Bellevue Schools To Resume Some In-Person Classes On Oct. 26

BELLEVUE, WA — The Bellevue School District will start bringing elementary-aged students back for in-person instruction on Oct. 26, according to a plan published Tuesday night. Bellevue is the largest King County district so far to move forward with hybrid learning plans.

Under state health guidance, schools can return to the classrooms once the county falls below the highest transmission bracket. As of Wednesday, King County lands on the low end of the moderate range, with approximately 53 new coronavirus cases per 100,000 residents over 14 days.

In a weekly update sent to families Wednesday, the Bellevue School District said it is ready to move to the third stage of its hybrid learning transition plan, starting with 1st and 2nd graders returning to school 5 days a week.

Here's the plan for elementary students:

• 1st – 2nd grade for 5 days per week in person on Monday, October 26
• Kindergarten for 5 days per week in person on Monday, November 2
• 3rd– 5th grade for 2-3 days per week in hybrid model on Monday, November 9

The district chose 1st and 2nd graders to return first since they already have some familiarity with school settings and routine, officials said. Kindergarteners will head to class the following Monday, and 3rd, 4th and 5th graders will adopt a hybrid model a week later.

Under the phased plan, middle school and high school students will not return until the fifth and sixth stages, once infection rates fall to the lowest bracket. When 6th - 12th graders first return, in-person classes will take place once per week.

The district said progression could be paused at any time if there is an upward trend in coronavirus infections, or if adjustments to health and safety protocols become necessary.

A presentation provided to the school board Tuesday outlines specific precautionary measures, including staggered entry times, physical distancing markers, sanitization procedures, desks spaced 6 feet apart, and adjustments to school cafeteria operations.

Officials will host a health and safety town hall for families to learn about the new protocols on Thursday, Oct. 15, starting at 4 p.m. The district's plan is subject to final approval at a Oct. 20 school board meeting.