Riverview School District to move to hybrid model Nov. 5, online option still available

The Riverview School District is switching to a hybrid model with students having the option of returning to in-person classes for the second nine weeks.

Classes have been taught exclusively online since the beginning of the school year on Aug. 27.

District leaders spoke with teachers, parents and Allegheny County Health Department officials in preparation for the year, and felt at the time it was the best option for the nearly 1,000 students in the Oakmont and Verona schools.

“We have learned that even our youngest students are more savvy and resilient then we originally thought, and the learning process has been meaningful from both perspectives,” Superintendent Neil English said via email about the year so far. “We have heard many positive reviews from parents praising the hard work of teachers, the innovate way that art, music, and the specials are being handled, and the fact that the district has put the health and safety of students before all else.”

The board voted 8-1 earlier this month to move toward a hybrid model with students returning to in-person learning a few days a week and online classes on other days starting Nov. 5 through Jan. 26.

Vice President Jeanine Hurt-Robinson dissented.

“I give the administration a lot of credit with working very closely with the teachers and the staff for coming up with a plan,” said board member Maureen McClure. “Nothing’s going to be perfect. The new administration is doing everything it can to pay attention to the parents and be supportive of the students and teachers.”

The hybrid plan

The plan is to have kindergarten through second grade at both Verner and Tenth Street Elementary in school Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays with online classes Wednesdays.

Third through 12th grade would be split based on last names. Students with last names starting with A through K would be in the buildings Monday and Tuesday and online Wednesday through Friday.

Students with last names starting with L through Z would be online Monday through Wednesday and in school Thursday and Friday.

The updated safety plan for hybrid learning requires students and staff to wear masks at all times. Desks will face one direction and have desk shields in order to minimize transmission of the virus. Visual reminders for social distancing and directional traffic will be posted in buildings.

Cafeteria spaces will be limited, and all students will be spaced 6 feet apart. Other rooms will be used during lunch to help with that effort. Visitors will be limited to essential personnel only.

Kindergarten through second grade students would not be separated alphabetically.

“We felt that the youngest students needed the most assistance, and the parents really felt that way, too,” Ashbaugh said. “We’re tying to make sure they can come back and get the most in-person instruction. It’s hard for them to be at home on a computer all day and have their parents manage them as well. That’s challenging for the younger groups.”

Online only learning available

There is a virtual option for families not comfortable sending their young learners back into the buildings yet.

“Right now this is our safest option. This is what we can do based on our numbers,” board President Lisa Ashbaugh said Wednesday. “We will continue to monitor this between now and January.”

English said the plan took into account a transition survey parents took regarding the second nine weeks, as well as many other factors. A majority of families responded with the desire for students to return to school.

There will be enhanced cleaning measures done every day with Wednesday scheduled as a deep cleaning day for the entire district.

More information about the hybrid plan and breakdown of safety measures is available at rsd.k12.pa.us.