Parent Letter on Remote-to-Hybrid Required Switch (pdf will open in a new tab)

November 13, 2020

Dear Hornet Parents:

As the COVID-19 health crisis persists nationwide, the Plattsburgh City School District continues to deliver instruction options that emphasize the safety and security of its students and staff members.  Nevertheless, the District must also recognize that preliminary 2020-2021 academic data indicates a marked difference in student success rates between students participating in the hybrid model of instructional delivery versus the full-remote model of instructional delivery.  Though circumstances may eventually necessitate a transition to a fully-remote instruction model, the hybrid model provides greater opportunities for direct instruction, content review, and learning assessment.

In consideration of the foregoing information, it is integral that you are aware of the following amendments to the District’s Reopening Plan:

• Students in grades 6-12 experiencing academic distress (as evidenced by an overall failing course grade in two or more subject areas), will be required to participate in the hybrid model of instructional delivery, in accordance with the transition schedule outlined below.
• Students in grades PK-5 experiencing academic distress (as evidenced by an overall failing course grade in either/both ELA and/or Math) will be required to participate in the hybrid model of instructional delivery, in accordance with the transition schedule outlined below.
• Students whose transition to the hybrid model of instructional delivery because of the criteria listed above will remain in said model, minimally, through the end of each marking period (which vary between elementary and secondary levels, but will involve the balance of a 10 or 13 week calendar block).
• At the close of each applicable marking period, students who have resolved their academic standing may return to the fully-remote model of instruction with written notification of same (i.e., the District’s Parent Remote Option Enrollment Form) from the student’s parent or guardian.
• Students with medical conditions that preclude the safe transition to the hybrid model of instructional delivery should seek such a recommendation from their primary care provider and submit such to the student’s School Nurse, who will review the medical necessity with the District’s COVID-19 Officer and Medical Director. Parents and/or care providers seeking a template to demonstrate medical necessity for remote instruction are invited to use the form provided in the district’s Homebound Instruction policy, exhibit, and regulation (4327)
• Hybrid Transition Schedule:

As students enter academic distress (as defined as failing 2 or more classes at the secondary level and failing ELA and/or Math at the elementary level), families will receive written notification form the school Administrator that the student(s) will be joining the hybrid mode of instruction at the start of the week following 14 days from the date of the letter.  Students may work to address these academic failures during this notification/transition period, and if failures are preemptively corrected, parents may petition the school Administrator to remain in the remote option prior to their date of inception of the hybrid mode.  If/once students are required to join the hybrid mode of instruction, they will follow that mode through, minimally, the end of that marking period. 

In consideration of the above, please be aware that students experiencing academic distress as defined above may be required to return to the hybrid model of instruction.  As the District desires to honor the option elected by the parent, we encourage you to work in collaboration with the District to ensure your child’s academic success in the elected model. 

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact your child’s building Principal or my office.

Sincerely,                      

Jay Lebrun 

Superintendent of Schools