2020-21 School Reopening

We are excited to welcome our students and staff back to school in September, whether we see you in-person or virtually. We are working to ensure a safe and productive environment for all. See below for current information regarding plans for reopening schools. Please note that details are subject to change based on guidelines from local, state and federal authorities.

Key details 

Reopening School Plan

The 2020-21 Reopening School Plan is a valuable resource which contains details about learning models, training, procedures, safety requirements and more.

• SOMSD Restart & Recovery Plan for Reopening Schools
• SOMSD Reopening Plan Summary (for our families, we have condensed the larger plan into a summary that provides information regarding key areas such as scheduling, instructional models, health & safety procedures, curriculum, learning gaps and more).

Restarting school transition: remote for the first two weeks.

For the first two weeks, from September 8 to September 18 all students will attend school remotely, get to know their new teachers, readjust to “school hours”, and learn to use a program called Canvas.

Families who select hybrid learning will begin attending classes at school on Monday, September 21, 2020.

All extracurricular activities, with the exception of some athletics, will be significantly diminished to the fullest extent possible to allow for proper cleaning time; social distancing and hygiene protocols will be maintained by these groups under the supervision of their coaches and activity leaders.

In addition, SOMSD will cancel field trips, assemblies, and/or other large gatherings.  Finally, external community organizations that use school/district facilities will not be allowed.

Two learning options for students - which is right for you?

SOMSD families will be required to select from two options that will begin after the two-week virtual (remote) start. You will have the opportunity to choose the best option for each child.

On Monday, August 10, all families will receive an email that contains a “Return to School Preference" form to select the learning option that you feel is best for your child(ren).  

1. Hybrid Model (PreK, Elementary & Middle):
   Students will be split into three groups - A, B, and C. Each group will have at least two days of in-person learning (4 hours each day) and three days of at least 60 minutes of live virtual interaction with a teacher along with three additional hours of remote learning activities. Group C will have additional in-person learning opportunities per English Language Learner and Special Education programming needs.
2. Virtual Only Model (PreK - 12):
   Students will have 5 days of virtual instruction which will include a mix of: live virtual instruction, pre-recorded instruction, teacher-led small-groups, and independent practice. (CHS Virtual-only students will follow along with the hybrid students and receive synchronous, direct learning from their teachers four days a week, but will not attend the weekly check-ins at the school.)

3.  Hybrid Model:  Mostly Virtual Phase-In:  Columbia High School:   

   CHS students will begin the school year with a “mostly virtual” phase-in approach. Students will have synchronous, direct instruction with teachers every day when not in the building. Students will be divided into cohorts and will have check-ins to meet with their teachers in person once every two weeks. Group C will have additional in-person learning opportunities per English Language Learner and Special Education programming needs. Learn more about the CHS Hybrid Schedule from Principal Sanchez:  bit.ly/CHSGHybrid