Superintendent update: 5-day in-person learning begins April 26

March 30, 2021

(The story has been edited to reflect a change in the schedule to an early release on Wednesdays.)

Dear families of Battle Ground Public Schools,

We want to update you on some good news for students. Battle Ground’s primary, middle and high schools are preparing to bring students back into the classroom for 5 days of in-person learning each week beginning April 26. The district is working through the logistics with staff and will provide more information later this week, but we wanted to share our transition date and learning schedule so that families can prepare for a more traditional school model. Students will still have the opportunity to learn remotely if they choose.

In-person schedule

The start and end times for in-person learning will be

• High school – 7:55 a.m.–1:55 p.m. (Wednesday 7:55 a.m.–12:55 p.m.)
• Middle school – 8:10 a.m.–2:10 p.m. (Wednesday 8:10 a.m.–1:10 p.m.)
• Primary school – 9:40 a.m.–3:40 p.m. (Wednesday 9:40 a.m.–2:40 p.m.)
• CAM Academy, River HomeLink and Summit View High School will provide more information to families about their schedules.

Changes to remote learning

Because some classes at the middle and high school levels will continue to be taught simultaneously to accommodate both remote and in-person students, remote learning at these levels will follow a similar schedule to in-person learning. In the primary grades, remote learning and screen time will be age appropriate. 

Please be aware that with the return to in-person learning, remote learning will require more self-directed and independent work. There will be fewer opportunities for teacher interaction while educators are teaching students in the classroom. Teachers will have a brief window at the end of the day to answer questions from remote learners.

Safety

The district is working through the new requirements for in-person learning announced by the CDC and adopted by Washington. In addition to the guidance changing to 3 feet of distance between students in classrooms, it still requires schools to maintain 6 feet of distance between students and adults and between students during certain activities such as eating, performing arts and physical education. The district is working to provide for the distance requirements during meal times in schools. In addition, for the health and safety of all students and staff, masks and frequent handwashing are still required.

More information coming soon

We will provide more information later this week about how the learning models will change so families can decide if it would be best to switch. We will need to know by the end of spring break about any changes to be able to accommodate students. We ask that families consider the impacts of switching learning models—which could necessitate changes to classes and teachers—in the middle of the semester. This could be particularly disruptful at the high school level. Going forward, students will be expected to commit to their chosen learning model for the rest of the year.

Thank you for your patience throughout this challenging year. Battle Ground Public Schools continues to adapt to changing guidance and is committed to doing what is best for our students. Please watch for additional information from your school.

Sincerely,

Mark Ross, Superintendent
Battle Ground Public Schools