Hempfield Area students return to school
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After finishing last school year virtually, several students headed back to Hempfield Area schools Thursday morning ready for a small piece of normalcy.
“Our first day is off to a great start. … As half of the students attend physically today and the other half tomorrow, our teachers are using the time to welcome the students back to school and to get to know them,” Superintendent Tammy Wolicki said.
Secondary students and teachers are following a hybrid model of learning, meaning that half the students will attend classes in-person, while the other half learns virtually. Students, who were sorted into groups based on last name, will alternate each day. On Thursday and Friday, however, students will only attend in-person classes on their designated days.
Virtual lessons will begin Monday, which will be streamed live through LessonBot, giving students options to watch recordings of classes at a later date, Wolicki said.
Students also had the option of attending a cyber school provided by the district. Almost 340 students in grades six through 12 chose that option, said Matthew Conner, assistant superintendent for secondary education.
Elementary students were able to choose between in-person classes or cyber school. Elementary cyber students began classes Thursday, with teachers hosting “getting to know you” meetings, Wolicki said. Conner noted that almost 460 elementary students in kindergarten through fifth grades are attending the district’s cyber program.
The first day of school came after months of discussions and votes on reopening plans, which were finalized earlier this month. The first phase of the plans staggers students based on their grade level, with restrictions in place to provide for social distancing. A second phase will return students to a more traditional schedule.
Final amendments were made to the plans during a board meeting this week. The plans were updated to reflect guidance released by the state departments of health and education that state students and staff must wear face coverings at all times with few exceptions.
On Thursday, students arrived wearing masks. Those who rode school buses were socially distanced.
At West Point Elementary School, students were welcomed back with chalk drawings reading “Fresh new school year,” “We are safe,” “West Point way,” and other affirmations.
“After months of having silent hallways and classrooms, it is wonderful to once again have children back in our schools,” Wolicki said.
The PTS made sure the students have a warm welcome tomorrow! We wish everyone the best on their first day tomorrow! ??✏️
Posted by West Point Elementary PTS on Wednesday, August 26, 2020