D70 to begin school year with remote learning

Students in Pueblo County District 70 will have to wait a little longer to head back to their classrooms.

The district announced late Tuesday evening that the school year would begin with a remote learning format, and then transition back to in-class learning if the situation allows it.

School board members approved the plan at a virtual meeting Tuesday evening.

Here's how the plan will work:

-Students will start on August 24 with remote online learning for 4 weeks.

-If the virus conditions allow, students will then transition to a hybrid in-person learning mode on September 21 with half the students reporting to campus on Monday and Tuesday, and the remaining half reporting Wednesday and Thursday. This A-B hybrid schedule will continue through October 8.

-Full in-person learning could possibly occur as soon as October 12 if local positive daily COVID-19 cases average two or below for two weeks.

The school board will receive regular updates to determine what changes to the plan are needed, if any.

According to D70 Public Information Officer Todd Seip, parents and student can remain in the remote online learning mode for as long as they need.

“We know some students will be ready to return to our hybrid and in-person classes, and some will want to continue learning remotely. We can accommodate both," he said in a written statement.

As for extra-curricular athletics and activities, District Athletic Director and CFO TJ Vinci recommended that fall sports and other activities continue following the strict guidelines that the District and CHSAA currently have in place.

More specific information about the remote learning and hybrid schedule will be sent to parents and teachers next week.