Start of school year delayed until Sept. 8
Bellefontaine City Schools officials announced Monday the district’s tentative plans for the opening of school for the 2020-21 school year, and are asking parents this week to select whether they would like to have their children educated through a traditional in-person school day or a remote learning option.
Beginning Tuesday, July 14, through Friday, July 17, a survey will be available for parents to make their selections on the Bellefontaine City School’s website, www.bellefontaine.k12.oh.us, through Final Forms.
For the first semester of the 2020-21 school year, parents need to select whether to have their children educated through a traditional in-person school day or they may choose the remote learning option. This plan is pending the approval of the Logan County Health District.
Last week, the district conducted an online survey of parents, and the plan for this year is based upon those survey responses, Superintendent Brad Hall said, also urging parents to be sure to make their selection this week.
“The results are clear; parents want the choice between in-person or remote learning,” he said. “To plan effectively going forward, we need to know how many students will fall into each category.
“We cannot wait any longer to get that information from parents. It is critically important for parents to complete FinalForms and tell us that information this week.”
In addition, the district announced Monday that the start of school will be delayed for students. Students will start the 2020-21 school year after Labor Day on Sept. 8. Teaching staff will still start on Monday, Aug. 17.
The delay in pupils starting school will allow preparation time for teachers and staff, Superintendent Hall explained.
“There will be a lot to accomplish in the 15 days between the teacher start date and the student start date. There will be time to review and refine building protocols, conduct professional development on remote learning, time to create lessons and utilize our remote platform, get COVID safety training, and it will also reduce the number of days to wear masks on potentially hot days.
“While the start date for students has changed, it is the intention of the district to leave the remainder of the calendar unchanged.”