Greensburg Salem's potential hybrid learning model includes more time in classrooms

Jul. 15—Greensburg Salem School District has every intention of offering students in-person instruction five days per week when classes resume Sept. 1.

But, in the event covid-19 pandemic concerns force a return to a hybrid instructional model, the district has a plan that will provide slightly more time in the classroom than what was in place last school year.

The school board this week approved a state-mandated emergency instructional time template for the 2021-22 school year that lists full in-person learning as the preferred model.

The district also noted it can offer remote learning, through the ePride online academy, for students in grades K-12 who prefer that option.

It can provide a blended learning schedule, combining remote and in-person learning, as an additional option in grades 6-12.

If pandemic restrictions require a step back to a hybrid model, the district has a schedule planned that every day would have some students learning in-person.

As set forth in a hybrid plan that will be submitted to state officials, Greensburg Salem would divide the K-12 student body into two groups, A and B. On Mondays and Tuesdays, Group A would attend in-person classes while Group B would receive remote instruction, with the groups switching instructional locations for Thursdays and Fridays.

On Wednesdays, the two groups will alternate between learning in the classroom and remote learning.

This past year's hybrid model had all students receiving remote instruction every Wednesday.

"That's the only thing we're changing," said school board President Ronald Mellinger Jr. "This year, we're going to alternate. Group A would get Wednesday in-person and Group B wouldn't, and the following week, Group B would get in-person. Our full intention is to have full in-person learning."

Jeff Himler is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Jeff at 724-836-6622, jhimler@triblive.com or via Twitter .