Baldwin-Whitehall School District reopening plans released amid school transitions

Baldwin-Whitehall School District officials are planning around the covid-19 pandemic while transitioning former elementary school students to a repurposed middle school.

The aging K-5 W.R. Paynter Elementary School closed in June. Those children will be moved to the J.E. Harrison Middle School, also referred to as Harrison Education Center.

The middle school housed sixth through eighth graders. The seventh and eighth graders will now move to the high school to make room for the incoming students.

No changes were made to Whitehall Elementary or McAnnulty Elementary schools. First day of classes is Sept. 3.

District reopening plans also were released Friday via video presentation by Superintendent Randal Lutz. The plans were emailed to parents and posted on the district’s website, bwschools.net.

“We knew that this school year would be a challenge with transition, with construction,” Lutz said. “Moving of children from Paynter to Harrison, from Harrison to the high school, but never in my wildest dreams did I think that we would be dealing and working through conditions as we are now.”

Lutz said staffers have been following local, state and national guidance on covid-19 safety.

“Much of what we knew this past spring has changed significantly,” he said. “It has changed throughout the summer as we continue to ramp up for September.”

The district’s offering two options for parents, a hybrid model with some in-person instruction and a remote learning model with virtual learning.

The hybrid model splits students into two groups with one coming to the buildings Mondays and Tuesdays, and the second group in schools Thursdays and Fridays.

Some students may be given the opportunity to attend the hybrid learning model all four days of the week.

Lutz said Wednesdays have been designated as time for students to check in virtually with their teachers via a teleconference, receive additional support on assignments, or use for completion of various tasks related to their academic program.

Students must wear face coverings while on buses, in common areas, during class transitions and in the classroom when social distancing of six feet or more cannot be achieved.

Classroom and cafeteria seating will be modified to help with social distancing.

Staffers will also wear face coverings at all times when distancing is not possible. Hand sanitizers will be available in all buildings.

Sanitizing, disinfecting and cleaning will take place regularly. Sharing of materials, books and devices must be avoided. Drinking fountains will also be prohibited.

Students and staff must complete an electronic health screening questionnaire, including temperature check, to assess for symptoms of or exposure to covid-19 prior to coming to school.

Plans also include virtual activities and events in lieu of field trips and assemblies. Visitors and parents will have limited access to buildings. Meetings will be via telephone or video conferencing when possible.

District transportation will be provided for students in the hybrid model with a maximum of two students per seat. Parents will be required to notify the district if their students plan to take the bus or not.

All students are expected to receive Chromebooks to help with the hybrid and remote learning models.

Kindergarten plans for the hybrid model indicate students will attend school half-days Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Children designated for intervention services may participate in school Wednesday mornings as well.

“Physical distancing, use of masks, symptom screening, cleaning and sanitizing have dominated the planning conversations in search of ways to ensure all aspects are in place,” Lutz said. “In light of all of this, our unwavering goal has been to have children engaged in the work of learning within our schools and with our faculty. But we must be sure that we can do that in a manner that keeps all of us safe and healthy.”

Children doing remote learning can access those lessons live during the day, following a normal school schedule or via recorded materials at a time more appropriate.

Faculty will continue to deliver their lessons via the Canvas Learning Management System utilizing live and recorded instruction as well as planned activities. Seniors using remote learning will earn their district diploma.

A comment and commitment form will be available for parents so they can provide feedback on the plan, as well as notify the district of their learning model selection. Forms are due Aug. 2.

Commitments are for at least the first semester. Parents may be able to change model selection depending on circumstances.

More information on the district’s reopening plan and parental forms are available on the district’s website.

The school board plans to vote on the plans Aug. 12.