GIPS to start school with most students in classroom

GRAND ISLAND - The Grand Island Public School district is planning to begin classes August 15 with most students on site at elementary, middle and high school buildings.

The district Wednesday unveiled three models which were designed to give the schools flexibility depending on the current severity of the pandemic.

The first model, labeled, “Reimagined,” provides for most students to be in school, while some would be online and some would be taught using a combination of both. Parents would have the option of applying for so-called “virtual” learning if they want to keep their children out of school. Under this model students and teachers would be required to wear face masks. Parents would be required to screen and temperature check their children each day. Teachers and staff would be required to self-monitor.

If the severity of the pandemic requires that classrooms be restricted due to social distancing requirements, the district would go to a “Select” model. GIPS would determine a specified set of programs which would be taught on-site. Those would be programs which require hands-on, in-person instruction. Other programs would be taught online.

If the pandemic worsens to the point where stricter DHMs are put in the place, the district will go to it’s “Remote” model in which all instruction would be taught online.