Dear colleagues,

On Friday we announced our intention to remain in Distance Learning for the time being. That decision, although difficult, was based on our two dozen readiness targets. While we were able to meet 23 of them, we need to meet all 24 in order to safely start a hybrid schedule for our Stage 1 families, and for each stage after that.

Many families in our community are ready to begin hybrid learning. For Stage 1 in particular, these programs have important therapies and supports, including one-on-one academic support and therapeutic services such as physical and occupational therapy, that are best delivered in person. I want all of our families to know that we are doing everything in our power to make hybrid learning possible, in a way that is safe and sustainable for both our students and our staff. 

Our readiness for Stage 1 transitioning to hybrid learning will continue to be guided by our readiness targets. SPPS will reevaluate these targets weekly in order to ensure students and staff can return to hybrid learning as quickly and safely as possible. On Oct. 2, we will look at our readiness targets again and determine if we are ready to transition Stage 1 schools to hybrid learning. We will continue to use Monday, Oct. 19, as our first day of hybrid learning for Stage 1. 

I want to call your attention to a graphic that explains the different stages of our hybrid learning plan, and the metrics we are using to determine whether we can safely accommodate both students and staff members in that particular phase. 

For the first stage of hybrid learning, we are focusing on students in Special Education Federal IV Programs and at special sites. Stage 1 families and staff were surveyed about their readiness to return to buildings. Families that are not comfortable with their students returning to school will have a distance learning option if the decision is made to move to hybrid learning.

Planning and collaboration throughout SPPS will continue to be the single most important factor in returning to any level of in-person learning. In order to move into hybrid learning for any stage, SPPS needs to ensure we have the staff needed to safely return to our buildings. I am asking all staff, regardless of stage, who need to make requests for accommodations to do so as soon as possible. All information is confidential and has no impact on future employment.

We know the best place for our students and teachers is in our schools. We also know the health and safety of our students and staff is our highest priority. I am confident we are taking the proper steps to protect our students and staff. I also trust that we have processes in place to monitor readiness targets and make further decisions that are in the best interest of our students, families and staff.

Thank you for your student-centered approach to your work.

In partnership,

Joe Gothard, Superintendent