SPOKANE, Wash — The Spokane Public Schools Board of Directors announced a plan Wednesday night to allow first-and-second-graders to return to the classroom.
According to a message to SPS families, the decision was made based on guidance from the Spokane Regional Health District on phasing in the youngest learners to in-person instruction and the positive experience of kindergartners.
The plan includes an alternating schedule that allows for a slow transition and opportunities to train students to safety protocols in small groups.
Breakdown of schedule and protocols
First grade start date: Nov. 9
- Monday, Nov. 9 – Group A
- Tuesday, Nov. 10 – Group B
- Wednesday, Nov. 11 – No School – Veteran’s Day
- Thursday, Nov. 12 – Group A
- Friday, Nov. 13 – Group B
- Monday, Nov. 16 – Group A
- Tuesday, Nov. 17 – Group B
- Wednesday, Nov. 18 – Group A
- Thursday, Nov. 19 – Group B
- Friday, Nov. 20 – All students attend
On days were students are not attending school in-person, district staff will provide learning activities. This will involve a combination of live and independent activities, district leaders said.
Second-graders will start on November 30.
Webinar opportunities
SPS will host one webinar for first and second grade families. The first-grade webinar is Nov. 2 at 6:30 p.m. The second-grade webinar is Nov. 16 at 6:30 p.m.
Health checks
All families will have to complete a daily health check for students before attending school. The check must be completed 30 minutes before the start of school.
Transportation
Students who live more than a mile from school may qualify for transportation service, the district said. Masks must be worn at bus stops and health checks need to be completed before getting on the bus. During extreme cold weather, rain or snow, bus windows will be opened halfway to increase airflow.
School meals
Breakfast and lunch will be provided for students each day or students can bring food from home. Meals will be eaten in classrooms to support social distancing.
Playgrounds
Playfields and playgrounds will be closed to the public while school is in session and during day camp hours. School staff will schedule time for students to play outside in various quadrants of the playfields.
Drop-off
Parents and guardians will not be able to walk their student to their classroom. School leader ask them to drop-off area outside of the school building for pictures and good-byes.
Other resources and information