Submitted by the San Juan Island School District

At a special school board meeting on Monday, Oct. 19, the San Juan Island School District Board of Directors approved a hybrid return to in-person learning for kindergarten through 2nd grade.

At the beginning of the school year, the district stated that after the first nine weeks of teleschool the district would reevaluate in order to make an informed and safe decision concerning next steps for the school year. At this time, based on all the information available, the Superintendent’s recommendation was to begin in-person learning for the youngest students, grades K-2, starting in November.

The plan is for an AM/PM model for students to attend Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. On Wednesdays, all students will be at home for independent remote learning. All specials such as PE or art will continue online. The currently scheduled return date for each grade is as follows:

• Kindergarten: Nov. 5

• First-grade: Nov. 12

• Second-grade: Nov. 18

For now, the district has not set a specific timeframe for returning to in-person learning for grades 3-12.

According to Superintendent Fred Woods, “We have been able to create a hybrid and as well as a teleschooling model for K-2. This is much more complex in the higher grades but we are continuing to develop a plan that will meet the needs of all families and students. We are being very intentional to ensure student and staff safety.”

The elementary will soon be reaching out to K-2 families with specific information concerning this return. Details regarding class assignments and what this means for your child will be included in that communication from them.