APPLETON (NBC 26) -- The Appleton Area School District says it will increase in-person learning for the second semester of the 2020-21 school year.
In a letter to families, the school district says it will remain in full virtual learning until mid-January which marks the end of the first semester. The school district said it's targeting a second-semester start for increasing in-person learning opportunities for all students.
"[W]e've continued to learn more about how the virus is spread and which mitigation efforts are most important in keeping students and staff as safe as possible while in our school buildings," the school district said. "We agree that in-person learning is best for most students and we are very concerned for students who have continued to struggle in the fully virtual model, particularly those with mental health needs and those who are not successfully engaging in virtual learning opportunities."
Early Childhood will start in a fully in-person model following their traditional program schedule, the school district said. For Grades K-6, the school district says a revised plan to implement a cohort hybrid half-day in-person model is being finalized. For Grades 7-12, the school district will follow the previously planned cohort hybrid model.
AASD is targeting January 19, 2021 for when it will pivot toward a hybrid in-person model for students. The school district said two-week window after the New Year’s holiday should decrease the risk of potential spread due to holiday gatherings.
The date also follows a break with no school on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, so switching to the hybrid model on Jan. 19 can avoid disruption. The date will also allow staff to prepare for the change.
The school district also noted changes for meal pickup next week. Learn more here.