March 4, 2021
Dear Raider Families,
I will cut right to the chase - after receiving a great deal of feedback, we have determined the need to redefine our all-in schedule for Reynoldsburg City Schools. On March 15:
- Hybrid students will begin In-Person Learning Schedule of 4 days in-person with remote Wednesdays.
- Students enrolled in a District Learning Center or the Preschool program will still come to school 5 days per week.
First, let me sincerely apologize for the last-minute change. I know this is one more change to your family’s schedule and I assure you that this decision has not been made lightly. We are constantly adapting and adjusting to not only the impact of the pandemic but also to our students’ needs and we believe this change is necessary.
Despite the successes that have taken place, there are still opportunities for improvement and increased engagement with students. Remote Wednesdays have become a vital tool for our teachers to connect with their in-person and virtual students on an individual level and meet each student where they are in their learning journey.
We are aware that, in our District, many students did very well with the remote and hybrid models while others have some learning gaps that need to be addressed. Our goal is to ensure that every student in our District has the support they need to be successful and this means our teachers need dedicated time to work individually and in small groups with students.
Continuing remote Wednesdays will allow us to meet individual student needs such as:
- Individual meetings with teachers to receive additional support;
- Small group instruction for students in need of additional support;
- Dedicated time for teachers to provide instruction for their virtual students;
- Allowing in-person students to build stamina for in-person learning;
- Providing flexibility in use of space for social distancing guidelines;
- Limiting the disruption to learning during state testing, end-of-year assessments and Advanced Placement exams;
- Providing after school intervention that was already planned and scheduled.
Furthermore, this allows for teacher professional development to continue as currently scheduled to minimize the impact to teaching and learning days and student schedules and deep cleaning to take place in all buildings on Wednesdays.
So, what does this mean for your student?
- District Learning Center and Preschool: If your child is enrolled in a District Learning Center or District Preschool program and is a hybrid learner, then he or she will attend school five days per week. If your child is enrolled in a District Learning Center or District Preschool program and is a virtual learner, then he or she will log in from home and follow the daily schedule five days per week.
- Hybrid Instructional Model: If your child is currently enrolled in the District’s hybrid instructional model, this means that he or she will attend school in-person on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Wednesdays will be reserved for remote learning, small group instruction, and individual supports, and principals will communicate the plan for each building’s Wednesday schedule.
- Virtual Academy: If your child is currently enrolled in the District’s Virtual Academy, this means that he or she will log in from home and follow their daily schedule from home on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Wednesdays will be reserved for remote learning, small group instruction, and individual supports, and principals will communicate the plan for each building’s Wednesday schedule.
- Wednesday Asynchronous Learning: For students who are not engaged in individual or small group instruction/intervention during the remote learning Wednesdays, asynchronous work will be assigned so that learning can continue.
At this time, the District and its schools are not in a position to entertain any requests to switch instructional models. March 15 and the days that immediately follow will be crucial for buildings to establish protocols for student health and safety, including social distancing. Building administrators and staff will monitor the in-person students returning to school to ensure maximum social distancing. After Spring Break, building leaders may consider requests to switch from virtual to in-person learning if, and only if, they can assure that social distancing can be maintained. Parents/Guardians can contact their child’s school to be placed on a waitlist for consideration for in-person learning. Those requests will be considered at the building level after Spring Break and only if space allows.
We are confident that this flexible Wednesday schedule will continue to benefit all RCS students and provide targeted support to ensure all our students are progressing and achieving. We ask that all families continue working closely with their student’s teachers to ensure students are on-track and getting necessary supports as needed.
Once again, I wish to express my sincerest apologies for yet another change to our delivery of instruction. I greatly appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
Sincerely,
Dr. Melvin J. Brown
Superintendent
Reynoldsburg City Schools