Denver Public Schools announced Thursday that the next academic year is expected to begin on time in August, but likely will consist of a mix of in-person and remote learning in an effort to maintain social distancing and prioritize health and safety.
In a letter to the DPS community, Superintendent Susana Cordova said school will continue to operate differently amid the global coronavirus pandemic, although details haven’t been nailed down just yet.
“Our overriding priority remains the health and well-being of our students and staff,” Cordova wrote. “We remain committed to following the guidance of health experts in developing our plans.”
In March, DPS along with school districts across the state, country and world shuttered their buildings and began transitioning to remote learning in a bid to stop the spread of the highly contagious novel coronavirus. The unprecedented move disrupted classrooms and hit vulnerable students such as those lacking internet access hardest.
Cordova said more detailed plans would come together in meetings involving principals, teachers, union leaders and central support teams, informed by surveys sent to parents and students. Families can keep an eye out for surveys sent through school emails and text messages next week.
“We are looking at a variety of options, including different scheduling plans, so that we can adhere to the health requirements of social distancing, along with other requirements for health screenings, cleaning of facilities, school buses and using masks,” Cordova wrote. “We are so looking forward to having students back in our buildings in a few months, although still with some adjustments.”
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