Late last week Governor Hutchinson announced that public schools in Arkansas WILL reopen for onsite instruction in August. Bryant Public Schools has been working to create education plans that provide flexibility for families while still ensuring a strong academic focus.
The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in an unexpected change to education. When schools closed in March, learning continued but was focused on review of content per the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Moving forward, online learning will be much more comprehensive than online learning last spring.
In order to provide your child with a premier education, we must provide a strong academic setting that ensures student learning, whether face-to-face or technology-based. Grade-level standards or higher will continue to be taught, regardless of the COVID-19 circumstances. We must also assess (test) students to identify knowledge and learning gaps and put supports in place for those needing help.
The district is preparing to offer two options for students and parents. Curriculum, instruction, and testing will be delivered multiple ways to ensure learning among all students. These options will provide flexibility for families to choose a learning environment that best fits their needs.
Instructional options include:
BLENDED LEARNING (ONSITE LEARNING)
Students will go to school buildings to learn in a setting which follows Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) guidelines. (Class size, lunch, and changing classes could be impacted due to social distancing requirements.)
The traditional classroom will become a blended learning classroom which allows students to continue learning grade level or content standards through face-to-face instruction and technology-based approaches. Both students and teachers will stay prepared to move to online learning in case of ADH mandates.
VIRTUAL LEARNING (ONLINE LEARNING)
All instruction will be online; no in person or on campus instruction. Students will learn remotely full time. STUDENTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO BE ONSITE FOR STATE MANDATED ASSESSMENTS. Families who choose this option should have home internet available.
All students (K-12) will be expected to participate daily. Students will follow all policies, handbooks, and procedures including attendance, assignments and behavior. Students registered in virtual learning may also participate in extracurricular activities, following the guidelines of their respective activity as issued by the coach and the Arkansas Activities Association. Transportation will be provided by the parent.
If this option is selected, students must remain a virtual learner through the end of the semester. If a student chooses to return to onsite instruction, he/she will be assigned to their zoned school (if space is available).
We have created a Frequently Asked Questions document which provides additional information.
On Monday, June 22, parents will be asked by survey to select either Blended Learning (Onsite) or Virtual Learning (Online) for each student. It is vital that we receive this information by the July 5 deadline.
While learning will look different, our commitment to providing the best education possible is unwavering. Thank you for being part of Bryant Schools!
Frequently Asked Questions (English) (Español)