Returning to School

2020-2021

In an effort to provide information to parents and staff about returning to campus for the 2020-2021 school year, we have the most up-to-date information on this site. Information here is subject to change as we continue to work with the Healthy at School Guidelines provided by the Department of Public Health which includes the Lincoln Trail District Health Department.

Please read all the information below on the TWO options, so you can make the best decision for your child.

OPTION 1:

Students enrolled in HCS traditional school will return to campus and classrooms on a regular schedule with in-person teachers. Health and safety procedures will be enhanced and meet Kentucky's Healthy at School Guidelines.


Hardin County Schools believes the best place for our students is in the school building. We are taking the following measures to ensure students are safe at school.

Health and Safety Actions on Campus

  • Symptom screening for all staff and students to include daily temperature checks

  • Students with symptoms will be isolated under adult supervision and parents will be contacted

  • Social distancing in common areas with signs and floors marked for safe distance

  • Hand sanitizing stations placed throughout the schools

  • Students in 1st-12th grade will be required to wear masks during transitions and in classrooms when appropriate social distancing is not possible. Masks will be provided for those who do not bring their own. For more details see Healthy at School document below or FAQs

  • Increase cleaning protocols in all areas of the school

  • Increase frequency of handwashing

  • Limit group gatherings

Transportation

  • Parents will ensure student is fever free before getting on the bus

  • Use of masks on buses where social distancing cannot be accommodated for 1st-12th grade students

  • Hand sanitizer will be available on buses

  • Buses will be sanitized between routes

  • Household members will be encouraged to sit together

OPTION 2:

Students enrolled in HCS Online Learning Academy will receive daily instruction and interaction from a teacher on a set schedule virtually.

This option should not be confused with the Non-Traditional Instruction (NTI) provided during the emergency school closures of Spring 2020. NTI will be used for short-term closures such as snow days or restrictions related to public health guidelines. Additionally, paper packets will not be a part of the Online Learning Academy.

This school is designed for families who do not feel it is in the best interest of their child's health to return to the school building. To ensure that HCS Online Learning Academy is commensurate with traditional learning, please know that the level of expectation and accountability will resemble that of the traditional classroom. Our goal is to provide equitable instruction to students at home and in school.

Expectations for the Online Learning Academy

  • High quality internet (consider if you were able to stream videos and Google Meets consistently during NTI, then your internet should work for online school)

  • Students will be enrolled in the Online Learning Academy for the entire quarter or trimester

  • Use of a reliable device, like Chromebook, laptop or desktop computer. Cell phones will not allow students to complete the level of work needed for this learning choice.

  • Daily attendance in online classes following a set schedule

  • Daily participation in assignments from classes on your schedule

  • Consistent communication and feedback between teacher, student, and parents

  • Note that teachers will be district wide teachers and the student’s teacher will not necessarily be from their districted school.

Extracurricular Activities

  • Students may participate in after school activities if they meet eligibility requirements

Support for Families

  • Partnership between parents and teachers will be key to student success in the Online Learning Academy

  • Tips and strategies to support students learning off campus

  • Support from teachers to meet student needs during set school hours

  • Parent training on tools to be frequently used by students

  • Meals are still provided at regular cost or free/reduced cost to families but must be picked up at school

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Healthy at School document from Ky Dept of Public Health

Link to Healthy at Schools document from Ky Dept of Public Health


FAQ

Reopening of athletics