Indianapolis Public School Returns To 100% In-Person Learning For Middle And High School Students

Indianapolis IN

06 March, 2021

1:08 PM

Description

Press release from Indianapolis Public Schools: March 5, 2021 Based on updated data and guidance from the Marion County Public Health Department, Indianapolis Public Schools will transition to full in-person learning for all middle and high school students starting Monday, April 5. This new guidance means students in middle and high school, who are currently operating on the hybrid model, can return to in-person learning five days a week. Additionally, families in all grades who have currently opted into full remote learning can change to full in-person learning by notifying your student's school directly by March 12. As a reminder, families who select in-person learning can switch to remote learning at any time during the remainder of the 2020–21 school year. Families who remain in remote learning or opt-in to remote learning by March 12 will be required to remain there for the remainder of the school year. Innovation schools might follow a different plan, so please check with your school for details. The most important health and safety guidelines include the following: Students and staff must observe social distancing rules of at least 3 feet at all times. Current mask guidelines still apply. To learn more, see the latest in-person FAQs below. 100% Return to In-Person Learning for Middle and High School FAQs Is the return to in-person learning happening at all Marion County school districts? The guidance from the Marion County Public Health Department (MCPHD) applies to all schools in Marion County. This means every school and district has the ability to make a return to full in-person learning. Families who want their student to continue with remote learning, can choose that option. Note: IPS Innovation schools might follow a different plan. Check with your student's school for details. Who will return to in-person learning starting April 5? Middle school and high school students who are on a hybrid schedule will transition to full-time, in-person learning five (5) days a week starting Monday, April 5. Note: Elementary students (including Pre-K), all special education, McKinney Vento and Newcomer students are already participating in full-time, in-person learning — unless the family has chosen the remote learning option. Can families in remote learning change to in-person learning and can in-person learners change to remote learning? Families in all grades who have currently opted into full remote learning can change to full in-person learning by notifying your student's school directly by March 12. As a reminder, families who select in-person learning can switch to remote learning at any time during the remainder of the 2020–21 school year. Families who remain in remote learning or opt into remote learning by March 12 will be required to remain there for the remainder of the school year. Will schools still have to follow mask and social distancing guidelines? Yes. Students and staff must maintain at least three (3) feet of social distancing throughout the school day in accordance with the Marion County Public Health Department order. All students and staff will be required to wear masks and/or face shields. Are all school buildings (sanitation, cleanings, etc.) prepared to have students return? Yes, all schools are prepared with the proper cleaning protocols and procedures, including: Disinfectant and hand sanitizer are in all classrooms and offices. Hand sanitizer dispensers are installed outside all cafeterias. Barriers are installed in all offices. Signage is placed in all schools, teaching social distancing, proper hand cleaning, symptom screening, etc. Social distancing is enforced in all classrooms and school buildings. Are visitors/guests allowed during and after school hours? All visitors/guests are by appointment only. Visitors/guests must wear a face mask and remain in a designated area. The designated area must be cleaned after the visitors/guests have exited the building. How does the return to full in-person learning affect transportation for my student? To the extent possible, students on IPS yellow buses will be seated one student per seat (unless from same household). Other safety measures include: Students and staff must wear masks on buses. Buses will be disinfected daily between routes. Windows/vents will be opened on buses to promote ventilation, when weather allows. Note: Families who choose the in-person option by March 12 can also choose to opt out of transportation. Contact your individual school for more details. Are vaccinations required for IPS staff? IPS strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccination for the continued protection of our staff, students and community. The district is following the state health department's plans for when the vaccine will be available to all teachers and staff and will keep Team IPS updated. The district website has a variety of COVID vaccine info, including a link to the state department's vaccination schedule, locations, registration and other resources. You can access that info HERE. Are all spring sports and extracurriculars available to students? IPS is currently offering interscholastic sports programming at the middle school and high school levels. Elementary level programming is tentatively scheduled to return for the 2021–2022 school year. For details on athletics, visit: https://myips.org/athletics/returnplan/. For details on extracurricular activities, contact your individual school. Will high school seniors be able to participate in in-person prom and graduation? Please contact your school for details about spring formals and graduations. This press release was produced by Indianapolis Public Schools. The views expressed are the author's own.