Return to School Fall 2020

Return to School

The Carson City School District School Board of Trustees approved the district’s proposed Reopening Plan by a 4-3 vote. The trustees also voted to updated the 2020-2021 Academic School Calendar, moving the official first day of school for students to begin Monday, Aug. 24, a week later than the day previously set for Monday, Aug. 17. 

The reopening plan offers parents the opportunity to select whether their student(s) will participate in school via full-time online learning (recommended for students who have known medical issues or family members in high risk categories for COVID-19) or through a hybrid – blended learning model where students will attend in-person twice weekly and participate remotely three days each week.

Students will either be assigned by individual school sites to Cohort 1 (in-person attendance: Tuesdays and Thursdays with remote learning Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays) or Cohort 2 (in-person attendance: Wednesdays and Fridays with remote learning Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays). The school district emphasized that families with multiple students will be assigned to the same cohort, alleviating household scheduling conflicts.

For parents of students attending school through the hybrid-blended learning model, they will need to perform Daily Self-Screenings of their child(ren) prior to them stepping on a school bus or entering a school campus. 

Parents and guardians will also still need to complete their annual online registration updates in Infinite Campus (IC) for each of their students.

As detailed in the reopening plan, buses will not exceed 42 seats (less than 50 percent occupancy).

“This is obviously not the most ideal situation to face a return to school under these circumstances,” said Superintendent Richard Stokes. “Given the restrictions of social distancing and building occupancy, we understand there is not one plan that will meet everyone’s needs. All people will face some risk to return to school, but we are seeking to minimize risk the best way we can while still fulfilling our mission to empower students with skills, knowledge, values and opportunities for them to thrive and be contributing members of our community.”

The reopening plan also detailed some additional considerations including

  • Face masks for all (all students, employees, volunteers, visitors and contractors are required to wear face masks at school)
  • Health wellness checks at home (conducted by parent or guardians)
  • Social-distancing
  • Limited school activities and visitors
  • Employ cleaning and disinfecting protocols
  • Follow local health agency guidance
  • Nutrition Services available
  • Social and Emotional Learning and Services
The district has also provided a helpful Frequently Asked Questions document that should provide additional information.