Hybrid Learning Model Begins Thursday, Oct. 15
NORFOLK — Superintendent Paul Zinni is pleased to announce that the King Philip Regional School District will transition to a hybrid learning model beginning Thursday, Oct. 15.
After careful consideration, the district has determined that they can safely bring students and staff back into schools for Phase 3 full-day, in-person learning twice per week in lieu of the Phase 2 hybrid model. In the Phase 2 hybrid model, students and staff were originally scheduled to begin in-person, half-day sessions twice per week on Thursday, Oct. 15.
Cohort A will return Thursday, Oct. 15 and Cohort B will return Friday, Oct. 16 for full-day, in-person curriculum.
This decision follows weeks of closely monitoring public health data, tracking positive cases within King Philip communities and continuous dialogue with state and local health officials. During this time, the district observed that the case numbers for its school-aged population remained consistently low. Based on these case numbers and the corresponding public health guidance, it was determined that the district is positioned to safely allow students back for full-day curriculum on a limited, rotating basis.
“We have eagerly anticipated the return of our students, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome them back into our school buildings,” Superintendent Zinni said. “The full-day hybrid model will allow us to provide a sequential learning experience for all of our students. We would not be asking students or staff to enter the schools if we did not fully believe that it was safe to do so, and we thank the members of the King Philip community for their cooperation and support as we navigate these uncertain times.”
In this phase, Cohorts A and B will be returning to school buildings for full-day in-person sessions for approximately 40% of their learning. Cohort A will be in-person Mondays and Thursdays with remote learning on Tuesdays and Fridays. Cohort B will be remote learning Mondays and Thursdays with in-person learning on Tuesdays and Fridays. On Wednesdays, all students will engage in a full day of online learning with live instruction on Zoom.
Those using the district’s bus services can find their bus routes and further information here. All students riding buses are expected to wear their masks at all times and students will also have to sit one student per seat. Anyone with any issues or concerns can contact Director of Finance Larry Azer at [email protected].
At this time all KP Fall sports, with the exception of football, cheer and unified basketball, are taking place. Football, cheer and unified basketball will run in the Fall II wedge season. Club meetings are currently being conducted virtually.
Additionally, out of an abundance of caution, the middle school will not be allowing any students inside the building after school hours.
To ensure everyone’s health and safety within the schools, the district will conduct rigorous cleanings of all school buildings as well as providing other preventative measures for students and staff, such as hand washing stations and hand sanitizer, and frequently cleaning high-touch surfaces.
The district will also ensure that physical distancing can be maintained in all areas and that everyone wears face coverings while in school and on the bus. Mask breaks will be given throughout the day.
Students and staff are also urged to continue following state guidance to reduce the risk of COVID-19 including:
- Stay home if you have a fever or are not feeling well. Students should stay home from school should any new or unexplained illness, no matter how mild, develop. This precaution is meant to keep all staff and students safe. To review COVID-19 symptoms, visit the CDC’s website by clicking here.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid close contact with others. When outside your home, please adhere to social distancing guidelines and keep a distance of at least 6 feet between yourself and others.
- Wear a cloth face covering that covers your mouth and nose to protect others when in public areas.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
The district will continue to follow the Phase 3 hybrid learning model until the state announces that the district can transition to full, in-person days, thus bringing all students and staff back into the schools without restrictions.
The plan will be flexible in order to adapt to any changes that may need to be made as the situation surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic progresses. The plan will be reevaluated throughout the school year to ensure that the health and safety needs of students, staff and their families are being met.
Families in need of additional support, such as internet needs, school supplies, nutrition and social-emotional needs, are encouraged to contact their school principal or their student’s counselor.
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