Steve Webb will propose transition dates for deliberation and discussion to provide more VPS students with in-person instruction
At a regular meeting of the Vancouver Public Schools board of directors Tue., Jan. 12, Superintendent Steve Webb will propose transition dates for deliberation and discussion to provide more VPS students with in-person instruction.
The superintendent’s recommendation is consistent with new guidelines issued last month by Washington Governor Jay Inslee and the Washington Department of Health. It also is similar to plans announced recently by other Clark County school districts including the county’s largest district, Evergreen Public Schools.
VPS already is serving kindergarten and at-risk students in small groups with a combination of remote and in-person instruction. The district is following all health and safety guidelines.
Families will continue to have the option to keep their children in full remote learning.
Recommended timeline for hybrid learning:
- Jan. 19 Kindergarten
- Jan. 25 Grades 1-2
- Feb. 1 Grades 3-5
Transition to hybrid learning for middle school students could occur in February contingent on whether COVID-19 transmission levels in Clark County are within the new guidelines (moderate: 50-350 cases/100K/14 days). Transition to hybrid learning for grades 9-12 could occur in March contingent on case rates (state case rate guidelines are 200/100K/14 days).
Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) recently announced that fall athletics and activities for high school can resume in February.
Student hybrid schedules:
During hybrid learning, students will attend school in person two days per week:
- Monday/Tuesday—A group
- Thursday/Friday—B group
The other three days per week will be spent in remote learning.
Elementary hybrid schedule (19 schools) – 8:30 a.m. to 1:50 p.m.
Elementary hybrid schedule (Lincoln and Minnehaha) – 9:10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Details about assigned groups and specific schedules will be provided to each family prior to the start of hybrid learning.
“With the necessary protocols in place, I am confident that we can provide hybrid learning safely in our elementary and middle schools,” said Webb. “Given the limitations of remote learning, it is essential that we begin the process of bringing more students back onto our campuses for in-person instruction.
“There must be a collective effort across our community to enable the start of hybrid learning by working to reduce transmission. Please mask up, social distance and avoid gatherings. We all play a role in opening schools.”
Written comments on the superintendent’s recommendation can be submitted to the school board at vpsboard.directors@vansd.org in advance of the Jan. 12 meeting.
Information provided by Vancouver Public Schools.
