The Pikeville Independent Schools District has revealed its opening plans for the 2020-21 school year, and the plan includes both in-person and virtual learning.
In a Facebook Live announcement on Wednesday, new Pikeville Superintendent David Trimble announced that the school district will open the school year with students attending in-person classes two days per week and taking part in virtual learning outside of the classroom three days per week. The opening schedule is part of an overall schedule for the first several weeks of school that includes plans for part-time in-person classes, full-time in-person classes and full-time virtual learning.
Parents who chose to enroll their students in full-time virtual learning will be allowed to do so.
Trimble said the fall 2020 semester will begin for students Aug. 26, with staff members returning Aug. 17. The last day for students is scheduled for May 28, 2021.
The school district will operate using a three-model plan: Yellow, Green and Red.
The Yellow model will see students attending classes two days per week in groups designated “A” and “B”. The district will begin the school year under the Yellow model, with hopes of returning to full-time, in-person classes in September, but the Yellow model could extend to at least Fall Break, Trimble said.
A return to traditional five-days-per-week, in-person classes would occur under the district’s Green model.
The Red model would see students take part in full-time virtual learning. Whichever model is used will be determined using public health guidance based upon the COVID-19 pandemic situation.
The district’s “A” and “B” groups will be determined by the school district without parent input, Trimble said. Each group will be determined based upon household in order aid parents with childcare. Each group will attend classes under the following schedule:
• Group A — in the classroom Aug. 26 and 31, and Sept. 2, 8 and 10.
• Group B — in the classroom Aug. 27 and Sept. 1, 3, 9 and 11
• Remote learning (NTI) will be held Aug. 28 and Sept. 4
Trimble also announced that students riding buses will have assigned seats and must wear masks, per state health guidance. He also said students dropped off at school will be subject to temperature checks before they are permitted entrance into school buildings. Students with temperatures of 100.4 degrees or higher will be sent home for at least 72 hours.
Trimble said the district took parent input into consideration in making the plans. He said the district receive more than 600 surveys back from parents, and approximately 85 percent of parents have indicated they want their student to return to in-person classes.