By: Donovan W. Mann – donovanm@977thebolt.com
Dakota City, IA – Humboldt CSD’s return to learn plan is continuing to be developed by the district as they prepare three models of learning for the coming school year.
The Humboldt Community School District is continuing to finalize the plans for the return to learn. Superintendent of Schools Jim Murray shares that the districts return to learn committee has been meeting to work out the details on three models the school might have to implement for the 2020-2021 school year.
Murray says the goal and plan is to have the students in class starting August 24. “Our intention that the students come back August 24 and our goal is to be face to face” he says. The superintendent does confirm he doesn’t foresee having students come back earlier than the original start date in August.
In person instruction is the first model of instruction being developed by Humboldt CSD for the state required return to learn plan. Murray does confirm that the district has to develop three different options, first of which is face to face. With student in class the schools will be taking all steps and procedures provided by the state to assure the health of the student. “We’ll make sure we’re following all the guidelines that are necessary” Murray assures.
The second model is known as a hybrid model and involves some limited attendance and capacity of class rooms with students going part time. Murray says one goal in the hybrid model is to get as many elementary students in class as possible. He recognizes that there is a day care shortage as well as difficulty supporting these student academically. He says the committee is measuring all options, including utilizing multiple buildings. For grades seven through 12, Murray says some districts have planned 50% of student attend two days with a day for cleaning followed by the other half of the student body attending the next two days.
The third model would be required remote learning. Murray says in this model all instruction will be online and be required learning. He recognizes this is new for the Humboldt schools since they didn’t do required learning after schools closed in March. He also says the district will assist in accommodating those who might not have the technological means.
All three models for returning to the 2020-2021 are in the developmental phase. Murray says that they hope to have more details finalized by the middle of July.