Schools to start school year e-Learning

Oberlin City Schools announced it will utilize the Level III Reset & Restart Plan for the start of the 2020-21 school year.

The plan calls for all students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grades to actively participate in e-Learning facilitated by Oberlin City School Staff, according to a news release.

Additionally, the school board recommended starting school on Sept. 8.

According to Superintendent Dr. David Hall, the district will start the school year by using e-Learning until the end of the first quarter, which ends on Nov. 6.

“At the end of the first quarter, the District will reassess our levels based on the impact of COVID-19,” Hall said in the release.

Following the July 28 virtual School Board meeting, Hall said Level III will allow for teachers to provide face-to-face instruction for students five days a week from their own classrooms.

The district will provide technology support for students and training for staff and parents. Staff will engage in additional technology, remote learning and safety training in August.

As part of the Level III Plan, students in kindergarten through fifth grade will engage in three to four hours of instruction daily; and students in grades 6-12 will participate in four to six hours of instruction, depending on schedules, the release stated. Art, music, physical education and

Spanish will be part of the weekly schedule.

“The health and safety of students, staff and volunteers is paramount,” Hall said referring to the decision. “The District’s goal is to have the students utilize Zoom Meet and other programs to enhance teacher/ student engagement.

“The district has considered the social needs of students and the importance for them to belong and to be a class community,” he added. “This educational philosophy will be incorporated into lessons.”

On July 24, the district shared with parents/guardians a plan detailing Level I, Level II and Level III. The plans were created collaboratively with more than 30 staff members and the union input, the release stated.

“In order to make an effective educational plan for the 2020-2021 school year, we will need the support of all staff members, parents, students and the community,” Hall said.

The district stated it will work with local agencies to provide tutorial, childcare and social emotional support for students and parents.

“The plans were put in place to ensure each student is challenged, prepared and empowered,” Hall said. “The Lorain County Public Health Department Reset and Restart guidelines have been instrumental in our District’s plan. We will maintain a rigorous and challenging curriculum for all students.”

For more information, visit the District website at https://www.oberlinschools. net/.