Dist. 211 moves forward with hybrid reopening plan

Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211 will start the new school year next month with a hybrid plan in which 50% of students will attend classes in person while the other half learn virtually, with the two groups trading places on alternating weeks.

However, Superintendent Lisa Small said in an email to parents Wednesday that changing health conditions could alter that plan at any time -- including during the next three weeks before classes begin.

"Should District 211 no longer be able to offer a Hybrid Scenario because of the health within our region or schools, the 100% Remote Scenario will begin," Small wrote.

The first two days of the school year - Thursday, Aug. 13 and Friday, Aug. 14 -- will be conducted online only, before transitioning to the hybrid scenario for the full week of classes that follow.

While no more than 50% of students can attend in-person classes at the same time under the plan, any student whose turn it is to be in the school building can choose to learn virtually that week.

Students with individualized education plans and English learners will be allowed to attend classes in-person every day beginning on Monday, Aug. 17.

While in school buildings, students and staff must wear face coverings, observe social distancing as much as possible and self-certify that they are symptom-free. The school will not allow more than 50 people to gather in a space and schoolwide cleaning and disinfection will take place frequently, under the plan.

A scenario involving all students attending classes in person is not likely for the foreseeable future, according to the district.

Registration for the 2020-21 school year already has begun and may be completed either online or during the in-person registration scheduled at the schools during the week of July 27.

More information is available on the District 211 or individual school websites.