The Bethel School District aims to welcome kindergarteners back for hybrid learning on March 15th. Spokesperson Pat McGillivray said they’re on track to have early grade teachers and staff vaccinated by mid-February. “We prioritized our staff who are teaching or interacting with our youngest students, knowing we wanted to bring back our kindergarten students first," he said. "And this includes front office staff, administrators, educational assistants, custodians, [and] maintenance workers.”
McGillivray said their clinics have also vaccinated staff from outlying districts like Fern Ridge, Junction City, and Mapleton. He says Bethel’s seven schools with elementary grades are adequately ventilated, and have signage and sanitation stations in place.
If the week of March 15th goes well, and county public health metrics are good, Bethel will add older elementary grades to hybrid learning each week, starting after spring break.