Seattle Public Schools: Looking Ahead To School Year 2021-22

Press release from Seattle Public Schools:

06/17/2021

Looking Ahead to School Year 2021-22

Seattle Public Schools is planning for five full days of in-person instruction at all 104 schools beginning on September 1, 2021. We are committed to working with our families, students, and staff to open schools and welcome back all students while continuing to prioritize the health of our school communities.

As we plan for the 2021-22 school year — 180 Days of Excellence — we will be focused creating the conditions necessary for students to thrive. Seattle Public Schools will provide high-quality and engaging learning, a culture of care for students and staff, and will be prepared respond to the needs of our students and school communities.

High Quality Learning

In-Person Learning: Seattle Public Schools is planning for five full days of in-person instruction at all 104 schools beginning on Sept 1, 2021. We are committed to working with our families, students, labor partners, and staff to open schools and welcome back all students.

K-12 Virtual Option Pilot: While we are taking all the necessary steps to ensure in-person learning is safe and welcoming, there will be a 100% virtual option pilot for a small group of students in grades K-12. A virtual option for preschool students will not be offered.

Criteria for prioritization:

Learn more about the virtual option pilot.

If you or your child is interested in being considered for this 100% virtual pilot for the 2021-22 school year, please email virtualsps@seattleschools.org. SPS will share updates on this plan in the coming weeks, including which schools will offer the virtual option and how to enroll your student. Staff will reach out directly to those students and families who expressed interest in the pilot.

Instructional Model FAQ

Can students participate in a hybrid (part in-person, part remote) model in the fall?

SPS won’t be offering a hybrid model in the fall. Students will either return 100% in-person or enroll in the 100% virtual option pilot.

Can students transition to in-person from the 100% virtual option?

More information to come.

How many students will be in an in-person classroom?

Class size and teacher-student ratios will be in line with a typical school year this coming fall and as outlined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement with Seattle Education Association.

Middle school and high school athletics will resume Fall 2021 in alignment with WIAA requirements.

Student and Staff Wellness

Masks: Current guidance from Washington state Department of Health and OSPI is that all PreK-12 students and staff will continue to wear masks during the 2021-22 school year. This guidance may change as we get closer to the school year.

How to Wear a Mask at School from Seattle Public Schools (SPSTV) Vimeo.

Daily Health Screenings: Daily health screenings will continue through August 31, 2021 as outlined in our MOU with Seattle Education Association. For the 2021-22 school year, the Washington Department of Health does not require schools to screen students, staff, and visitors at entry to school buildings. A decision about daily health screening prior to entering a SPS building will be made in the next few weeks.

Vaccines: SPS will follow the guidance of the public health experts and policymakers. Currently, vaccinations are not mandated. SPS will continue to implement strong health and safety protocols. The district also continues to support school-based vaccination sites.

Physical Distancing: SPS will follow public health guidance on physical distancing. Currently, state health officials recommend three feet of physical distancing in classrooms and 6 feet in common areas when possible. However, guidance allows schools to reduce distancing to allow for a full in-person return. This guidance may change as we get closer to the school year. Classrooms and schools are being redesigned in alignment with the revised health guidance for Fall 2021.

Contact Tracing: Contact tracing is key to slowing the spread of COVID-19 and helps protect our community. Seattle Public Schools has been using contact tracing protocols since the beginning of the pandemic. These protocols are supported by a coordinated communication plan.

Staff

If there is a staff suspected or confirmed case:

Students

If there is a student suspected or confirmed case:

Hand washing: The district will provide adequate facilities and supplies for hand hygiene to include the following:

Staff and students will wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Hand washing signage will be posted in support of hand hygiene.

Staff Training: All staff must complete mandatory training on reducing the transmission of COVID-19 in the workplace. Staff providing in-person services will receive additional training on Personal Protective Equipment and Health and Safety Protocols. COVID site supervisors and designees must complete training specific to their role.

Counselors and Nurses: SPS will continue to fund the additional nursing staff hired in the 2020-21 school year to support contact tracing. As the culture of care plan is developed, the role of counselors and social workers will be defined, including a service model that meets the unique needs of students across the district. Students, family, staff, and community will be part of the plan development.

Responsiveness

Family and Student Engagement: The Equity, Partnership, and Engagement Division has hosted a variety of affinity group meetings representing families and students furthest away from educational justice and will continue these engagements as we plan for Fall 2021 and next school year. These spaces will continue to help inform details of the implementation plan. Regional meetings will also be held to gather additional information and engage with families.

Students will be engaged through the AAMA Student Leadership Council, as well as the Spring 2021 student survey. SPS’s Parent Advisory Committee, Seattle Council PTSA, and other parent groups will be engaged throughout planning this summer and through school year 2021-22.

Cross-functional work groups representing school leaders and educators will be developed and operationalized, focused on four key areas: school operations including health and safety, student and staff wellness, high-quality and engaging instruction, and communications, engagement, and responsiveness. These work groups will launch this summer and continue through implementation of the 2020-21 school year.

School Operations

School start and end times (bell schedule): Most schools will resume pre-pandemic start and end times. Your school will communicate if there are any changes to this schedule in response to the need of their individual communities.

Transportation: Regular transportation services will resume Fall 2021 for students that qualify for SPS transportation. Full days of instruction and 10 months of work will likely make driver recruitment more successful in a competitive market.

This press release was produced by Seattle Public Schools. The views expressed here are the author’s own.