December 16, 2020 4:40 p.m.
In an effort to better connect and engage with students, Roseburg Public Schools plans to offer Limited In-Person instruction for all grades starting in January.
Superintendent Jared Cordon said there is a possibility that COVID-19 case rates will not decline enough in the coming weeks to return students to full-time or hybrid in-person learning as hoped. Cordon said limited-in-person instruction is a tool created by state health and education leaders that will help schools reach students who need extra support during remote learning.
Cordon said starting the week of January 11th, the district will implement Limited-In-Person opportunities for students in all grades. Individual schools will reach out to families with details about scheduling, transportation, sign-ups and other logistics. Cordon said the opportunities are completely voluntary and are intended to support students in their individual needs.
*Elementary school students will be invited to participate in Limited-In-Person Instruction on Tuesdays starting on January 12th.
*Middle and high school students can participate in Limited-In-Person Instruction on Wednesdays, beginning on January 13th.
*Transportation will be available to all grade levels. More information on routes and times will be provided soon.
*Cohort groups are limited to no more than 20 students. Students cannot be part of more than two cohorts, including transportation, in any given week. Any one staff member cannot interact with more than three cohorts in a given day and five in a week.
Cordon said this instruction involves protocols intended to keep students and staff healthy through small cohorts and limited interactions. The release said the district is confident that these opportunities can be offered in a way that prioritizes the health and safety of staff and students.
Cordon said, “Although we have made great strides in serving our students through remote learning, it is not a sufficient substitute for teaching and learning in-person”. He said many kids are struggling and the pandemic has highlighted the vast differences in the support kids need and deserve. Cordon said he believes that even short windows of time with students “…will make a tremendous difference in their mental health, emotional well-being, and educational progress”.
Go to www.roseburg.k12.or.us for updates on Roseburg Public Schools.