An alternating extra day has been added to the Hybrid Model, among other changes.
Spartanburg School District 4 released updates to their 2020-2021 Return to School Plan today.
“Based on the latest information from DHEC, CDC, and other medical professionals, Spartanburg Four recommended the changes in the initial plan to provide the safest environment for our students, staff, and community,” said Dr. W. Rallie Liston, district superintendent.
District 4 is adopting a Hybrid A/B schedule for the fall where students attend a full school day in person on alternating days. The hybrid model was the choice preferred by parents on the parent survey.
Students with “A” schedule will attend every Monday and Wednesday starting on Monday, Aug. 17.
Students with “B” schedule will attend on Tuesdays and Thursdays starting on Tuesday, Tuesday, Aug. 18.
The “Declaration of Intent” is due back to the schools by Friday, July 31. Parents have the choice of the hybrid A/B model instruction or virtual school through December 2020. If a selection has not been made by this date, students will automatically be enrolled for face-to-face instruction on the A/B hybrid model.
Even still, Dr. Liston emphasizes the need for flexibility throughout the entire 2020-2021 school year.
See below for other updates from today’s announcement with the original version of that section for comparison. The complete updated plan is attached at the bottom of this article.
Hybrid Model (A/B)
Update
Students on “A” schedule (Mondays & Wednesdays) will also attend on Friday, Aug. 21 and alternate Fridays thereafter. Students on “B” schedule (Tuesdays & Thursdays) will also attend on Friday, Aug. 28 and alternate Fridays thereafter.
Original
Students will be selected to attend on Fridays depending on the remediation or enrichment classes being taught. The Friday schedule will begin on Aug. 21. Each school will send separate information regarding the Friday schedule.
Five Additional School Days for Students (Learn, Evaluate, Analyze, Prepare Days – LEAP Days)
Update
LEAP Days will be held the week of Aug. 3 and will be used primarily to administer beginning of the year assessments that are required by the SC General Assembly. Schools will schedule students to attend according to their testing schedules. Parents should expect more detailed information from the schools. Schools will make contact with parents to schedule appointments for student testing.
Original
The SC General Assembly is still finalizing requirements regarding LEAP Days for students. As soon as the District receives final guidelines surrounding these five additional days, the District will notify parents and students. According to the parent survey, parents preferred these additional days to be scheduled on teacher inservice days. Parents’ second choice was for the days to be added prior to the scheduled first day of school. However, the District may not have flexibility in the scheduling of these days. For example, the General Assembly may require that the five days be added prior to the start of the school year or be completed by a certain date within the school year.
Update
If parents select Spartanburg 4 Virtual School, the placement for preschool – 5th grade students will be reviewed at 3-week intervals. The placement for 6th – 12th grade students will remain in effect until the end of first semester. (The Superintendent reserves the right to allow students to move from Spartanburg 4 Virtual School to face-to-face instruction at the end of the first quarter/first nine weeks.)
Original
If parents select Spartanburg 4 Virtual School, the placement will remain in effect until the end of first semester. (The Superintendent reserves the right to allow students to move from Spartanburg 4 Virtual School to face-to-face instruction at the end of the first quarter/first nine weeks.)
Physical Entry Points
Update
Parents and visitors are required to wear masks when entering the schools.
Original
- Whenever face-to-face meetings of 3 or fewer persons are held in instructional areas, parents and guests may be required to respond to the COVID-19 questionnaire, use personal protective equipment (PPE), such as masks, and have temperature checked.
- Whenever face-to-face meetings with more than 3 persons are held in instructional areas, parents and guests should take the following precautions:
- Respond to the COVID-19 questionnaire prior to entering instructional wing;
- Have temperature checked prior to entering instructional wing; and
- Use personal protective equipment (PPE), such as masks, during the meeting.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Update
The District will adhere to SC Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) guidelines and/or mandates regarding the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), such as masks and gloves. Currently, staff and students will be encouraged to wear masks while in school buildings and on school campuses, but will not be required to do so. SC DHEC guidelines are updated frequently. Parents will be notified of changes in practices based on DHEC guidance.
Original
The District will adhere to SC Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) guidelines and/or mandates regarding the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), such as masks and gloves. Currently, staff and students will be encouraged to wear masks while in school buildings and on school campuses, but will not be required to do so. SC DHEC guidelines are updated frequently. Parents will be notified of changes in practices based on DHEC guidance.
Registration – Online & In Person
Update
School fees and meal plans may be paid by check/money order through the mail, debit/credit cards over the phone, or in person.
Original
Payment of school fees and meal plans may be made online.
In Person
Update
- For parents who prefer or need to register in person, Monday, Aug. 3 and Tuesday, Aug. 4 will be designated for in-person registration. Students on “A” schedule should register on Monday, Aug. 3. Students on “B” schedule should register on Tuesday, Aug. 4.
- At registration, social distancing will be in place along with defined traffic patterns and COVID-19 screening questionnaires.
Original
- For parents who prefer or need to register in person, Tuesday, Aug. 4 will be designated for in-person registration. All registrations should be completed by Aug. 4.
Author: Tracy Sanders
