Riverview School District welcomes students back in second 9-weeks hybrid model

The Riverview School District has switched to a hybrid learning model this grading period with most students back in school a couple days a week.

The switch this month from all online learning to a mix of in-person student groups and continued at-home education was was welcomed by Verona parent Elizabeth Nichols.

Her son, Nicholas Mitchell, 8, is a second-grader at Verner Elementary.

“It seems like the younger kids are taking to it a lot easier than adults,” Nichols said. “He doesn’t complain about it, ever. I’m glad they’re back in school.

”I didn’t really like the online version. He wasn’t learning well … I’m super happy that he’s back in school.”

Nichols said she feels safe sending her son to school with the district’s safety precautions in place, and hopes Riverview continues in this model the rest of the year.

“I hear they’re sanitizing like crazy, so I’m all for it,” she said.

Nicholas and his classmates have to wear masks. They are learning at socially distanced desks with plastic barriers around them.

“Pretty weird,” he said about being back at school. “They’re all spread apart, 6 feet away.”

Nicholas said the best part of online learning was he did not have to walk anywhere. But he liked doing yoga in the grass during his first day back in class.

Riley Jadlowiec, 10, and his sister, Eva, 12, also attend classes a couple days a week at the Verona school in fourth and sixth grade, respectively.

“It’s kind of weird because last year we were out for half the year and online this year, and now we’re back,” Riley said. “It was hard to concentrate (learning online).”

Eva said it’s easier for her to learn in the classroom, and the only bad part is the desks being spread apart because she can’t talk to her friends.

Teachers and staff all have to wear masks in the buildings.

Superintendent Neil English said the transition to hybrid education has been smooth.

“From my perspective, things have gone incredibly well,” English said. “We have been fortunate to have started virtually, and therefore, managing the additional demands of in-person learning is easier to manage for the staff. The staff has done a terrific job of preparing for the students, making sure our environments are safe, and ensuring our students feel comfortable and supported.

“For all of us, having students fill our halls with laughter, joy, and conversation was a significant booster shot. It charged our batteries and has restored a sense of normalcy to the district.”

First day of this school year for Riverview’s near 1,000 students was Aug. 27. Hybrid learning started Nov. 5.

The district posted photos of the students back in school on its Facebook page.

Its updated safety plan is posted on the district’s website, rsd.k12.pa.us.