Madison schools release reopening plans

The Madison Metropolitan School District released its preliminary plans for reopening in the fall.

MMSD announced the plan in a press release sent Friday.

The district said it has three options for the upcoming school year: all virtual, all in-person and a hybrid of the two.

“The health and safety of our students has been the cornerstone of our plan development for the fall,” said Interim Superintendent, Jane Belmore. “With guidance, information and research around COVID-19 evolving very rapidly, the district’s approach to the reopening of schools will need to be flexible, nimble and with a plan that positions the district in an optimal state of readiness.”

The hybrid model would see elementary, middle and high school students divided into an A group and a B group. The two cohorts would each come into the school building two-days a week and learn virtually the other three. The two groups would alternate days spent in the building.

On Wednesdays, all students would learn remotely while teachers plan and the building receives a deep-clean.

The district said it is exploring an all virtual option for students unable to participate in the hybrid model.

“We know there are many details yet to be worked out for the hybrid model, with childcare and transportation among them,” Belmore said. “We continue to be grateful for our community’s grace and understanding, and we thank our school community for their partnership and important feedback.”