Springfield School District plans to start the fall with online learning. but under the current plan, K through 3 students can be in the classroom come September.
The district sought input from parents and teachers in planning for a hybrid model. Springfield Superintendent Todd Hamilton said Lane County’s COVID-19 numbers don’t allow for full in person learning, under state rules. But, Kindergarten through 3rd graders are an exception under current parameters.For schools to reopen for students in kindergarten-3rd grade, the community must see 30 or fewer positive cases per 100,000 people in Lane County, for three weeks in a row.
“So we are putting plans in place to return our K-1 students the week of September 14th.” Hamilton said.
2nd graders will return the following week, and 3rd graders the week after.
“And this will allow us to transition students into our school buildings and make sure our systems are working properly.”
Hamilton said the classroom will look different, with fewer desks and people to maintain physical distancing.
“We need to make sure that there’s 35 square feet per student in our classrooms as we’re calculating how many students can be in the classroom.” Hamilton said. “And then we need to configure the desks, we need to make sure the physical distancing requirements that we have become accustomed to throughout this COVID-19 experience, are also in place in our classrooms.”
Masks are required for students 5 years and older. The district is using CARES act funds to purchase air filtration systems for all its buildings.
Families can choose to learn online only. Hamilton urges students and parents to register next week so the district can put plans in place for the fall.
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