HILLSDALE — The Hillsdale Local School District will reopen on a hybrid schedule, in which students attend in-person classes two days a week and complete online work three days a week.
This approach is known as “Plan B,” one of the four tiers of the district’s full plan.
“Think of these 4 tiers as being on a sliding scale,” superintendent Steve Dickerson wrote in the plan. “We could move from one to another throughout the year, depending on the circumstances surrounding COVID-19 as it relates to Hillsdale Schools and Ashland County.”
Dickerson also stated the plan is subject to adjustments based on further guidance from local, state and federal officials. All updates will be posted online at http://www.hillsdale.k12.oh.us/district/covid-19 and shared with families and employees.
We’ve broken down the basics of Hillsdale’s plan below. The full plan is available here.
When is the first day of school?
The Hillsdale Local School District will resume classes on a blended learning schedule.
Students will be divided into two groups — “gold days” students and “blue days” students.
The first day of school will be Sept. 8 for gold days students and Sept. 10 for blue days students.
Students whose last names begin with the letters A-K (gold days students) will receive in-person instruction on Mondays and Tuesdays and remote learning on Wednesdays through Fridays. Students whose last name begins with letters L-Z (blue days students) will receive in-person instruction on Thursdays and Fridays and remote learning Mondays through Wednesdays.
What will students do on days when they aren’t in school?
Students will complete online assignments and activities on Google Classroom. Every grade level will have a collective Google website where important due dates, newsletters and information will be posted. Students are expected to check their Google Classroom and email daily for new assignments and messages.Teachers are encouraged to provide one to two instructional videos weekly.
All K-8 teachers will use the class Dojo app to communicate with parents. High school teachers will communicate through the Remind app.
What if my home doesn’t have reliable internet access?
The district is working on a Learning Center program for students in grades K through 6. These students will be able to come to the Hillsdale High School gymnasium on their opposite remote learning days for structured study time with activity breaks, breakfast and lunch.
Parents of students in grades 7 through 12 should contact the district for assistance.
Does my student have to wear a mask?
Per Gov. DeWine’s order, all students will be required to wear masks on the bus and in the school building. Mask breaks will be provided.
The district will be providing two masks for every student. A limited number of face shields will be available for those who can’t wear masks.
Is there an online-only option?
Yes. The district is offering Hillsdale Local Schools’ Virtual Classroom as a completely virtual, self-paced alternative.
The program follows a curriculum that meets Ohio Learning Standards, but is different from the one used in face-to-face or blended learning options. All courses, units and assignments will be assigned and monitored by Hillsdale teachers and can be customized for students on an IEP or 504 plan. Teachers will be available to answer questions.
Parents will be required to do a weekly check-in with their child’s teacher to discuss progress and potential concerns.
The district highly recommends a learning support person to assist students in grades K through 4.
Students in the Virtual Classroom program may participate in all extracurricular activities throughout the year, including sports.
What will the schedule be for online-only students?
Courses and assignments will be scheduled around the district’s amended, board-approved school calendar. Students who choose the online option are strongly encouraged to commit to a semester.
When is the registration deadline for the online program?
August 28. Registration can be completed on the district website.
What happens if Gov. DeWine recommends or orders schools go back to remote learning?
If Gov. DeWine recommends that schools move to remote learning, the district will evaluate the situation as it specifically relates to Hillsdale School’s status, while staying in direct communication with local authorities, and decide what to do.
If Gov. DeWine or the state government orders schools to move to remote learning, Hillsdale Schools will comply with those orders and adopt the remote-only “Plan D” of its reopening plan.
What about sports?
Click here to read the district’s Fall Fan Guidelines.
Is my child eligible for meal delivery?
The district will deliver meals for students on Wednesdays this fall. Those participating in the district’s Virtual Classroom online option are also eligible for deliveries.
Unlike this summer, students who are not eligible for free or reduced lunches will be charged for the meal. All families are asked to fill out a free and reduced lunch application, regardless of need.
In order to receive meal deliveries, families must fill out the online request form by Aug. 28.
Families are asked to place a cooler outside for the meals and not have in-person interaction with the delivery person.
What will the bus riding policy be?
Students will be required to sit in assigned seats, with one student per seat, except in the case of siblings. Siblings will be seated together. Students will be required to wear masks on the bus. Windows will be opened for ventilation, weather-permitting.
Students will be allowed only one pick up and one drop off location.
Where can I check for further updates?
Hillsdale posts all COVID-related updates to the COVID-19 page on its website.
