DMPS Begins Steps to In-Person Hybrid Learning

Des Moines Public Schools is taking a major step in expanding in-person learning, for students and families who choose that option, with a plan that complies with State mandates on returning to learn during the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, virtual learning will continue to be a choice for all students.

Last night, the Des Moines School Board approved a resolution to begin implementing a plan by the Superintendent that would give students and families the choice between continuing with virtual learning or changing to a hybrid option that would include some in-person classes.

In addition, the School Board will be working with local health officials to establish a set of metrics on safely re-opening schools and/or determining when a closure might be necessary due to COVID-19 conditions in the community.

Please read the information below for more about the learning model options, key dates in the transition to this plan, how families can re-register if they wish to change their child’s enrollment option, and health and safety issues to consider about in-person learning. In the coming days we will have additional information and details around several aspects of this plan – that will be shared via our web site, videos and direct communications – to address questions you may have.

LEARNING MODEL OPTIONS
Starting later this week, students and families will be provided the opportunity to choose from one of two learning model options.

  • VIRTUAL: The 100% online learning option, similar to how DMPS began this school year, will continue to be available to all students across all grade levels.
  • HYBRID: A hybrid model, consisting of 2-3 days of in-person instruction each week, will also be offered under this updated plan. Students would be assigned to either an A or B group. The A group would attend school on Monday and Tuesday, the B group would attend school on Thursday and Friday, and Wednesdays would alternate between the two groups.

Please see the next two items for dates on when the transition to the hybrid learning model would begin for the different grade levels and information on changing your current registration.

NOTE: Students attending Central Academy and Central Campus will continue those classes in the same way this school year began: Central Academy will remain 100% virtual and Central Campus will have limited in-person classes.

KEY HYBRID LEARNING DATES
The current plan is to begin the hybrid learning model on the following dates:

  • October 12: PreK
  • October 19: Elementary Schools (grades K-5)
  • October 26: Middle Schools (grades 6-8)
  • November 10: High Schools (grades 9-12)

As we get closer to those dates students and families will be provided more information and reminders about things such as school hours and the first day of in-person classes for students during the weeks noted above.

RE-OPENING OF REGISTRATION
DMPS plans to re-open registration for families this Thursday to select the option for your student(s) before the new plan is implemented. The registration process will remain open until at least October 4. All families will receive a message, via Infinite Campus and School CNXT, with instructions as well as a reminder of the option (virtual or hybrid) you selected in July. If you do not complete a new registration, your registration will default to the selection you made in July.

HEALTH AND SAFETY
Participation in the hybrid learning model does carry an increased risk of being exposed to COVID-19. DMPS will do everything we can to lessen that risk, but cannot prevent anyone from being exposed to, contracting, or becoming ill from COVID-19. Parents should consult with their child’s healthcare provider about the advisability of attending school in person during the COVID-19 pandemic.

DMPS will implement steps recommended by public health officials, such as requiring face coverings in school buildings and buses, social distancing to the largest extent possible (although DMPS cannot consistently provide 6+ feet of distance between students and staff), encouraging proper hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette, cleaning and disinfecting, and collaboration with public health on contact tracing efforts. Parents who do not believe these steps will adequately protect their child and family may enroll in the 100% virtual learning option.

Published on