February 10, 2021 – The DPS61 Board of Education and DPS administration has redeveloped the plan for a return to in-person instruction, to begin following Spring Break.
DPS students will remain in virtual learning only through Friday, March 12, 2021, leading up to Spring Break on March 15-19, 2021.
According to a release, the Board provided a series of parameters to redevelop the in-person learning plan:
- Significant input from district, parents, and community stakeholders
- As many days of in-person instruction as possible
- Robust virtual learning that is equal to in classroom instruction for families who choose to remain virtual
- Fully abide by orders that are in place from the Governor’s office, including social distancing, percentage of capacity per room, face masks, etc.
- More pathways for vaccination and the possibility of antibody testing to help ease teacher/staff concerns
- How to safely bring students and staff back for extra-curricular activities as soon as possible.
- Consider a percentage of students in each building that must opt to return to in-person learning in order for the entire building to return
According to the Return to Learn Plan, stakeholders were given 3 options with “Model 2” receiving the most positive feedback. That model includes splitting students into 2 groups (Group A and Group B). Group A students would attend in-person learning on Monday and Tuesday and Group B would attend in person learning on Thursday and Friday with Wednesday reserved for virtual learning only.
For students that remain in virtual learning only, teachers will be utilizing live stream video to provide a full day of instruction.
To see the full Return To Learn Plan, CLICK HERE.
For Frequently asked questions, CLICK HERE.
For Details on the DPS61 Health and Safety Protocols, CLICK HERE.
These webpages will continue to be updated with information about the chosen instructional model, how parents will certify students are healthy to attend school, and more.
A learning environment selection form is also now available in Skyward Family Access through February 16, 2021. Families can choose or change their selection to virtual learning or in-person learning to begin on March 22, 2021, and continuing for the remainder of the school year. If you have previously made a selection and do not wish to change it, no action is needed. A video tutorial is available on the Return to Learn webpage on how to navigate the Skyward learning environment selection form.
