By Press Times Staff

SUAMICO – The Howard-Suamico School District announced an updated plan to phase students back into in-person learning.

The announcement of the updated plan was made Nov. 19 in a letter from Superintendent Damian LaCroix to district parents.

On Nov. 23, students in grades 7-12 were allowed to participate in school-based academic and co-curricular activities with safety protocols in place.

These activities include: academic support meetings with teachers and staff; modified club meetings; performing and fine arts lessons; labs; workshops; classroom access; athletics practices; and facilities use.

From Dec. 7-18, grades K-6 return to in-person learning using an every-other-day rotation for two weeks before Christmas.

For grades K-4, students with last names beginning with A-L will attend in-person on Monday and Wednesday both weeks as well as Friday, Dec. 11.

Students with last names beginning with M-Z will attend in-person Tuesday and Thursday both weeks as well as Friday, Dec. 18.

For grades 5-6 at Lineville Intermediate School, students with last names beginning with A-L will attend in-person on Monday and Wednesday both weeks and students with last names beginning with M-Z will attend in-person Tuesday and Thursday both weeks. Dec. 11 and 18 will be virtual learning days for all Lineville students.

4K resumes a regular in-person schedule both weeks.

Also from Dec. 7-18, all staff in grades 7-12 return to buildings for daily delivery of remote instruction.

Grades 7-12 students will continue virtual learning Monday-Thursday.

From Jan. 4-8, all students will have virtual learning at home.

From Jan. 11-22, students will return to in-person learning all day, every day for grades K-4 with a blended schedule for grades 5-12 (similar to September).

4K resumes a regular in-person schedule.

On Jan. 25, the second semester begins with expanded choice options in grades 4K-12.

Communication regarding updated process steps for students to select from available second semester virtual and in-person learning options will come in December.

“It is imperative that our collective behavior over the next two months, including the holidays, reflects a unified desire to have students and staff learning in-person as safely as possible,” said LaCroix in the letter. “As repeatedly stated by Bellin President and CEO Chris Woleske and Dr. James Ebben at the board of education meeting, schools are dependent on the support and assistance of families and community to help achieve the above plan. Candidly, our community track record thus far has not reflected a willingness to change behaviors to limit COVID-19 spread in support of our schools. Any success we hope to experience requires collective discipline and shared sacrifice. Without it, we may be forced to revert to virtual learning on a classroom, school and/or districtwide basis for an extended basis.”