Batavia District 101 families can choose between in-person, remote learning for 2020-21
Batavia Unit District 101 students at all grade levels can decide between attending classes in person or participating in a remote learning plan when school resumes next month.
Families have until Sunday to choose an instructional model for the fall semester for each child, according to updates released this week by a Restore BPS101 team. Those who do not submit their decisions by the deadline will automatically be enrolled in in-person learning.
The options are being developed based on guidance from state health and school officials, as well as the results of a remote learning survey completed by thousands of district families, Superintendent Lisa Hichens said in a video posted on the district website.
"One of the themes that rose to the top was that we did a pretty good job with remote learning, but it is no substitution for in-person learning," Hichens said. "We believe that we can open up our doors in August for all our students full time."
That plan, announced last week, is subject to change as state guidelines and COVID-19 restrictions are updated, she said.
Inside schools, face masks must be worn at all times, students will be spaced at least six feet apart, nonessential furniture will be removed, and high-touch surfaces will be cleaned frequently, according to a draft guide for in-person learning operations. The use of lockers will be prohibited, and students and employees will be required to complete an electronic symptom screener each day.
Lunch, passing periods, recess, electives and student schedules may look different from years past, administrators said.
"We are thrilled to have this option," Batavia High School Principal JoAnne Smith said. "We missed having students in the building every day so much, so we are looking forward to having them back. But (we) understand that is a family decision."
All extracurricular activities and athletics, as well as certain hands-on electives, will only be available to students who choose in-person learning, according to the district's website.
The online-only option has been designed for families who have health concerns or are uncomfortable with the in-person safety measures being put in place, administrators said. A draft plan, called "Remote Learning 2.0," indicates instructional strategies and experiences will differ between in-person and e-learning, though both methods will include daily attendance, grading and assessments.
Remote instruction is expected to blend "live" synchronous learning opportunities and office hours with independent work, officials said, noting in-person classes will likely help guide those lessons. Teachers will work their traditional number of hours and communicate frequently with parents or guardians, who are encouraged to monitor their child's attendance and participation.
Remote schedules at all grade levels will still include core instruction and physical education. Elective and exploratory class options will be limited with online learning, officials said.
Parents of incoming kindergartners can send their students to a half-day program in person or remotely, Chief Academic Officer Brad Newkirk said. They also can choose not to enroll their child in the 2020-21 school year, as kindergarten is not a state requirement.
An assessment fair will be held next spring, where parents can receive feedback on whether kindergarten or first grade is appropriate for their child the following year, he said.