Osseo Schools Prepare for Switch to Hybrid Learning
For the first time in nearly six months, students in the Osseo School District will be able to return to their classrooms as they switch over to hybrid learning, but the buildings won’t look quite the same as they did last spring.
“The biggest change that staff, students and families will see, particularly when we talk about the hybrid scenario, is the strict adherence to six-foot social distancing,” said David Moredock, risk management coordinator for Osseo Area Schools.
Students in Osseo Area Schools have been on a distance learning plan the past two weeks, but the district will switch over to the hybrid model Monday.
Desks will be spaced out in Osseo schools during hybrid learning.
In order to maintain social distancing, the district has reduced the number of desks in every classroom and spaced out the remaining ones. In the cafeterias, there’s a limit as to how many students can sit at each table.
Creating more space
In order to create all of that extra space, schools have had to store excess furniture in storage pods placed out in the parking lot.
Meanwhile, any visitors will have to go through a health screening before they’re allowed access to the buildings.
“COVID-19 has really required us to completely rethink and redo what school looks like,” Moredock said. “And so when we started having those conversations in June and got the direction in July, it’s been a full press with all staff to get our schools ready for what we’re waiting for on Monday with those students to return; and that’s what we’re so excited about.”
When students return, the district will also place an added emphasis on hand washing, face coverings and making sure that children and staff who are feeling ill don’t come to school.
