SPOKANE, Wash. — On Monday, the Freeman School District began in-person learning for all students.
In a letter to students, families and staff sent in late March, Superintendent Randy Russell made the announcement about students' return to classrooms.
Principals and teachers developed a plan for students who will continue remote learning. Russell said the district will not offer a hybrid schedule for the fourth quarter.
The district is still enforcing mask wearing and social distancing.
This announcement came a day after Gov. Jay Inslee announced social distancing requirements for students would be decreased from 6 feet of separation to 3 feet.
School districts will need to adjust their plans based on this new guidance, including those who have already implemented a 6-foot rule, bringing students back to the classroom.
By the fall, no school district should be using the 6-foot minimum between students, Inslee said.
The CDC still recommends 6 feet between staff and between staff and students. It also recommends 6 feet of distance for students during certain circumstances, such as when they are eating.
Teachers and students are asked to continue wearing masks.
The governor issued an executive order that requires all kindergarten through sixth-grade students an opportunity to engage in both online and in-person learning by April 5. All older students must be offered at least two days of in-person learning by April 19.
By April 19, all districts must meet at least 30% of average weekly instructional hours as on-campus learning for all students.
No student can be offered fewer than two, partial days of in-person learning.
The update came about a week after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) adjusted its guidance on COVID-19 safety protocols for schools by relaxing the social distancing recommendations from 6 feet to 3 feet in classrooms as long as they wear masks.
