The Kyrene School District made a big announcement Tuesday night.
"Come Fall we're going to have 26 Kyrene schools instead of 25," said Erin Helm, director of communications and marketing for the Kyrene School District.
The K-8 district, which serves about 16,500 students in the Chandler, Tempe and Phoenix areas, is rolling out the "Kyrene Digital Academy." It is a full-time remote learning option for families across the state who may not be ready to send their kids back to class.
"It's live instruction, from Kyrene teachers five days a week, using Kyrene curriculum," said Helm.
There is also a flex option, which combines remote and in-person instruction.
Students who return to campus can expect preventive measures like:
- Daily temperature checks at home or as needed at school
- Cohorting, to prevent classes and large groups from mixing.
-Virtual student clubs and a delayed start to Fall athletics.
-No large school events, field trips or assemblies through at least October 31.
Changes to start and end times, along with school calendar adjustments will go up for a vote at the end of June.
"Our priority is health and safety but recognizing that we can't just close down schools forever and keep everyone at home," said Helm.
Kyrene was not the only district discussing reopening plans Tuesday.
In Phoenix's Madison School District, governing board members reviewed nearly 70 pages of updates.
"The schools and classrooms we left in April, will not be the same schools and classrooms we return to in August," said District Superintendent Dr. Kenneth Baca.
Intensified cleaning and disinfecting practices are already in effect. Protective glass has been installed in front offices and classroom designs that help with physical distancing are in the works.
Students who return to campus can also expect:
-Daily temperature checks, if supply can meet demand
-Masks may be required for short periods of time, like riding the school bus or passing periods
-Isolation areas will be set up for students and staff who get sick.
The Madison School District will be further discussing these reopening plans with the community during a virtual town hall Wednesday, June 10 at 6:00pm.
You can access the livestream for that event here.
Both districts, warning that these updates are not final, and they are subject to change at any time.
Click here to see Madison's full reopening update.
Click here to see Kyrene's full reopening update.
