This in today from the Everett School District on beginning a hybrid model for students starting in November.
Everett Schools announced a move to step 2 in the learning model.
On November 2, 2020, Everett Public Schools will bring Developmental Kindergarten, STRIVE and Life Skills students back into the classroom five (5) days a week, and Developmental Pre-K four (4) days a week. All other students will continue in 100% Remote Learning until we move to the next stage.
“With the precautions we are putting in place in our buildings and for our students and staff, we are ready to bring our most vulnerable students back into the classrooms,” states Ian Saltzman, superintendent.
This week the Snohomish County Health District reported an increase in local COVID cases and cautioned return to the classroom for students unless plans were in place and they were high need students. The guidance they provided in their school start decision tree indicates the district is able to bring back small groups of students in the highest need categories. Plans have been in motion for weeks to bring our four (4) self-contained special education students back, and the goal is November 2. As with other things during this COVID pandemic, case counts could adjust that date if necessary.
Stage 2 brings Developmental Kindergarten, STRIVE and Life Skills students back into the classroom five (5) days a week and Developmental Pre-K four (4) days a week. Student families were given an option on whether they would like to return to the classroom or stay 100% remote, and related teachers and special services staff were able to indicate their preference for working in the classroom or remotely.
In total, this will bring around 175 students who are not able access services they need in a remote setting. This will result in between four (4) and 15 kids being in 19 school buildings. Keeping these groups small, providing the appropriate PPE and training will enable the district to serve these students who are farthest from educational justice.
“We look forward to bringing all of our students back but understand we need to start with smaller groups so are bringing back our most vulnerable students first,” Saltzman continued. The students returning on November 2, 2020 will follow safety protocols set forth by the health district.
The district has also defined which students will be in future stages, the dates will be determined by local COVID case trendlines and guidance from the health district. The learning model stages and hybrid model are on everettsd.org. Families with students in K-5, Achieve and Extended Resource, along with the related certificated staff, will be receiving a survey in the next day to indicate their preference for the remainder of the school year.
The schools will also offer a remote-only option for families who request it.
The health, safety, and well-being of our school community remains our top priority. We are following sound protocols aligned with expert health guidance to ensure we are doing everything we can to protect everyone’s health. In preparation for return to school buildings we have developed a Parent COVID-19 Handbook that contains information on how we will be keeping students safe, and things parents should know.
For further information and updates, please visit everettsd.org/fall2020.
October 16, 2020
Everett Schools