Cary School District 26 unveils hybrid remote and in-person learning plan

Cary School District 26 is set to vote on a resolution to have a hybrid remote and in-person learning model for the upcoming school year at its next meeting.

According to a reopening plan posted on the district's website, students will be split into "A" and "B" groups by last names, with priority being given to place siblings in the same group.

Under this system, students will have in-person instruction on one day, followed by remote/independent learning on the second day.

Students will have two fixed "A" days, two fixed "B" days and one day a week that alternates between an "A" day and a "B" day every other week.

With in-person learning, students would follow a regular school day schedule with normal start and end times. During remote learning days, students will complete independent and online work they were assigned at the end of the in-person day. Junior high students are using Schoology and elementary students are using Seesaw.

Students will not take part in live instruction from the classroom teacher during their remote learning days because the teacher will be conducting in-person instruction for the other group, although live remote instruction may be done for targeted groups.

According to a parent survey the district sent out, 63% of families answered "yes" to having their children attend if the school was fully open. Most parents who said "no" or who were uncertain about having their child attend school chose to have a hybrid model.

"Although views of which option fits the needs of families continue to change, there was a low percentage of families interested in fully remote learning," the district said.

Because District 26 has a "lean level" of teachers, it would make it difficult to staff both an AB hybrid model and also have enough staff to do a fully remote model at the same time, the district said. To move a teacher out of the AB model to do remote learning, the district said, there would need to be a certain threshold of students in a grade level who would want fully remote learning.

A survey will be distributed to parents this week to see how many want fully remote learning.

"Based on this data, the district will determine whether or not it has the staffing level at the identified grade levels to provide a remote learning program," the district said.

Families would need to commit to remote learning until the end of the trimester.

Face masks will be required for everyone in school buildings and will have to be worn at all times in school buildings, even when social distancing is maintained. However, face coverings will not need to be worn outside if a physical distance of 6 feet is maintained.

The district said schools will develop ways for students and staff to take "safe, periodic breaks" throughout the day to remove face coverings.

Those who are medically unable to wear a face covering must have a physician’s note documenting the medical condition.

This documentation must be provided for any student or staff requesting to wear a face shield in place of a face mask.

When it comes to cleaning and disinfecting, the district will develop routines allowing students to wash their hands or use hand sanitizer regularly, both inside and outside of the classroom.

"Increased daily cleaning protocols will be instituted at all facilities with an emphasis on repeated cleaning of high-touch and high traffic areas," the district said. "Increased nightly cleaning protocols will be instituted at all facilities with an emphasis on complete sanitation of all surfaces and high-touch areas."

An Environmental Protection Agency-approved disinfectant will be used when cleaning schools, and disinfectant will be provided to all staff so that cleaning can occur throughout the day.

Lunch will be done via a "grab and go" delivery.

Students will either eat in the classroom, or there will be a limited number allowed in the cafeteria, with social distancing maintained in both settings.

Playground equipment will be closed, and students will not be allowed to bring any personal playground equipment to school.

Now, the district's next steps are to have the school board approve the return to school plan resolution on Monday complete A/B groupings for each school, and prepare schools for social distancing and post signage.

District 26 also plans to develop training for all employee groups regarding expectations for the year and make sure all personal protective equipment is ordered and delivered.