FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Melissa Linebrink

Marketing and Communications Consultant

Oberlin City Schools

(440) 774-1458

mlinebrink@oberlinschools.net

BOE RECOMMENDS DISTRICT TO UTILIZE LEVEL III PLAN FOR START OF YEAR

OBERLIN -- Oberlin City Schools will utilize the Level III Reset & Restart Plan for the start of the 2020-2021 school year. The Level III Reset & Restart Plan calls for all students (PreK-12) to actively participate in e-Learning facilitated by Oberlin City School Staff. Additionally, Oberlin City Schools Board of Education recommended starting school after Labor Day. Oberlin City Schools will start the 2020-2021 school year on Tuesday, Sept. 8.

According to Oberlin City Schools Superintendent Dr. David Hall, the District will start the 2020-2021 school year by using e-Learning for all students in grades preK through 12 until the end of the first quarter, which ends on Nov. 6, 2020.

“Due to safety concerns, Oberlin City Schools will be implementing Level III of our three-level plan and utilizing e-Learning until the end of the first quarter. At the end of the first quarter, the District will reassess our levels based on the impact of COVID-19,” Dr. Hall said.

Following the July 28, 2020 virtual Board of Education meeting, Dr. Hall said Level III will allow for teachers to provide face-to-face instruction for students five days a week from their own classrooms. The District will provide technology support for students and training for staff and parents. Staff will engage in additional technology, remote learning and safety training in August.

As part of the Level III Plan, students in grades K-5 will engage in three to four hours of instruction daily; and students in grades 6-12 will participate in four to six hours of instruction, depending on schedules. Art, music, physical education and Spanish will be part of the weekly schedule.

“The health and safety of students, staff and volunteers is paramount,” Dr. Hall said referring to the decision. “The District’s goal is to have the students utilize Zoom Meet and other programs to enhance teacher/student engagement. The District has considered the social needs of students and the importance for them to belong and to be a class community. This educational philosophy will be incorporated into lessons.”

On Friday, July 24, 2020, the District shared with parents/guardians a three-level plan detailing Level I, Level II and Level III. The plan is located on the district website, https://www.oberlinschools.net/. The plans were created collaboratively with more than 30 staff members and the union input.

“In order to make an effective educational plan for the 2020-2021 school year, we will need the support of all staff members, parents, students and the community,” Dr. Hall said.

The district will work with local agencies to provide tutorial, childcare and social emotional support for students and parents.

“The plans were put in place to ensure each student is challenged, prepared and empowered,” Dr. Hall said. “The Lorain County Public Health Department Reset and Restart guidelines have been instrumental in our District’s plan. We will maintain a rigorous and challenging curriculum for all students.”

For more information, visit the District website at https://www.oberlinschools.net/