Responsible Restart South-Western 2020 Plan

On July 13, Dr. Wise shared information with the board of education regarding the district's back-to-school DRAFT learning models for the 2020-2021 school year. We know this is an important decision and wanted to provide some additional details that might help parents process the options. We know this is very difficult for all of our parents and wish we had more details to provide at this time. However, there are many aspects of the plan on which we are still working. One of our priorities is to provide as much information as we have at this time so that parents can begin to make plans for their families and we can make staffing decisions to accommodate both the face-to-face, blended, Remote 2.0, and SWCSD Virtual Learning Academy learning options.

On Tuesday, July 28, Columbus Public Health and Franklin County Public Health,\ shared current COVID-19 information. The positivity rates, case counts, and trendlines are not conducive to opening schools in a hybrid model. They recommended a continuing trend of decreasing rates before blended learning began. In alignment with this guidance, SWCSD started the 2020-2021 school year in a 100% remote learning model.

On Monday, August 10, the Responsible Restart South-Western Plan below was shared during the board of education meeting.

On August 27, the most recent data showed COVID-19 numbers and positivity rates in Franklin County and throughout the school district declining. Dr. Wise announced that SWCSD would transition to a Blended Learning (blue/green) environment beginning on Tuesday, September 8.

On November 19, Franklin County Public Health issued a Stay at Home advisory for all residents, effective November 20, 2020. Dr. Wise announced that the SWCSD would transition to a fully remote learning environment after Thanksgiving break and would remain in that learning model through winter break.

On December 17, based on the district's conversations with public health officials, it was announced that SWCSD would be returning to its blue-green Blended Learning model on January 5, 2021.

On Monday, April 5, 2021, students returned to school in person, five days per week - 'All-In.' This was announced prior to spring break.

All of Dr. Wise's messages to parents can be found at https://sites.google.com/swcsd.us/back-to-school2020/superintendent-messages.

Responsible Restart South-Western Plan