Back to school in Oregon: What your district's plan looks like

The Banks School District will begin the 2020-21 school year with a comprehensive distance learning plan. Here's the latest update for parents from Superintendent Jeff Leo:

The Banks School District Staff continues to plan for our Comprehensive Distance Learning that will begin for students on September 8th.  We will be in online learning until November 13th, the end of the first quarter.  In leading up to that, we will be checking the metrics for Washington County on whether it is safe to return to on-site learning.  

Principals and staff will be reaching out to families and students well before our start date. All students will have the option to receive a district technology device. More details to come on when you will be able to pick those up. We appreciate your patience and we look forward to making this a completely different experience than in the spring. Attendance will be taken and grades will be earned by students.

Check here for the latest from the Banks School District

RELATED: Here is Oregon's guidance on the next school year

The Beaverton School District announced that classes will be fully online from the start of the school year through at least Nov. 13. The district also announced that its hybrid model - when it's safe to bring students back - will be set up for most students to be online three days a week and in-person two days a week.

The BSD Return-to-School Plan has two paths:

Continue to be enrolled with your neighborhood or option school:
The first day of school for students will be Monday, September 14. We’ll be starting the school year with Comprehensive Distance Learning (CDL). All students will be learning online from home with their regular neighborhood or option schools. We’re committing to remain in a Comprehensive Distance Learning model through November 13, 2020. We’re providing these dates so that parents can make any necessary work or child care arrangements. All daily coursework, lessons and learning tasks in grades K-12 will be delivered through Seesaw or Canvas by neighborhood or option school teachers.

When it is safe to do so, we’ll begin to bring students back to school in a Hybrid Model: two days in school and three days online from home. (English Language Newcomers and some students in specialized programs will be eligible for additional in-person instruction on Wednesdays.) The on-site experience will provide an opportunity to address the social-emotional and behavioral health of our students. Students also may receive whole group, small group or individualized instruction on site.

For students who aren’t comfortable returning to physical school buildings, they may remain 100% online with their regular school teacher.

FLEX Online School: The first day of school for FLEX Online School students will be Monday, September 14. FLEX Online School is a separate online school run by the Beaverton School District. It will be staffed by licensed BSD teachers using a curriculum specifically designed to support online learning. If students choose to attend FLEX Online School, they’ll no longer be enrolled at their neighborhood or option schools.

Get the latest from the Beaverton School District

RELATED: Beaverton parents, students upset after district takes down Black Lives Matter signs

Superintendent Dr. Paul Coakley posted an update on July 10. It doesn't appear the district has released any information since Gov. Brown's announcement on July 28. Here is part of the July 10 update. You can read the whole update here.

Dear Centennial Community,

I wanted to provide you with up to date information about our efforts to safely reopen schools in September.  You may be aware that the Oregon Department of Education released statewide guidelines for the safe reopening of schools for the 20-21 school year. We recently sent a survey to get feedback on ideas of how we can safely reopen in September. There are still many details to problem solve and today we can give you an update of what we know and what we are still working on as a district.

What we know:

We understand, from your feedback this spring, that a primary objective in developing our plan should be to maximize the number of students who can engage in face-to-face learning, while also providing flexible learning options for students. We agree wholeheartedly and share your goal to bring as many students to our school campuses each day as possible.

The state guidance focuses on three core standards that help minimize the risk of spread of the virus:

Health and safety protocols: How we clean and sanitize, how we group (cohort) students for contact tracing, entry and exit rules, etc.

Social distancing: Students must have 35 sq ft. per space to help keep a distance from peers and staff. This is an average of about 18-19 students per classroom in Centennial. We also must maintain at least a 3-foot distance between students who ride our district transportation (This is approximately 12-28 students per bus depending on bus size).

Hygiene: All schools will focus on hygiene expectations to keep everyone as safe as possible. This includes increased expectations for handwashing and sanitizing on a frequent basis. We will also require face shields/masks for staff in compliance with ODE and state requirements. In addition, per current information, we will strongly recommend masks as age-appropriate for students, unless there is a health condition or disability that may interfere with a student wearing a mask.

In order to determine the most effective Instructional Model we are reviewing best practices, considering public health guidelines, and incorporating stakeholder feedback. At this point, the state has provided three instructional models options for our return to school. 

Get the latest from the Centennial School District

The Clackamas Education Service District serves all 10 Clackamas County school districts and works with them on a regional service plan for their schools and communities.

The district has built a new Reopening Schools 2020 website "devoted to keeping track of the many moving parts around school reopening in Clackamas County," said Clackamas ESD spokesperson Shirley Skidmore. "We'll keep this site updated as our regional districts confirm more details about their reopening plans."

The website is primarily designed for CESD education partners' use in preparing their reopening plans, Skidmore said. But it also includes information on each of the 10 school districts for parents, students, staff and others. 

Get the latest updates from Clackamas Education Service District

RELATED: Estacada teacher spearheads test run of fall hybrid learning option

RELATED: An Oregon teacher's take on going back-to-school amid COVID-19

Canby School District

Canby School District Superintendent Trip Goodall posted an update for parents following Gov. Brown's July 28 announcement.

The update reads, in part:

The governor’s announcement means that we will be able to offer two learning models when we return to school in September:

• Connected At-Home Learning - This model is part of our hybrid learning model. It is a temporary, at-home learning model for students who plan to return to our schools when in-person learning is permitted. Students will be part of their school community, learning through virtual, teacher-led instruction that is supplemented by online resources that meet students at their learning levels. Live and recorded teacher-led instruction will be a part of this model.
• Canby Online Learning Academy - This model is a 100% online platform that provides self-directed curriculum through Edgenuity (6-12) or OdysseyWare (K-5). These accredited online programs are used across the country in online charter schools. Students will commit to this model for a term (trimester or semester, or as designated by your school). They will receive support from Canby teachers as they work through the curriculum at their own pace. Students will also have on-demand access to live tutors in this model. Students in the Canby Online Learning Academy remain members of their school community.

The district has made significant investments in technology to ensure all students will have a device and access to online learning platforms and resources. We will work with each household to ensure lack of internet access is not a barrier.

Support for students in the Dual Language Immersion program will be made available. The DLI Connected At-Home Learning model can be found here. The district will also provide all services for students on IEPs, those with 504 plans, TAG students, Migrant students, and English Learners. These individualized supports will be integrated into the Connected At-Home Learning model.

This is not the news we were hoping to share. We recognize the important role schools play in the lives of our students, families, and for our community. Our staff had been looking forward to solving the unique challenges we’re facing to work directly with students in our classrooms. We are hopeful that opportunity will still happen this fall. The safety and wellbeing of our students and staff is our priority. We know we can provide high-quality education to every student through the learning models we are able to provide at this time.

Get the latest updates from the Canby School District

Colton School District

The Colton School District announced on Aug. 11 that the school year would begin with remote learning. Its letter to student and families reads, in part:

Given the new state metrics for determining in-person learning for schools in Oregon, we will be starting the school year in Comprehensive Distance Learning. This is a very difficult transition for everyone. I am grateful for the community, staff, and board member participation in the community information and feedback session on the 2020-21 school year. 

At last night’s board meeting, we reviewed the operational blueprints and the metrics for Clackamas County reentry to in-person learning in schools. We do not meet the current metrics for the county or the state to safely reentry into in-person learning. However, the School Board and District Leadership team reviewed the operational blueprint models for comprehensive distance learning, in-person learning and hybrid learning and have agreed to submit them to the state. Next, these blueprints will be submitted to the local county health agency and the Oregon Department of Education (ODE). The operational blueprints are posted on the front page of our website for public review. 

The District Leadership team will be developing specific CDL schedules for each school. These schedules will be shared with you in mid to late August. You can find the CSD Distance Learning Instructional Framework on the front page of our website along with the Comprehensive Distance Learning (CDL) guidance from ODE, both will look very different from the spring of last year. The guidance from ODE is much more complex and rigorous than previous guidance. 

Get the latest updates from Colton School District #53

Estacada School District 

The Estacada School District has announced classes will be fully online throughout at least Oct. 30. The district announced its plan after a a school board special session on Aug. 5 with a letter to parents and families that reads, in part: 

Estacada School District leadership have worked throughout the summer to create a comprehensive plan that features two different learning options: a hybrid part-time on-campus model and a 100% virtual model. This plan was developed with the understanding that our district may need to transition between these two models based on restrictions and the prevalence of COVID-19 in our community.

Following Governor Brown’s announcement of new guidelines and requirements for reopening school, our district leaders consulted with public health experts throughout the state, and met with our school board in a public special session on August 5th to finalize reopening plans in the wake of these new requirements. With the information presented, our school board voted unanimously to start and host school 100% virtually through October 30th.

While our hybrid learning plan was thorough and a welcome opportunity to engage with our students in the classroom again, the metrics presented by Governor Brown indicate that with COVID-19’s current local trends, we will be unable to open in a hybrid model for at least a month after the start of school. Our district has also weighed the need to give families ample advance notice regarding school status. When taking these factors into consideration, the decision to go 100% virtual through October was the most proactive and realistic option to offer our community.

Last spring, our comprehensive distance learning made national and statewide headlines. The Estacada School District has once again built a best-in-class online learning platform, allowing students to experience school from anywhere while learning daily alongside their neighborhood friends, guided by a highly qualified teacher creating individualized instruction for your child. Our district has made significant investments to ensure that we are continuing to improve our virtual school through increased technology, staff training, increased support resources for families, and the implementation of one Learning Management Platform districtwide.

We will be reopening our school buildings for hybrid learning as soon as we are able to following October 30th. Our first priority will be to open school for our most vulnerable populations: K-3 students, and students served by our Student Services department. Based on the metrics provided, we may be able to serve these student populations prior to October 30th, and will communicate those updates in advance. Throughout September and October, we will continue to give families status updates on when we will be able to reopen our doors to students. Keeping our families supported and informed is a top priority through these difficult decisions and times.

Get the latest updates from the Estacada School District

Gladstone

The Gladstone School District will begin the school year with remote learning. The district posted a letter to parents and families on Aug. 7 that reads, in part:

Our decision to begin the school year with Comprehensive Distance Learning was reaffirmed on July 28, when Governor Kate Brown set state health metrics that define when school districts can allow the return of students to classrooms. Virtually all Oregon school districts will begin the school year with distance learning, and we expect this may continue all fall.

Thank you to all who wrote to share the challenges of distance learning. Your input has helped us create plans that meet a range of different student needs. We plan to offer families a choice of two programs this year.

GLADSTONE TEACHER-LED LEARNING is a flexible plan in which students could move between distance and hybrid learning depending on health metrics. This program uses district curriculum presented by our Gladstone teachers and real-time, personalized instruction via video conference. Students will connect with teachers and classmates daily on a regular schedule. Students in this program will also have time for independent applied learning and practice work, as well as academic and social-emotional supports. We expect that most families will choose this option.

ONLINE SCHOOL is an alternative for families who choose 100% online learning due to health concerns or scheduling needs. This year-long plan provides independent, family-guided learning using nationally accredited curriculum from an outside provider. Families have the freedom to choose their own schedule for school work and are not tied to the regular school day.

Students in both plans will receive:

• A loaned Chromebook computer
• Free meal pickup [for eligible students]
• Graded assignments
• Social-emotional support
• Academic support from district teachers

The specifics around these plans are still being developed. Principals will likely be able to provide more detail by August 14, and our plan is to enroll families in the program of their choice for each child the week of August 17.

Obviously this will not be a typical school year. However, in our small, close-knit community, we are lucky to have strong support from parents, our staff, and partner organizations. Working together, we can meet family needs and make education a positive experience for kids.

More from the Gladstone School District

Lake Oswego School District 

In an email to parents on July 29, Superintendent Dr. Lora de la Cruz said the district will go to remote online learning through the first quarter of the year, which ends on Oct. 30. Here's the full email:

Thank you for your patience as we have developed plans, with rapidly changing information. With the health and safety of our students, teachers and staff as our top priority, LOSD has reached a decision that will affect all our families. We have studied the metrics that were released by the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) and Oregon Health Authority (OHA) yesterday and have consulted with Clackamas County Public Health. Consistent with the metrics, we have made the difficult decision to remain in Fully Remote Virtual learning through the first quarter, which ends on October 30. We’re providing these dates now so that parents can make any necessary work or child care arrangements. 

Throughout the first quarter, we will monitor public health indicators and metrics to determine next steps, and will continue to keep you informed as we plan for the second quarter, which begins on November 2. Additionally, per the updated ODE and OHA guidance, when our region meets the metrics for approved exceptions, we will consider how to prioritize K-3 students and some limited on-site instruction for student groups that have been historically underserved, which may occur before November 2 if our metrics support this. 

Along with school leaders, we will be deeply involved in preparing for opening the school year in the fully remote model, and will be sharing information soon about details for such things as virtual Kindergarten information sessions and meet-and-greets for students and teachers. 

I know this news is deeply disappointing for all of us. Making this decision weighs heavy on my mind and heart, as I know that we share in the desire for students, teachers and staff to be in school. I am hopeful that COVID-19 will be contained in our community, region and state so that we can get back to school in the way we all want to be. Thank you for your continued patience and support.

The school district has created a comprehensive section on its website dedicated to school reopening updates.

Links within the sections include an FAQ, a look at what elementary schools can expect and a look at how hybrid models would work in middle and high schools. 

Get the latest updates from Lake Oswego School District

Molalla River School District

Molalla River School District Superintendent Tony Mann sent out an update for parents on Aug. 7 that reads, in part:

It has only been 10 short days since we received the health metric requirements for re-opening our physical buildings from ODE and OHA. The decision to shift from our planned hybrid learning model quickly evolved to beginning the 2020-21 school year in comprehensive distance learning model. The current rate of the COVID-19 virus does not meet the state and county specific metrics to safely reopen our buildings at this time. During the previous week, we completed parent information sessions at every grade level and heard very clearly that our families needed the school model decision in order to make plans for their students and their family. When we communicated our shift to comprehensive distance learning, we also stated that we would remain in this model through the first trimester of the school year. 

Governor Brown did provide some specific exceptions for younger learners in grades K-3 and for rural or remote school districts with fewer than 100 students. The adjusted metrics were provided with the following considerations. Younger learners get the virus at lower rates, get less sick, and spread the virus less that older students and adults. Younger students also need more in-person instruction to build literacy and match skills essential for lifelong learning 

In addition to the adjusted metrics, COVID-19 must not be actively spreading within the school community and the district must be in compliance with Sections 1-3 of the Ready Schools, Safe Learners guidance. Our goal is to have students return to our schools as soon as it is safe for us to resume in-person instruction, whether that be with hybrid learning or full in-person instruction. The district will closely monitor the weekly health metrics and will remain flexible to the consideration of returning our K-3 learners to the classroom under the exception metrics. 

Get the latest updates from Molalla River School District

North Clackamas School District

Superintendent Matt Utterback sent the following update to North Clackamas School District parents on July 28, saying in-person classes will not be available until at least early November:

Dear NCSD Families/Guardians:

We would like to update you on the instructional models for the fall. North Clackamas Schools (NCSD) knows it is imperative for your family to have as much detail as possible to make an informed decision.

Given the Governor’s announcement today regarding the safe opening of schools, we know that it will be quite some time before we can return to in-person instruction. This solidifies our decision to start the 2020-2021 school year with the following two educational options:

• Comprehensive Distance Learning (CDL)
• NCSD Virtual Online Program 

The hybrid (in-person & online) option will not be available until Clackamas County can meet the new state reopening guidelines and metrics. Therefore, NCSD is committed to two on-line instructional models at least through the first part of November, allowing for a continuous grading period before any adjustments are considered.

Option #1 - Comprehensive Distance Learning (CDL): 

Key Features:

• All participating students will be engaged in interactive instruction which will  include live video, virtual and/or written instruction using NCSD teachers and courses. 
• CDL is rooted in strong instructional practices, effective teacher-student contact time, meaningful peer-to-peer interaction, equitable learning opportunities, and a consistent schedule. 
• Attendance is required, grades are given, and homework is assigned depending on grade level. 
• Instruction and accommodations for IEP, ELD, 504, and TAG will be provided.
• Students are provided with a laptop and Internet hotspots, if needed. 

Answers to commonly asked questions about the CDL model are found on NCSD’s website.

Option #2 - NCSD Virtual Online Program: 

Key Features:

• This is a one-year temporary program requiring families to commit to a full year of online education. 
• Students in this program access a fully online curriculum with regular virtual face-to-face support from NCSD teachers and support staff.
• Students will access the online curriculum through Edgenuity and/or Odysseyware. While not NCSD courses, both systems feature courses that are standards-aligned and include learning objectives, lessons, projects, and assessments. 
• High school courses meet NCSD’s graduation requirements. 
• Similar to a typical classroom, attendance is required, lessons are comprehensive, grades are given, and homework is assigned depending on the course and grade level.
• Instruction and accommodations for IEP, ELD, 504, and TAG will be provided.
• Students are provided with a laptop and Internet hotspots, if needed. 

Answers to commonly asked questions about the NCSD Virtual Online Option, including the reason for the limited 550 student enrollment, are found on NCSD’s website.

Get the latest updates from North Clackamas School District

Oregon City School District

The Oregon City School District announced on July 29 that classes will be virtual in fall and that the transition to a hybrid model wouldn't happen until at least Nov. 11.

In a letter sent to parents, Superintendent Larry Didway said, in part:

This decision was difficult and heart wrenching. We all agree: kids need to be in school. There is no adequate replacement for in-person learning that can better support student growth, development and overall wellness.

It is a devastating reality. However, the schools must ensure a safe environment for students, staff, families and the community.

The district will stay with Comprehensive Distance Learning model through Nov. 11, the end of the first grading period. If the state and region meet new health standards by then, the district will consider transitioning to some in-person instruction.

Get the latest updates from the Oregon City School District

Oregon Trail School District

The Oregon Trail School District posted an update on Aug. 7 confirming the 2020-21 school year will begin with remote learning. The update reads, in part:

We know you have a lot of questions about the fall Comprehensive Distance Learning program, and we want to provide adequate information to help you make the right choice for your child. We will continue to update you as we have more information available. 

Virtual Education

Virtual classes at every grade level, K-12, will be facilitated by our teachers and may be synchronous or asynchronous. Synchronous instruction, via live-streamed sessions, occurs during regular school hours. Asynchronous instruction, via recorded sessions, occurs at a time convenient for your family. 

Teachers will use our full curriculum, students will submit work and receive grades, and attendance will be monitored. The virtual program will transition to the hybrid model once we are able to bring students back into our school buildings.

Online Instruction

Online instruction will be provided by Schools PLP for grades K-5, and Edgenuity for grades 6-12. We have used Edgenuity at the secondary level for several years, and both Edgenuity and Schools PLP have a history of successfully partnering with schools. 

The online instruction is all asynchronous, via recorded sessions. Students who participate in online instruction would not transition to the hybrid model once schools reopen but would continue with the online curriculum for the full 2020-2021 school year. 

Instruction for students on an IEP or 504

We want to assure families and students that when school starts, they will receive communication from their case managers regarding their services, depending on the education option selected. Students will receive IEP and 504 support from their case manager, even with the Online Instruction program. There will be interactive Google Meet options for students as appropriate, according to needs outlined in IEP’s and 504s. We will also have a real-time virtual option for related services such as speech and occupational therapy. You will hear from your student’s case manager during the first week of school to go over their plan for the fall. 

Technology support

We will work with families to support their technology and internet connectivity needs for Virtual Education or Online Instruction. Chromebooks and WiFi hotspots will be available for checkout, and drive-in hotspots are open at several of our school parking lots. 

School/class supplies

Supply lists will, of course, be different this year, reflecting distance learning needs. We will post and email the lists to you by the end of August. 

Online enrollment process

Online enrollment for the 2020-2021 school year will open on August 11. During enrollment, you will have the option to choose Virtual Education or Online Instruction for your child. There is no cap on either program, so please select the program you believe will best fit your child’s needs. 

Get the latest updates from Oregon Trail School District #46

West Linn/Wilsonville School District

The West Linn/Wilsonville School District announced on Aug. 13 that the 2020-21 school year would begin with distance learning, and that it would begin on Sept. 8. A ltter to families from Superintendent Kathy Ludwig reads, in part:

Based on my recommendation, the West Linn-Wilsonville School Board adopted an adjusted calendar for the coming 2020-21 school year during their Board Retreat last night. The calendar changes move the first day of school to September 8 and the last day of school to June 17. The number of instructional days remain unchanged by these calendar adjustments.

We realize how important this information is for families as you begin to plan for the start of the school year, which is why we wanted to provide it to families as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience as we continue to prepare for September 8.

What prompted the change in start date?

Please know that many factors went into making this decision. As the COVID-19 landscape continued to shift and our district began to finalize plans for the start of the year, it became apparent that our administration and staff needed additional time to ensure a successful launch to Comprehensive Distance Learning. Additionally, we had more than 1,600 students enroll in the WLWV K12 Online Program, which surpassed our expectations. While we are happy to offer this opportunity for our students, it requires significant strategic staffing changes and schedule shifts as we plan for both the Online Program and the Comprehensive Distance Learning (CDL)/Hybrid Model.

The extra week before the start of school will allow our district administrators, school leaders, teachers, and district staff to prepare for a successful start to the year. It also allows us to plan the first week of school, which will be used to integrate students and families into both the WLWV K12 Online Program and CDL/Hybrid as well as learn the new digital curriculum tools that will be used this school year.

Calendar changes include:

• Comprehensive Distance Learning will now occur through November 6, which is the last day of Quarter 1
• September 8 — First Day of School
• November 6 — Last Day of Quarter 1
• November 9 – Grading Day (no school for secondary students)
• February 4 — Last Day of Quarter 2
• February 5 – Grading Day (no school for secondary students)
• April 15 — Last Day of Quarter 3
• April 16 – Grading Day (no school for secondary students)
• November 2, February 1 and April 12 – Formerly grading days, will return as school days for secondary students
• June 17 — Last Day of School
• October 9 – Will be a school day (No Statewide In-service Day)
• No Professional Growth, Early Release Wednesdays
• Thanksgiving Break is unchanged for students
• Winter Break is unchanged for students
• Spring Break is unchanged for students

Families can view the updated calendars for the primary, middle, and high level at the district website.

Cohort Scheduling

Our school teams are hard at work this week getting cohorts and schedules created for students. Please know that we will provide this information to our students and families as soon as we have finalized cohorts and schedules for the coming school year.

Thank you again for your patience and understanding. We look forward to welcoming students back to school virtually on September 8.

Click for more information on the CDL model here and for the latest updates here

On July 1, the Corbett School District said it was hoping to reopen schools in September. It doesn't appear any information has been released since Gov. Brown's July 28 announcement. Below is the July 1 update:

As we get closer to the school year, we wanted to provide you with up to date information about our efforts to safely reopen schools in September. You may be aware that the Oregon Department of Education released statewide guidelines for the safe reopening of schools for the 20-21 school year. We recently sent a survey to our families to get feedback on ideas of how we can safely reopen in September. There are still many details to problem solve and today we can give you an update of what we know and what we are still working on as a district.

Please click here for full Corbett School District reopening information.

Click here for the latest updates from the Corbett School District

The David Douglas School District announced on Aug. 14 that it would be extending its online-only learning plan through Jan. 4:

To our David Douglas Community:

The David Douglas School Board last night approved our Comprehensive Distance Learning (CDL) Plan, and it will be submitted to the State of Oregon next week. To provide stability, planning and consistent expectation for families, the Board also voted to extend our CDL instruction model to January 4, 2021, barring an unforeseen change in the course of the COVID-19 virus that would make an earlier in-person opening possible.

Under state health metrics, the David Douglas School District is required to open for the 2020-21 school year next month under CDL, which mandates rigorous, real-time online instruction between teachers and students.

Please anticipate that your student(s) will attend school online through CDL until at least Jan. 4, 2021.

But please also be assured that your student(s) will be supported throughout CDL by our teachers, counselors, building administrators and all of our school staff. Every student will have their own computer device, have their own classroom teacher(s), have daily virtual interaction with their classmates, and have access to other supplies and materials needed.

Students and families will continue to be supported academically, socially, emotionally and nutritionally. Under CDL, students will be graded; attendance will be taken; participation will be expected; and great care will be given.

We know that these are extraordinarily difficult times for everyone, and especially for our disproportionately affected Black, Indigenous and people of color. We are committed to centering this process on equity, so that every single student in David Douglas has the opportunity to Learn, Grow and Thrive, even if we are doing so apart.

We hear you. This week, we have held two virtual family meetings to listen to the concerns of more than 600 of you. In the coming days and weeks, the District and each of our schools will continue to host these virtual meetings to get your input and questions.

For the sake of parents, students and educators, we must begin this extraordinary year differently. The normal start date of school would be Sept. 8. But rather than jumping right into class, for the first few weeks our educators will be getting to know our CDL plan, their new curriculum, and most importantly their students and families. There will be a lot of communication with you and your student(s) before the first formal classes begin in mid-September.

Additional details about the year-opening calendar, curriculum, computer devices, meals, daily schedules, your student’s teacher, and more will be coming soon. We will be communicating that information and more at least weekly.

A graphically detailed guidance document that describes and defines CDL can be seen here.

Get the latest from the David Douglas School District

The Forest Grove School District sent an update to parents on Aug. 13 that reads, in part:

We are working (some may say racing) towards the beginning of a new school year. We are now a little over four weeks away from the first day of school (September 14, 2020). As we have been communicating, school will begin in our Comprehensive Distance Learning (CDL) model. This decision was made in accordance with the Governor’s new School Health and Safety Metrics. 

With this decision to start school in CDL, we know that there are still many questions that need to be answered. At Monday's School Board meeting, district principals shared with the board a snapshot of what a typical school day might look like for students in CDL. You can view a recording of that meeting, as well as a copy of the slides that were used for the presentation, by visiting the district website. You can also view graphics depicting potential, school level student schedules. Please be aware that these schedules are meant to give you an idea of what a day may look like. As our teachers and other staff begin to return to work, these schedules will evolve. The final building and class schedules will be communicated to you through your individual schools and teachers. 

When the time comes that our county is able to meet the Governor’s required metrics, and our district is allowed to return to a Hybrid Model, we will do so in a measured way. There will be a transition period to allow parents and staff to make arrangements for a return to in-person instruction. We are looking forward to the time when we can work with our students again in-person. 

We have received information from the Oregon Department of Education that meal availability throughout CDL will return to the way meals were served prior to the pandemic. That is to say that for those who qualify for “Free & Reduced Lunch” will continue to qualify and for those who purchased meals will continue to have that availability. All meals will be served at the individual buildings. More information will be provided as these schedules are finalized. The Federal Government is still discussing the possibility of additional funding that would allow all students to receive free meals -- as it was in the Spring. 

On Monday, we were able to offer surplus desks/chairs/tables for many district families free of charge. We are working to see if we are able to offer additional resources. We know that there is still a need for these types of materials to help structure CDL in your homes. If we are able to offer additional materials we will communicate that through these weekly updates and on the district website.  

As we all continue to deal with the stresses of these unprecedented times, I hope that we can remain safe and healthy and hopeful for a good school year. 

Check here for the latest from the Forest Grove School District

The Gresham-Barlow School District announced even before Gov. Brown's metrics were released on July 28 that the first day of school was moved from Sept. 8 to Sept. 14, and that classes would be online only through at least mid-October.

A letter to families on July 24 reads, in part:

Over the last several weeks the Gresham-Barlow School District held three online information sessions for GBSD Families. The webinars provided information about the District’s draft Return to Learn Plan for Fall 2020. Participants asked questions and shared feedback. Many thanks to the families who attended and participated in the webinars!

If you were not able to attend a webinar, the July 23 6:30 pm webinar is available to watch online. The webinar is in English and Spanish.

The school district is developing a “Frequently Asked Questions” list for families based on questions submitted during the webinar. Feedback submitted will be also be used to inform future communications. The District will email the FAQ to families when it’s completed.

Important changes to the 2020-2021 school year calendar

First Day of Instruction moved from September 8 to September 14:

Due to health and safety, technology, curriculum and instruction professional learning needs, the district will move the first day of instruction for students from September 8 to September 14.

Online instruction only from September 14-through mid-October

Because of current Oregon Health Authority and Governor Brown’s guidelines for Phase 1, instruction will be completely on-line at least through mid-October. At that point, the District will determine whether in-person instruction can begin based on guidance established by the Oregon Department of Education and the Oregon Health Authority.

GBSD Draft Return to Learn Plan

The District is in the process of finalizing its Return to Learn Plan for Fall 2020. After you have reviewed the draft plan, you are invited to share your feedback through our online survey.

Get the latest updates from the Gresham-Barlow School District

The Hillsboro School District announced on July 28 that the first day of school was changed from Sept. 8 to Sept. 14, and that classes would be online only through at least Nov. 5, in accordance with Gov. Brown's new metrics for reopening.

Thank you for your patience as we continue to develop our return-to-school plan. With the health and safety of our students and staff as our top priority, the Hillsboro School District has reached some decisions that will affect all of our families. These decisions are aligned with the guidance that was released today by Governor Brown, Oregon Department of Education, and the Oregon Health Authority regarding new health metrics and standards for opening schools. The cases of coronavirus across our country and state continue to escalate and we will not be able to return to in-person learning in the fall. We understand that while we are addressing the global pandemic, additional needs of our community have been highlighted, especially those related to racialized disparities; we will continue to anchor back to our equity policy to guide our decision making.

We will begin the K-12 school year in Comprehensive Distance Learning on Monday, September 14, therefore, students will not be on campus, but will be learning virtually at least through the first quarter (November 5).   

We will be publishing an updated District calendar in the coming weeks. Based on guidance from the Oregon Department of Education and Oregon Health Authority in addition to the latest health data, we will then decide when and if students can return to school in a Hybrid Model. We’ll be paying particular attention to what phase of recovery Washington County is in and the trajectory of positive COVID-19 cases.

Get the latest updates from the Hillsboro School District

The Parkrose School District posted on July 29 that it would begin the 2020-21 school year with distance learning, which would last through at least Nov. 6. The district also said school would start on Sept. 14.

A letter from Superintendent Michael Lopes Serrao reads, in part:

I am writing to let our community know that after reviewing the reopening criteria released by Governor Brown yesterday, we have made the difficult decision to start our school year online. The criteria provides requirements based on the rate of COVID-19 cases per day and week. Our state and county have not met this criteria for the past three weeks, and the current trend is very concerning for the health and safety of our students and staff. Therefore, Parkrose will begin the 2020-21 school year with Comprehensive Distance Learning beginning Monday, September 14th and will stay in Comprehensive Distance Learning until at least November 6th, the end of the first quarter. Our district team will continue to prepare for the 20-21 school year and ensure that Comprehensive Distance Learning will be beneficial to our students.

We really would like to have our students and staff back together in person but at this time in our state the infection rates for COVID-19 are increasing. Our core responsibility is to educate, but we must prioritize the overall safety and health of our students, our families, and our staff. We know this decision places a significant burden on families and we are determined to work with you to make online learning a success.

We will regularly assess the case metrics provided by the Health Authority to consider when it’s safe to start bringing students back into our schools. We will continue to communicate with you so you are aware of when we can possibly shift to at least a hybrid model of in-person instruction. We want to assure you that distance learning will look different than the spring. We have been preparing for a more robust online curriculum and support for staff and students. While there is a steep learning curve, we are committed to making this a positive school experience. Our schools will have specific schedules to serve students but also provide flexibility for families and students.

We will spend the week of Sept. 8th-11th helping our teachers prepare for distance learning and reaching out to families to ensure each student in Parkrose has the equipment and internet to participate in online school. The first official day of classes for students K-12 will be September 14th. The 14th is when we will officially start and begin taking attendance for distance learning.

We will seek your input to help create programming that supports students online and helps prepare them for future face to face instruction. Our culturally specific partnerships will play a vital role in supporting students and families as we navigate learning through this unprecedented time. We will push to innovate and communicate so we are continuously improving our teaching and learning.

We will regularly publish information so you’re aware of what the beginning of school will look like. Principals will provide scheduling and educational programming information in the coming weeks. This will include school based listening sessions to hear your concerns and needs as we begin the school year, and we will share our work to look at childcare and ways to more effectively connect students with our staff in Parkrose.

Please check your email for updates and/or follow us on social media @parkrose on Twitter, Instagram or @parkroseschools on Facebook. This will include our school board meeting time and dates where we will continue to discuss the details of our reopening plans.

We are committed to providing a positive distance learning experience for students, and we will do our best to work with you and our partners to learn, grow and create as we navigate this public health crisis together.

Get the latest updates from the Parkrose School District

After reviewing the COVID-19 guidance on returning to school that Gov. Kate Brown and Oregon health officials announced on July 28, Portland Public Schools (PPS) decided the 2020-21 fall semester will consist of only online classes, through at least Nov. 5.

Superintendent Guadalupe Guerrero said it's still possible the fully online system will extend into the second semester if COVID-19 metrics don't improve. He said if that is going to happen, PPS staff and families will know by Oct. 10.

On Aug. 21, PPS released its plan and a snapshot of the scheduling for a "soft start" to the fall term, meaning the first two weeks will focus on getting students accustomed to Comprehensive Distance Learning. Here's the letter to parents:

Dear PPS Families,

We want to share more information about the first two weeks of the school year and remind you that they will focus on connection, orientation and social-emotional support. You can find schedules for our 2020-21 “soft start,” which starts on Wednesday, September 2, by clicking here.

The purpose of the “soft start” schedules is to provide teachers, parents, families and students with an opportunity to develop relationships, become more familiar with distance learning platforms and tools, and build a positive virtual classroom culture. To give students a chance to develop a daily rhythm, a social-emotional learning activity will be included and attendance will be taken each day.

As we start the school year with Comprehensive Distance Learning until at least November 5, you may see terminology that is unfamiliar to you. For clarification about the difference between synchronous and asynchronous instruction, please click here for an explanation and helpful examples.

We expect to have daily schedules for the entire first quarter, by grade level, available to families next week. Please go to pps.net/fall2020 for the latest updates on the opening of the school year and answers to frequently asked questions.

In the meantime, we hope you stay healthy and enjoy the last days of summer break.

For more information about PPS plans for the fall semester, visit its website

After Gov. Brown's announcement on July 28, the Reynolds School District announced it would start the school year with online learning. Here is the July 28 update on the district's website:

With this new information, Reynolds School District will be starting the 2020-21 School Year in a Comprehensive Distance Learning model and will only be able to review moving to any type of in-person model once the metrics are met by the state and county.  We are committed to ensuring that our students, families, and staff have the resources they need to start the new school year with remote learning including the technology, internet access, supplies, meals, teaching instruction, training, communication, etc.  Please look for more information coming soon. 

We are still waiting for results from the staff survey and look forward to publishing those results next week.  Using the survey results from families and staff along with new state guidance, we will also be releasing our finished Operational Blueprints for Reentry for each of our schools on August 14 which will include models for our Comprehensive Distance Learning which we will start and Hybrid Learning (some students learning at school while some students are learning at home) which we will move to once all metrics are met.  I would like to thank you for your patience and understanding as we gather input from our families and staff to learn how to best support our students in the fall and use that input to guide our plans.   

We know this is a difficult time for our families.  Together, we can fight COVID-19 by being vigilant in wearing face coverings, limiting our contact with other people, washing our hands, and staying home when ill.  By following these important guidelines, I know that I will once again be able to reopen our schools and welcome our students back into our buildings.  

We will continue to send regular updates to keep you informed, and we are always available for questions and comments as we navigate this new path together.  

Together… “We are Reynolds!”

Respectfully,

Dr. Danna Diaz, Superintendent of Schools

Get the latest from the Reynolds School District

Riverdale School District announced on July 31 that school would begin with online-only classes. The district posted an update that reads, in part:

With Governor Brown's recent announcement, we now know we will be in a Comprehensive Distance Learning, or 100% online learning format, for the opening of school. I acknowledge the wide range of emotions and the impact this presents on all of us, especially our students. We will need to lean on the metrics developed by Oregon public health officials to guide school boards and school officials on reopening plans. Click here for more information on Gov. Brown’s announcement. 

Comprehensive Distance Learning at Riverdale this fall will include synchronous learning and scheduled classes. Our teachers will take attendance, assess learning on our typical grading scales and connect virtually with our students to foster and build relationships.

Get the latest updates from the Riverdale School District 

Sherwood School District Superintendent Heather Cordie announced on July 28 that schools would be starting the 2020-21 school year with at least nine weeks of Comprehensive Distance Learning, based on Gov. Brown's COVID-19 metrics.

Her letter to families reads, in part:

As you likely know, COVID-19 cases continue to rise in Oregon. Since closing our schools in March, it has been our greatest hope to bring students and staff back together in our buildings. The health and safety of our students and staff are of the utmost importance, and we have carefully attended to state guidance, every step of the way.

Earlier today, Governor Kate Brown, OHA and ODE released data-based metrics to clarify the ability for school districts to safely return to face-to-face instruction. This information has significant implications for our district, as well as districts throughout Oregon. Currently, case rates exceed the limits set forth by the governor for in-person instruction, and although there are separate, more lenient metrics for allowing K-3 instruction, case rates do not meet those metrics either.  

Given these new requirements, the Sherwood School District will commence the 2020-21 school year by implementing a Comprehensive Distance Learning (CDL) program for all students grades K-12.  While we anticipate this model could be in place for at least the first nine weeks of the term, as we are seeing in the plans of our neighboring districts, we will continue to monitor reopening metrics to determine when students can safely return to our buildings. This will include close monitoring of Washington County case rates and their impact on the exception for grades K-3. 

We know from stakeholder feedback that some families have concerns about the effectiveness of distance learning, based on their experiences this past spring. Since closing our schools in March of this year, our staff have worked diligently to adapt to the realities of providing education to our students during a global pandemic. Moving rapidly into a distance learning environment last spring posed significant challenges, as we had little time to prepare and even less time to provide much needed professional development for staff.

Click to read the full statement or click here for the latest updates

The Tigard-Tualatin School District announced July 28 that its schools will start the 2020-21 school year online with nine weeks of comprehensive distance learning: 

This announcement follows Governor Kate Brown’s guidance released today in partnership with the Oregon Department of Education and the Oregon Health Authority. Superintendent Dr. Sue Rieke-Smith identified the guiding factors leading to this decision to include the continued spread of COVID-19 specifically in the metropolitan area; the mandated health and safety measures that must be in place to open buildings and serve all students; and the disruption to learning that will be caused by mandatory 14-day quarantining of students and staff and the shutting down of classrooms and buildings when positive cases are reported. 

“As educators, we are painfully aware of the importance of in-person instruction and relationship building, and all of us cannot wait for the day when we can welcome our students back into our buildings,” said Superintendent Rieke-Smith. “This decision was made by weighing evidence-based data from our county and state health officials alongside my obligation to protect the safety and well-being of each of all of our students, teachers, and staff. Making this decision now allows our staff time to focus on creating a robust online learning experience that will thoughtfully meet the needs of every TTSD student.” 

Per the district’s newly amended school year calendar, TTSD’s first day for students will be Monday, September 14, 2020. Online instruction will continue for the first nine weeks of the school year.  Planning will continue to ready the district to safely transition back into buildings and for hybrid in-person instruction. That timeline will be informed by local and state public health conditions as reported in the Governor’s health metrics and the phased recovery of Washington County. 

TTSD is currently hosting community presentations to engage students and families in the planning to-date for the “Operational Blueprint to Reentry” plan as directed by “Ready Schools Safe Learners” (RSSL) guidance from the Oregon Department of Education and the Oregon Health Authority. Parents, guardians, and students are highly encouraged to participate in this process as their feedback is helping inform this planning. Presentations specific to grades, schools, languages, and special needs will be hosted over the next several weeks. A calendar of upcoming virtual community and family meetings, along with presentations and important return-to-school resources are available on the district’s website. 

TTSD will finalize planning over the next two weeks and present the completed Blueprint to the School Board on August 10th. The full plan and details specific to elementary, middle, and high school will be sent to district families the week of August 10. All Oregon districts must file their Health and Safety plans with their county health departments and the “Blueprint to Reentry” with ODE by August 15, 2020. The district’s finalized plan will be posted and available to the public on the district website. 

The district also live streamed on Aug. 12 this YouTube demonstration of what a remote learning plan looks like.

Get the latest updates from the Tigard-Tualatin School District

School district officials: If your district is not on the list, or the information here needs to be updated, please let us know by sending us the updated info right here.

WATCH: KGW's Back to school playlist on YouTube