Allegheny Valley School District returning to hybrid learning next week

Allegheny Valley School Board voted unanimously this week to have students return to hybrid instruction starting Tuesday.

Under the plan, students in grades K-12 will be divided into two groups — with one group attending in-person classes on Mondays and Thursdays and a second group attending in-person on Tuesdays and Fridays. Wednesdays will be a remote learning day for all students. Teachers will be in the classrooms full-time.

It’s the same hybrid approach the district had used from Sept. 21 to Dec. 1. All students have been attending classes virtually for the past six weeks.

Allegheny Valley School District Superintendent Patrick Graczyk said he supports the move.

“I believe that the kids are struggling both emotionally and academically and getting them into school is a good decision for them,” Graczyk said. “I feel we are heading in a good direction. We have to move toward bringing back all of our students that are able to (come back). If there are positive covid cases, the health department will guide us and help us through our decision-making.”

Graczyk said parents have differing opinions about what the proper course should be going forward.

“Some parents want their children in school five days a week. Some are pleased with the hybrid phase and some are a little more cautious and that’s OK,” said Graczyk.

“There’s no playbook for how to approach this right now. I’m hopeful that the vaccine will provide some much-needed changes. We have plans in place already to transition our students into full capacity. We just don’t know when that is.”

Allegheny Valley School Board President Larry Pollick said learning virtually is hard on students and their families.

“I can understand how challenging it is for parents who work and have child care issues. School boards and individuals are aware of this and it frustrates them that they can’t meet the need like they were able to before the pandemic,” said Pollick.

“What we’re trying to do with all the hoops that we jump through is make sure the schools are sanitized, that health procedures are being followed,” Pollick said. “It’s frustrating and if anyone says they have a clear picture of what should be done, tell them to call me because we want that answer too.”