Philly School District Lays Out Next Phase Of Reopening Plan

PHILADELPHIA — The School District of Philadelphia has laid out its plans for the next phase of reopening schools in its Hybrid Learning Plan.

Starting April 6, families of students in grades three to five and students with complex needs in grades six to eight can complete the Phase II Learning Model Selection Survey. Families will have until April 13 to make this selection.

The survey will allow families to choose to have their children participate in hybrid learning.

Phase II hybrid learning students would attend school in-person two days a week and engage in digital learning three days each week, beginning the week of April 26.

Staff supporting students in Phase II will return to their school buildings on Monday, April 12 to engage in professional development and prepare their classrooms for the return of students.

Families can choose to keep their children in the 100 percent digital learning model. Families who do not make a selection will automatically remain 100 percent digital.

"All along, we have said that students learn best in the classroom, engaging in face-to-face interaction with their teachers and being with their peers," said Superintendent William R. Hite, Jr., Ed.D. "We look forward to welcoming more students back to school for in-person learning during this next phase and meeting the needs of more families who want this learning option for their child."

The decision to limit Phase II to these student groups was made as an effort to ensure that all school health and safety protocols are maintained. Some of these safety measures include:

• mandatory mask wearing or other facial covering, which will be provided to students and staff;
• new classroom setups and signage for social distancing;
• touchless hand sanitizer stations;
• plexiglass partitions;
• maximum occupancy signs;
• enhanced cleaning protocols;
• and a COVID-19 rapid testing program in place for students and staff.