After seeing an uptick in COVID-19 cases, Alexandria's middle and high schools will return to a hybrid model that includes some distance learning, according to information sent to parents by the school district.
Students at Discovery Middle School and Alexandria Area High School will switch to the hybrid learning model, effective April 7 through the end of the school year, June 4. Students will spend part of the week distance learning and part of the week in the classroom.
"With COVID-19 county cases rising and school cases following a similar trend line, we must be responsive to the experiences of our current status. We believe this will allow us to add some predictability and certainty for students and families and the educational experience," an email sent to parents this week said.
The school district listed these factors in the notice that went out Tuesday, March 30:
- Last week, we had 10 positive cases in our secondary schools which resulted in 188 students placed in quarantine. As of March 29, there were 240 students and four staff in quarantine, with more students and staff being contacted about quarantines. The school district updates data at its COVID-19 information center on the school district website.
- The numbers of staff and students under quarantine due to close contact with confirmed COVID cases continues to follow the trend line of Douglas County case rate data, similar to what was experienced in the fall.
- Transitioning to a more restrictive learning environment (hybrid) will mean reduced chance of exposure, and reduced risk of being quarantined due to increased social distancing protocols.
Pre-K through grade 6 will continue with the full in-person learning model.
Tuesday, April 6, will be teacher planning and preparation day with no school for grade 6-12 students in attendance, either on-site or virtually.
