Highlands approves return plan; parents asked to complete surveys
The Highlands School District will use a hybrid approach with students learning both in school and remotely when the upcoming school year starts Aug. 27.
Under the plan, approved by the school board this week, students will be divided into two groups, with one attending classes in person on Mondays and Tuesdays and the other on Wednesdays and Thursdays. All students will work remotely on Fridays.
The student groups will be set up alphabetically by last name. More information about groups will be released as soon as possible in August, according to the district.
On days when students go to buildings, parents will be required to check their children’s temperature in the morning and complete a health screening checklist, which students will turn in when they arrive at school.
Face coverings will be required unless there is a medical reason that a student cannot wear a covering. The district will provide face shields, but students can use their own. Social distancing also will be practiced.
Highlands is offering its own cyber program for families uncomfortable sending children back to buildings.
The district is asking parents to complete a survey on what form of instruction they prefer. The survey is available on the district’s website.
The deadline is Friday, Aug. 7.
The district said it would assume families are choosing the hybrid model for their children if they do not complete the survey.
Parents also are being asked to complete a form regarding transportation by Friday, Aug. 7. That form also is on the district’s website. It asks parents if they will be bringing their children to school themselves, if their children will ride a bus or if they will walk to school.
Parents who feel their children cannot attend school in person because of medical concerns are asked to contact their child’s principal for information.
Students in first through 12th grade will receive Chromebooks, while kindergarten students will be getting iPads to work on. Devices will be distributed in August.
The district has bought Wi-Fi hot spots to ensure all students have internet access. Families will be required to document that they do not have internet access at home to use the hot spots.
More information about the district’s plans for the 2020-21 school year and how they were developed is available online.
Brian C. Rittmeyer, a Pittsburgh native and graduate of Penn State University's Schreyer Honors College, has been with the Trib since December 2000. He can be reached at brittmeyer@triblive.com.
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