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After almost a year of mostly distance learning, face-to-face learning is resuming.
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After nearly a year of mostly distance learning, students from the Youngstown and Warren schools are returning to classrooms this week.
Ohio health officials have been working to ensure teachers and staff receive COVID-19 vaccinations to meet Governor Mike DeWine’s goal of returning to class this month.
All Youngstown City School District students have the opportunity to return to face-to-face classes starting this week.
Preschool kindergarten through fifth graders return on Tuesdays and Thursdays from March 16.
Rayen Early College Middle School students will return to face-to-face classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays starting March 16, regardless of grade level.
Students in grades 6 to 12 return on Mondays and Fridays from Monday March 15.
Families still have the option to continue distance learning all day.
“After speaking with fellow school officials from across the state, I believe that if we meet all masking and social distancing requirements, we can all open our school buildings and still keep students and staff safe,” said CEO Justin Jennings .
Wednesday is reserved for the pedagogue’s office hours, professional development and thorough building cleaning.
The school district will continue to distribute food weekly on Wednesdays.
Distance learning continues for all students on days when there is no face-to-face class.
Parents or legal guardians are not allowed into the school buildings.
All Youngstown students and staff are required to wear masks. Desk signs are installed in classrooms and floors, and seating areas are marked to ensure social distance.
Warren City School District students in Hybrid Groups A and B of grades K-11 will return to a personal schedule of five days per week starting Monday March 15.
The district aligns return to school five days a week with the start of the fourth nine weeks. Currently about 2/3 of Warren’s students participate in hybrid personal learning, and about 1/3 do so through full online / distance learning.
The Warren City Schools will have an average occupancy rate of 2/3.
“While we know children are resilient, the challenges our teens have faced academically, socially and emotionally over the past year will take some time to complete,” said Superintendent Steve Chiaro.
Warren G. Harding’s seniors remain on a hybrid schedule unless Principal Dante Capers recommends an alternate schedule.
Students and adults must wear face coverings at all times unless they may be removed during a “mask break” or while actively eating or drinking. Plexiglass desk shields are available for students ‘and teachers’ tables as well as at lunchtime. Hand disinfection and disinfection stations are available in all schools.
Social distancing of 3 feet to 6 feet is observed at all times, consistent with the Ohio Department of Health’s acceptance of the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
The start times at all schools remain the same. However, the discharge times change as indicated:
- WGH discharge at 1:35 p.m. Bus departure at 1:40 p.m.
- Lincoln & McGuffey dismiss at 2:20 p.m. Bus departure at 2:25 p.m.
- Jefferson & Willard dismiss at 3:05 p.m. Bus departure at 3:10 p.m.
