Governor Kate Brown and the Oregon Department of Education recently announced new school reopening metrics, making it easier for students to return to in-person learning. The Springfield School District plans to have some students begin a hybrid learning model beginning next month.
Springfield students will begin a staggered school reopening in Feb.Kindergarten and first graders will return on Feb. 4. Second graders will return on Feb. 8, then third graders on Feb. 11. Students will meet in-person Monday - Friday, with the exception of Wednesday.
Students will be screened before they get on the bus. There will be a reduced number of students on buses, and students will be required to wear masks and distance themselves from others. Another screening will be conducted once students arrive at their school.
Superintendent Todd Hamilton described what classrooms will look like for students.
“Once in the classroom, you will see a teaching and learning environment that looks just like any other classroom,” said Hamilton. “With the exception of fewer desks, so therefore fewer students, so we can support our students being safely distanced from each other while teaching and learning is happening.”
Hamilton said students and staff will be required to follow safety protocols.
“As you think about what the day looks like in the school, students will be experiencing school just like they would at any other time,” said Hamilton. “Just with these safety requirements in place. And it’s similar to the safety precautions that you and I take when we’re out in our community now. Just being conscientious about how far away we are from other people, making sure that we’re wearing our masks, and making sure that we’re washing our hands.”
Students in grades 4-12 will be phased into hybrid learning after the return of Kindergarten-third graders, but a specific date has not been determined.
Community Engagement Officer Jenna McCulley said schools have been equipped with additional air filtration systems and HVAC technicians have increased outside airflow in buildings. Additional air purification devices “that are going to allow air to pass through and clean out some of the virus.”
The district is working with the United Way of Lane County and Willamalane Parks and Rec District to help staff find childcare.
