Batavia schools to begin year with 'soft start'

Batavia Unit District 101 plans to institute a “soft start” to the school year, allowing in-person learners to return on a rotating basis next month before resuming daily on-site classes after Labor Day.

Students at all grade levels were asked to choose between attending school in person or participating in a remote learning plan for the fall semester. The first day of school was pushed back to Aug. 19 to give administrators and educators additional time to prepare and adapt to new protocols, according to a letter sent to families this week.

For the first few weeks, students who selected the in-person option are expected to follow an A/B hybrid structure, alternating between on-site and remote learning, officials said. That adjustment period allows kids to ease back into a regular classroom setting, while educators work to address their academic and social-emotional needs.

If conditions allow, the district would return to a daily in-person instructional format Sept. 8, the letter says. Schools could alternate between every day, hybrid and at-home modes throughout the year, depending on the status of the COVID-19 situation.

“It's been more clear than ever that the families that choose on-site need to have flexibility to transition between three possible learning models,” officials said. “The health and safety of our students, staff, and community drive every decision that we make.”

Decisions would primarily be made districtwide but “can also be school or classroom specific,” according to the note.

As of Tuesday, about 20% of students chose the online-only option, administrators said, noting families had until Friday to change their selection. Those who did not make a decision before the deadline are automatically enrolled in on-site learning.

The district's “Remote 2.0” plan is expected to blend synchronous learning opportunities and office hours with independent work, officials said. Updated information about online-only course offerings can be found in the planning document on the district's “Restore BPS101” website.

Decisions pertaining to staffing levels will be made starting next week, officials said. Students are expected to learn more about their teachers and schedules in August.