In-Person and Remote Learning Updates

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In-Person and Remote Learning Updates 

Distance Learning - Level 2

The Olympia School District started the 2020-21 school year with a 100% distance learning model, with plans for a leveled approach to in-person learning.

 

On September 21, 2020, the district moved to Level 2 when it began in-person learning in 10 schools for small groups of no more than five students served by the district's Developmental Learning Classroom (DLC) and Life Skills programs.

 

On January 12, 2021, the district announced the following tentative, conditional start dates for in-person hybrid learning by grade level:

 

February 1: Preschool and kindergarten
February 8: Grades 1, 2 and 6
February 18: Grades 3, 7 and 9
February 22: Grades 4, 5, 8 and 12
March 1: Grades 10 and 11


Note: If students are in a multiage classroom, their start date for hybrid learning will match the date for the grade level with the latest start date. For example, students signed up for hybrid in a combined kindergarten/first-grade class will begin on February 8, not February 1.


As public health conditions continue to evolve over the next several months, the Olympia School District dial will be a regular part of our guidance as we may have to move back and forth from level to level throughout the year. This information will be updated as new data and guidelines become available.

NEW January 2021

 

DECEMBER 2020

On December 16, 2020, Gov. Jay Inslee recommended new state guidance that would effectively accelerate the ability for schools statewide to serve more students in person. See his announcement below, as well as related letters and documents.

 

COVID-19 Health and Safety Protocols

The Olympia School District is committed to supporting learning environments that protect student and staff health and safety.

 

To learn how the district has prepared its schools, support buildings and school buses to welcome students, staff and visitors in accordance with established health and safety requirements, view the following:

 

 

Understanding our Model and Levels

Levels for learning models allow education to pivot at any time between distance, hybrid and in-person learning. These levels will be determined by the impacts of a changing health situation (e.g. number of COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people over 14 days in Thurston County), available resources, and direction from the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, Gov. Jay Inslee, and Thurston County Public Health and Social Services (PHSS). Helpful resources in the decision-making process include:

 

  • Washington State Department of Health COVID-19 Risk Assessment Dashboard, which identifies COVID-19 cases per 100,000 population over 14 days. This dashboard is used as the basis for the state's decision tree for determining provision of in-person learning.
  • Washington State Department of Health K-12 Schools - Fall 2020-21 Guidance

 

LP Brown ES Art Class

School starts September 9 in full-time distance learning model

 

Thurston County Public Health and Social Services announced on July 30, 2020 that based on current levels of COVID-19 in our community, it does not recommend school districts open for in-person learning this September. As a result, we will begin school on September 9 in a full-time distance learning model.

 

 

 

Fall 2020 School Reopening Plan

 

 

OSD Distance Learning and Optional Programs Information Flyer

 

Frequently Asked Questions

In July our district held virtual Town Halls to hear feedback from students, staff, families and the community on initial committee recommendations for how learning might look this fall. Questions raised during those Town Halls are being added regularly to a Frequently Asked Questions webpage.

 

 

COVID-19 Response Protocol

 

Virtual Community Town Hall Recordings

 

 

Workgroups:

Eight workgroups made up of staff, students, families and community members have been formed to address specific areas related to plans to reopen schools this fall. The groups include:

 

  • Instructional Workgroups: Elementary School, Middle School and High School
  • Health Advisory Workgroup
  • Family Resources and Supports Workgroup
  • Facility Preparations Workgroup
  • Social-Emotional Learning Workgroup
  • Activities/Athletics Workgroup

 

Learn more about the workgroups, including membership rosters, meeting agendas and meeting summaries

 

Academic and Operational Fall Contingency Planning Committees

At the outset of the planning for reopening schools, the district formed two planning teams to begin mapping out needs for various scenarios this fall. One of the groups addressed academic needs, and the other reviewed how we could safely operate school inside our physical buildings. As always, we will continue to follow guidance from the governor, health departments and education officials. To learn more about the committee work, including a roster of the membership, meeting agendas/minutes, and documents shared, visit the committee webpages:

 

 

State Guidance Released on June 12

On June 12, state Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal released state guidance for restarting school in September 2020.

The 55-page “Reopening Washington Schools 2020 District Planning Guide” calls for districts to open schools this fall in a way that protects student and staff health and safety. School districts unable to meet in-person physical distancing requirements due to lack of space in their buildings may choose from other learning options, including split or rotating schedules with continuous remote learning, a phased-in opening with continuous remote learning, and Continuous Learning 2.0 (remote learning).

 


The Olympia School District refers to this state guidance as it continues its planning work around restarting school this fall

 

 

Resources