The next school year starts in less than two months. With pandemic restrictions in place, it leaves a lot of questions about how school can resume in the fall. Some districts are planning to use a hybrid method of teaching to keep students safe during the pandemic.
13-year-old Emily Lancaster and her dad already have some thoughts on what's coming in the new school year. "Some people who might learn better at school, might have more trouble learning at home. and vice versa," said Lyon County School District student Emily Lancaster. "I don't necessarily think 100 percent learning from home is a good thing," said her father Mike Lancaster.
Under Governor Sisolak's directive on education, full time in-person learning isn't an option. So some school districts are choosing to move to a hybrid plan which requires some days in class and some days home doing distance learning.
Lyon County School District and Carson City School District say they plan to use the hybrid method for the next school year. Emily Lancaster, who goes to a Lyon County school, likes the idea. "I can do a week at home, get all the work done fast, and then the next week go to school and see my friends," said Emily Lancaster. "If they're not able to be in school full time, I think this is the next best option," said Mike Lancaster.
Cody Whitaker, father of four, disagrees. "To have kids wear masks in school and try to stay away from each other is so complicated. I just see trouble coming," said Whitaker.
Lyon County is looking to split school into two groups. One would learn from home for a week, while the other group would go to class. Then the next week they would switch. "The disadvantage of being home is if you do struggle with a topic, it's a little more difficult to get the assistance you need. Normally you would get that help right away if you were in a classroom setting," said Mike Lancaster.
The Carson City School District is planning to do things differently.It plans on keeping school buildings at less than 50 percent capacity, and enforcing social distancing. Students would spend part of their time at home doing independent study. There would also be a full-time home learning option for some students, if parents wished them to stay home. "We would try to do electronic instruction using teacher led instruction throughout the day. Even when students are staying at home," said Carson City School District Superintendent Richard Stokes.
The two districts school boards will have to approve the hybrid plans, before implementation. According to the Governor's Directive, all district plans must be approved by school boards 20 days before the first day of class.
