Battle Ground Public Schools

High School will stay remote for first semester

Nov. 10, 2020

Dear high school families,

We are writing with an update about remote learning for high school students. As you know, Clark County’s COVID-19 activity levels have increased over the last several weeks. For this reason, and due to the complexity of high school scheduling, we have decided that high school students will continue to learn remotely at least through the end of the first semester, which concludes Jan. 29, 2021.

The decision was not an easy one to make. At this point, however, assuming Clark County would drop back down to a moderate level of COVID-19 activity and sustain it for six weeks, the soonest that hybrid learning could begin for high school students is Jan. 4, 2021. (See our Hybrid Learning webpage for more information.) To be in the moderate level, Clark County must have fewer than 75 cases per 100,000 population over a 14-day period. As of Nov. 9, Clark County’s COVID-19 activity level was 171.55 cases. 

Additionally, high school scheduling is complex. Some subjects, like those that are required, have multiple sections; but other topics, like AP and some CTE courses, have just one class. It would be challenging—and a huge disruption to both students and teachers—to adjust schedules to accommodate those who want to participate in hybrid learning and those who want to stay remote. And then, with less than a month remaining in the semester after the adjustment, students would have to change classes again for the second semester.

Instead, our school teams are preparing now for the possibility of a transition during the second semester. Staff are using families’ responses on the Learning Model Choice survey to build a second-semester schedule that will allow for a smooth transition and accommodate the needs of those who would like hybrid learning and those who would stay remote.

We appreciate the understanding of our families. Our staff are working to provide support, such as Internet Cafes and parent liaisons, to families who need additional assistance during remote learning. If you would like to explore these options, please contact your child’s school.

As the second semester approaches, we will continue to work with Public Health and monitor Clark County’s COVID-19 activity levels. We look forward to when Clark County reaches the level of metrics that will permit us to begin the transition to hybrid learning. You can help our community reach this goal by wearing a face covering, physical distancing, and washing your hands often.

Thank you for your understanding,

Mark Ross, Superintendent
Battle Ground Public Schools