Sumner-Bonney Lake Schools Announce Staged System To Reopen Class

SUMNER, WA — Students in the Sumner-Bonney Lake School District will not be returning to in-person classes when the first day of school rolls around, but the district is hopeful that they could end up back in schools later in the year.

The district announced in mid-July that they would not be reopening classes, following a statement by Pierce County's top health official warning that it would not be safe to recommend in-person learning this fall. At the time of the announcement, the district promised a new remote learning program that would be more equitable for all students.

Now, that remote learning plan is out, and includes details on how classrooms can reopen throughout the school year. It's called the Sumner-Bonney Lake School District Dial System, a six stage program to transition classes from fully remote to fully in-person:

1. All students learn remotely, school buildings are entirely closed.
2. All students learn remotely, but staff can have limited access to school buildings for planning and delivering lessons.
3. Students "in the greatest need of additional support" can return to in-person classes two or more days a week. The majority of students stay home. Staff has greater access to school buildings.
4. All students K-3 return to classes 2 days per week. K-3 families who want to remain remote can do so.
5. K-3 students are in class at least 2 days of the week. Kids in grades 4 -12 return to in-person learning 2 days of the week. Students and families 4 - 12 that wish to continue online learning can do so with an online program, but will need to discuss it with their guidance counselor first.
6. All students and staff return to full, 5 day a week in-person learning.

The proposal also includes a general outline for how elementary and secondary schools will resume remote learning. Those schedules and more information on the dial system can be found on the school district's website.