Hampton School District Announces Fall Reopening Plan

HAMPTON — Superintendent Dr. Lois Costa reports the Hampton School District will follow a hybrid learning model for the start of the 2020-21 academic year.

Students will be split up alphabetically into two groups. Children in Group A will attend school in-person on Mondays and Tuesdays, and participate in remote learning on Wednesdays through Fridays. Students in group B will learn remotely Mondays through Wednesdays, and attend school in-person on Thursdays and Fridays.

Families had the options to remote into fully remote learning earlier this summer.

The first day of school for students will be Tuesday, Sept. 8.

“We worked to create a plan that would best suit the needs of the families in our community while also prioritizing the health and safety of our students, staff and their families,” Superintendent Costa said. “We will continue to modify and shift the plan based on any additional local, state or federal guidance we receive in the coming months, and will continue to provide you with regular updates. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding during these unique times, we look forward to having your students back in the classroom next week.”

Students and staff will follow multiple health and safety measures to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19, including:

• Masks will be required for all students and staff while in school. The district will provide a mask for anyone who arrives on campus without one. Mask breaks will be incorporated throughout the day, including during meals.
• Students and staff are required to perform a self-assessment before coming to school each day. Should they show any symptoms related to COVID-19, they will be asked to stay home and contact the school and families should contact the school if their child is symptomatic.
• Student desks will be placed six feet apart to promote social distancing in classrooms. Outdoor learning spaces will be utilized whenever possible.
• Buildings will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected each day, and high touch surfaces, such as door knobs and tables, will be frequently cleaned throughout the school day. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, deep cleaning and sanitation will be conducted.
• Masks will be required while students ride the bus to school and assigned seating will be used to promote social distancing on the buses. Parents are encouraged to drive their students to school if possible.
• Arrival and departure times will be staggered and closely monitored to allow for social distancing among students as they arrive and leave school each day.
• Outside visitors will be limited and not allowed in the school building unless permission is granted ahead of time.
• At this time, all after school and outside group activities have been cancelled for the first trimester. This will be reviewed at the end of November and a decision regarding these activities for the second trimester will be made at that time.

The plan will be flexible in order to adapt to any changes that may need to be made as the situation surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic changes.

To learn more about the plan, click here.

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