West Ada School District announced its plans to return students in middle and high school to in-person learning.
Students in 6th through 12th grade can return to the classroom upon meeting two criteria: all West Ada School District staff had the chance to get the COVID-19 vaccine and the student/staff test positivity rate is below 2% for two straight weeks.
"We know this school year has been chaotic, unusual and difficult,"the district said in a statement. "West Ada School District is extremely proud that we have been able to successfully have students in grades K-5 attend school in-person since the fall. We now look to how we can successfully get grades 6-12 back to in-person learning."
Two committees were formed for the decision, one for middle and one for high school, according to the district.
The district estimates it will be able to meet its criteria by April 9 for high school students and April 13 for middle school.
"While West Ada School District administration would like to see these grades come back sooner, we understand that the vaccine needs time to become effective," the district said in the statement. "We also realize the fourth quarter is a natural transition which will allow for this change to full-time in-person learning with the least amount of disruption. We also recognize parents and teachers alike need time to plan for this change."
The plan details Monday will remain a remote learning day and students and staff will be required to wear masks through at least the end of the current school year, according to West Ada School District. Mitigating measures will remain in place, such as hand washing and sanitizing. However, physical distancing of 6 feet "will not occur when all students are back in the building."
Teachers are also expected to "deliver fully synchronous learning" to students both in-person and those in quarantine or isolation.
The plan will be presented to the district Board of Trustees at 6 p.m. Feb. 9.
