Hybrid Update

Oberlin City Schools Hybrid Update

As we prepare for in-person learning, I’d like to take a moment to update everyone on the District’s protocols, as well as where we stand on receiving COVID-19 vaccinations.

We had previously planned to resume in-person learning on Tuesday, Jan. 19. However, that day will now be used as a Staff Professional Development Day to finalize Hybrid plans. Therefore, students will not report to school - either virtually or in-person until Wednesday, Jan. 20. The feedback from the District’s administered Return to School Survey indicated that 51 percent of our students have indicated that they wish to return to school with the safety protocols put in place. Our staff has been working very hard to develop a plan to reopen school utilizing Level II: Hybrid Learning Model. We look forward to seeing all returning students on Wednesday, Jan. 20.

We will not have the Boys and Girls Club Virtual Learning Center on Friday, January (teacher records day), Monday, January 18 (Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday), and Tuesday, January 19 (teacher professional development day).

Hybrid Model Instruction:

The goal behind Level II: Hybrid Learning Model was to develop an equitable educational plan for students onsite and those who wish to continue with e-Learning opportunities. Based on the survey data, the District can offer onsite instruction for two days a week, Wednesday and Thursday, for students in grades 3-12 (Prospect Elementary, Langston Middle School, and Oberlin High School) choosing the Hybrid Model. Hybrid students in grades K-2 (Eastwood Elementary) will attend school onsite Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

This week students and parents will receive a bus schedule, classroom assignments, schedules, and additional school information from building administrators. We understand that not all of our students feel comfortable returning to onsite instruction. We will continue to offer e-Learning for students during the 3rd quarter. We want our parents to know that some Hybrid and e-Learning schedules and instructors may change due to staffing challenges. If you have any questions, please contact your building administrator.

PPE:

The District has provided all classrooms with PPE equipment, placed hand sanitizer stations throughout the buildings, purchased plexiglass dividers for students and staff, and implemented additional cleaning procedures. All students will be required to properly wear masks and/or face shields for safety. Students not following COVID-19 safety guidelines will face disciplinary action. Staff will provide safe mask breaks for students.

Vaccinations:

Based on the Ohio Department of Health and the Lorain County Health Department, school staff is anticipated to begin the first series of COVID-19 vaccinations toward the end of January or the beginning of February (Group 1B). The timeline is based upon the availability of the vaccine. The District has submitted a list of all employees and support staff eligible for the vaccinations. The support staff will include Substitute Staff, School Resource Officer, College Support Staff, as well as anyone who has contact with students. However, please note that staff is not required to take the vaccine.

The Oberlin Promise:

The District has been engaging in Level II: Hybrid Learning Model Planning for two months. I know and understand that staff, students, and parents have some anxiety regarding returning. Our promise to you is:

  • We will continue to meet with the Lorain County Health Department weekly to receive the county’s latest COVID-19 updates.

  • We will follow and enforce all COVID-19 safety protocols: social distancing, the proper wearing of masks/face shields, handwashing, and monitoring for symptoms.

  • We will notify our community of any LCHD confirmed COVID-19 cases in the District.

  • We will implement cleaning and disinfection protocols.

Once again, we are very excited to begin our Level II: Hybrid Learning Model on Wednesday, Jan. 20. Please visit our website for additional information at www.oberlinschools.net.


Sincerely,

Dr. David Hall

Superintendent