All in or all out; Park Ridge-Niles School District 64 to eliminate hybrid learning
Park Ridge-Niles School District 64 students can return to fully in-person learning starting March 29, the first school day following Spring Break, officials announced.
Parents may choose that option or choose to have their students participate in a fully remote program.
A hybrid of in-person and remote education no longer will be offered this school year, officials said.
District leaders announced the plan in a letter to parents.
"The level of safety we've had in our buildings has been outstanding, and it is time for us to take the next step," Superintendent Eric Olson said.
Safety protocols to prevent transmission of the COVID-19 virus will be in place - but they may be less stringent.
For example, the space between classroom desks will drop from 6 feet to as little as 3 feet, officials said. The actual distance will depend on the number of students who participate in person.
Additionally, families will be able to choose in-person or all-remote learning for the 2021-22 school year, officials said. And students participating remotely will be led by teachers dedicated to online learning. That means teachers no longer will simultaneously instruct students in the classroom and at home.
District 64 has more than 4,500 students at eight schools.