safely and we will adjust, adapt and change as need be to ensure that it happens.”
Information provided by Battle Ground School District.
