2020-2021 Reopening

Q. When will school officially start and what learning model will the district use?

A. The 2020-2021 school year will begin on August 31 with an introduction to Comprehensive Remote Learning. This will ensure that the district is adhering to state-mandated COVID metrics that must be met before all students can return to in-classroom learning. While it is possible that these metrics might improve by the end of summer, we believe that putting a plan in place now that begins with Comprehensive Remote Learning will provide the consistency and predictability that families, students, and staff need to begin the year together. Student instruction will officially begin September 8, once students, staff and families have had a chance to connect and learn about the remote learning model.

Q. How will Comprehensive Remote Learning in the fall differ from the online learning provided in Spring 2020?

A. Last spring, Distance Learning for All was an emergency response to the pandemic and the immediate need to close schools. Since then, the district has been able to more fully prepare for a Comprehensive Remote Learning model. We will be implementing the Canvas Learning Management System for 6th-12th grades. Canvas will make the online experience more manageable and more effective for students, parents and staff. In addition, we will provide more opportunities for parent support and staff professional development. Our Remote Learning model is designed to clarify the expectations of engagement through attendance, interaction and equitable grading.

Q. When will my student be able to return to school for in-classroom learning?

A. For students in kindergarten through third grade, our plan includes a target date of October 5 for the return to in-classroom learning full-time Monday through Friday. State-mandated COVID metrics must be met. For students in grades 4-12, we plan to reopen on November 2, if the public health metrics are met. Students in fourth and fifth grade would return to full-time, in-classroom learning Monday through Friday. Students in grade 6 through 12 would begin a hybrid model (mix of remote and in-person learning). The November 2 date aligns to the end of the first quarter. Students/families will have the option to continue with full-time Comprehensive Remote Learning in grades K-12, if desired.

Q. What are the metrics that dictate the ability to open to in-classroom learning?

A. The Oregon Health Authority and the Oregon Department of Education have created metrics that counties in Oregon must meet in order for districts to consider reopening for in-person learning. An explanation of these metrics can be viewed at https://bit.ly/320YS59.

Q. When the district is able to reopen, what will learning look like?

A. The district has been working on the state-required Operational Blueprint for School Reentry for 2020-2021, which includes plans for full-time classroom learning, full-time Comprehensive Remote Learning or a mixture of the two. Preparations will continue on these plans so that the district is ready for students to return to classroom learning. You can learn more about our plans and view the Operational Blueprints on our 2020-2021 Reopening web page: https://www.roseburg.k12.or.us/families/2020-2021-reopening. 

Q. Can’t the district or School Board decide on their own when to reopen to in-classroom learning?

A. No. Oregon Health Authority, Oregon Department of Education and the Governor’s office have mandated these metrics for the entire state of Oregon, and local districts must comply with the state requirements.

Q. How will meals be provided to students during Comprehensive Remote Learning?

A. As in the spring, Roseburg Public Schools will work with our transportation partner, First Student, to deliver meals throughout local neighborhoods. In addition, grab ‘n’ go style meals will be provided at various school sites. The exact locations and bus routes are yet to be determined but will be communicated prior to the August 31 start of school. Once we are able to transition to any form of in-classroom learning, we will revise our meal delivery systems as needed.

Q. Will students have access to technology for remote learning?

A. We will begin reaching out to families soon to assess technology and device needs and will create plans for device distribution prior to the start of the school year.

Q. will my student be able to play sports?

A. On August 5, OSAA announced that it had adopted a new school activities calendar that shifts the Fall season and condenses all seasons. OSAA’s Executive Board took this action following the release of school reopening health metrics by the Governor’s Office and Oregon Health Authority.

The OSAA’s new calendar provides for three distinct seasons from late December to late June with limited overlap between seasons. Traditional Winter activities will take place in January and February (Season 2), followed by Fall activities in March and April (Season 3), with Spring activities occurring in May and June (Season 4).  Each season will feature an equitable 7-week regular season, with adjusted contest limitations, followed by an OSAA Culminating Week. Specific plans for culminating week events will be developed in conjunction with member schools in the coming months in alignment with large group gathering guidelines issued by the state. Roseburg High School has suspended summer workouts at this time.

October 5 will be the earliest date that students will be able to return to in-classroom learning as well as participate in sports activities. State-mandated metrics must be met.

Q. Will my student be able to participate in extracurricular activities?

A. October 5 will be the earliest date that students will be able to return to in-classroom learning as well as participate in extracurricular activities such as robotics, student clubs, and career and technical student organizations this fall. State-mandated metrics must be met.

Q. What if my student has an IEP or other special needs?

A. Specially designed instruction based on IEP goals will be provided to Special Education students.