ASD's step-by-step return to in-person instruction starts March 3

The Auburn School District's incremental return to in-person instruction begins March 3, according to a letter ASD Superintendent Dr. Alan Spicciati recently sent to district parents.

"The day many have been waiting for after a long 11 months is finally here," Spicciati wrote in the letter.

The return begins with students in preschool through second grade on March 3, based on the Washington State Department of Health revised K-12 Schools 2020-2021 Guidance, and with stable community health rates, ASD will bring back grades 3-5 on March 15, Spicciati wrote.

"We are working on plans to bring back grades 6-12," Spicciati wrote. "We do not have a date yet for these grade levels, but we are committed to doing so. We are able to bring elementary students back because the health data is trending favorably. If the trends continue, we will be able to bring back secondary students, too."

Recognizing that parents will have a lot of questions about the elementary hybrid program and the Auburn online program, Spicciati wrote, the ASD will provide as much information as it can in three Family Town Hall meetings via Zoom the week of Feb. 22. Interested parties, however, will have to create a free Zoom account to attend the Town Hall meetings. Interpreters will be available.

The times and dates for the Family Town Hall meetings are:

7-8 p.m., Wednesday. Feb. 24;

12-1 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 25; and

8-9 a.m., Friday, Feb. 26.

"I am tremendously proud of the distance learning program we implemented during this pandemic," Spicciati wrote. "Our community pulled together in amazing ways. But as we all know, in-person instruction is so important and is critical for social, emotional and equitable learning for families that choose it. We are happy to be able to bring back students in hybrid."

Here is key information as the ASD prepares to launch hybrid at the elementary level:

By Friday, Feb. 12, the District had communicated morning, afternoon and class placements to families;

Where applicable, students in grades K-5 will be switched to their new classes in Skyward on March 2;

•About 50% of ASD students will participate in hybrid, and 50% will remain in the Auburn Online learning program; and

•The ASD is partnering with Seattle Children's Hospital for weekly staff & student testing.

The ASD is working on a plan for rapid antigen testing —test results available in 15 minutes —through a partnership with Seattle Children's Hospital. More information coming soon.

In addition to daily wellness screening, families will complete a one-time acknowledgement of the rules and expectations for students attending in hybrid.

"This is an exciting time for the Auburn School District," Spicciati wrote. "Districts around the country and around the state have successfully implemented a hybrid model. We are confident our systems will support a safe, healthy learning environment."