MISSOULA — "MCPS is looking at keeping all schools, K-through-12, in the hybrid model, with in class and remote learning through the holidays. The school board will review that plan Thursday, and the recommendation that if community cases continue to climb all schools may have to go to remote learning.
MCPS started the year under a "Phase 1" plan, which mixes "in class" and remote learning throughout the week, closely controlling class schedules to limit the spread of the coronavirus. Initially, administrators thought that would only last a few weeks but as case numbers have grown, that approach has remained unchanged.
Now, the district's COVID Task Force of parents, teachers and administrators is recommending extending "Phase 1" through the holidays to the end of the semester in mid-January, at least for high school students. MCPS Superintendent Rob Watson says the panel is considering the different grade levels individually, adjusting the attendance models to be the most effective.
"It might look different in 9-12, high school than it does in K-5 or 6-8, and that's okay. A lot of the national models we're looking at say prioritize your efforts for in-person learning as much as possible on younger grade levels because they're the ones that struggling obviously the most with remote learning," Watson said.
MCPS trustees will meet in a special meeting on Thursday night to iron details of all the class schedules for the coming weeks and we will continue to cover this story.
