Good evening students, staff, families and community,
It is hard to believe the calendar has turned to April, Spring Break is next week, and there is one quarter remaining in the 2020-2021 school year. I know it has been a challenging year on many fronts, and we are excited to bring additional students to the building more often shortly after Spring Break. This is a tremendous step forward as we move closer to our ultimate goal of getting all students back to in-person learning in the 2021-2022 school year.
Hybrid Changes Coming April 19!
With the recent adoption of a 3-foot spacing option for students in the classroom setting, we are able to add an average of 5-9 student seats in classrooms. Thanks to this, we are excited to announce that all students currently in the hybrid model of instruction will be returning to in-person learning every week beginning on Monday, April 19, 2021. The schedule will remain 4 days per week (Monday-Thursday) from 8:20am-12:30pm. Students will continue to have asynchronous at-home learning in the afternoons and on Fridays.
Just as a reminder, the new guidelines do not call for 3 feet of space in all situations, and 6 feet of distance must still be maintained between the teacher and students. Additionally, for example, 6 feet of space must be maintained between students in PE, Music, Choir and Cafeteria settings. These settings are important components to the overall educational experience of our students, and we continue to evaluate and formulate plans to meet this requirement in the 2021-2022 school year.
As we bring additional students back more frequently, I want to share a few reminders about transportation. In accordance with the State Guidelines, families are encouraged to drive their students when possible. Students who ride the bus are still required to wear masks and will continue to be seated by stop. Bus windows will continue to be left down for airflow, and buses are cleaned twice daily, after each trip. Please be aware that bus routes are again changing in order to accommodate all hybrid students coming every week. You may notice that there is no information in Skyward over the next couple of weeks as we transition to the updated routes. They will be correct in Skyward Family Access by Friday, April 16th.
School bus drivers are needed. If you or anyone you know is interested in subbing or working for the District as a school bus driver, we cover the CDL training and test, first aid class and DOT physical. Email your contact information to transportation@blainesd.org for more details.
Please don’t throw out your hybrid calendar because if community transmission rises to a high level, students in grades 6-12 are to return to a 6-foot distance in the classroom setting. It is important that our community continues to be diligent in preventive measures such as mask wearing, distancing, hand washing, etc. Despite the many challenges, we remain committed to focusing on what is possible and finding ways to provide students with the best opportunities we can.
Although students can now sit only 3 feet from each other in class, the definition of a close contact has not changed (i.e. being within 6 feet for 15 or more minutes in a 24 hour period). Parents should be aware that students will be excluded from in-person attendance if they have to quarantine after being in close contact with a positive case. Attending online continues to be an option for students who are in quarantine. It will be as important as ever for students to stay home when they are sick.
Planning Update for 2021-2022
As we look ahead to September 1, 2021 and the start of the 2021-2022 school year, we are developing schedules designed to accommodate all students to in-person learning 5 full days a week under the new guidelines. This will require us to build schedules and classroom plans slightly different than in years past to account for the fewer students who will be able to be in the classroom.
In order to assist us in this planning process, parents will be asked in May to choose the learning option that is best for their student. Knowing how many students are interested in an online option will help us make educated decisions about the offerings we can reasonably provide. We will be able to communicate what the online option may look like once we have good numbers or interest and some guidance from the state around whether the flexible rules around online learning will remain in place.
BMS & BHS Athletics (Grades 7-12)
It is great to see our Borderites back in action on the fields around the district. Check out https://goborderites.com for event schedules, photos and other information.
In addition, middle school sports will be returning with Track & Field, Girls Soccer and Baseball on April 12. Parents, please make sure your student athlete is registered before April 12 by visiting our Athletic Department webpage where you can link to the Final Forms registration system. If you have any questions contact the Athletic Department at 360-332-0394.
Upcoming Events
School Board Candidate Q&A: Any registered voter, living within the boundaries of a director district, is eligible to serve on the Board of Directors. Information about open board positions is now available on our News Feed. On Monday, April 12, at 6:00pm there will be a discussion opportunity for anyone interested in learning more about service as a Board Director. Please call the District Office at 360-332-5881 to preregister for this in-person event.
Student Support Services Q&A: If your student is receiving additional support through programs such as an IEP, 504 or others please join us on Monday, April 19, at 6:00 pm for a Zoom session regarding the work our district has been doing and things ahead.
It is a great night to be a Borderite, and, as always, a great night to be your superintendent.
Sincerely,
Dr. Christopher Granger
Every Student. Every Day. In a New Way!