School district planning gradual return to inperson learning

The Rochester Community Schools Board of Education has approved a gradual plan for a return to face-to-face learning, beginning Monday, Oct. 5.

Here is the schedule that the board approved on Monday, Sept. 8, after a four-hour virtual study session:

• Oct. 5: Some special education students attend school for a

half day.

• Oct. 8-9: Elementary students attend for half a day by cohorts.

• Oct. 12: All elementary and middle school students return for a full day by cohort. Some special education students attend full day.

• Oct. 14: High school seniors attend for SAT testing.

• Oct. 19: All high school students attend by cohort.

Cohorts will divide school building populations so that some students attend classes in person on certain days while others are learning remotely.

The district offers an allv irtual school option for families who prefer it; nothing will change for them.

Like most Oakland County districts, Rochester began the school year with all students learning virtually.

“The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recommends using a hybrid model to decrease density in buildings by 50 percent. The hybrid model also allows for greater risk mitigation; provides smaller groups to manage movement; acclimates specific learners first; and re-establishes in-person learning routines/relationships,” the district said in a statement.

“The hybrid instruction model is a part of our mitigation plan that also includes proper hygiene, a focus on spacing, movement and cohorting, enhanced cleaning and disinfecting protocols, and the use of face coverings.”

Most area students have been learning from home since Gov. Gretchen Whitmer ordered schools statewide closed in mid-March to halt the spread of the

coronavirus.

In addition to Rochester, several other Oakland County districts that started the academic year remotely have planned gradual returns to the classroom. These include Clarkston, Bloomfield Hills, Birmingham and South Lyon.

Area public and private schools that have been holding face-to-face instruction report few coronavirus cases.