(Alliance, Ohio) – The Alliance City School District is announcing plans for the upcoming 2020-2021 school year.

The district announced this week that school will begin on August 24th with two schooling options available for families to choose from. Families will have the opportunity to choose an in-person option or a digital option, both being outlined in the Responsible Reopening document.

The in-person learning option for grades pre K-5th will include:

• All students and staff attending school every day in-person with added safety measures.
• Preschool classrooms will adhere to state guidelines.
• All students and staff will maintain 6-foot social distancing requirements.
• Parents will be responsible for assessing their child’s health before school each day.
• If a student shows symptoms, he/she will be sent home immediately and only allowed to return after being symptom-free for 72 hours without medication.
• Masks will be required per district expectations.
• Additional cleaning of all surfaces.
• Lunches will be served in areas where physical distancing can be maintained.
• Grab-and-go breakfast will be available.
• No large group gatherings.
• Attendance will be taken daily.
• The district will be prepared to move to Connected Remote Learning if necessary.

The in-person option for grades 6th-12th will include:

• 50% of students will return to in-person instruction on alternating days with members of the same family attending on the same days.
• Students in the first group will attend school Monday and Wednesday and students in the second group will attend Tuesday and Thursday. The two groups will alternate attending school on Friday.
• Further information will be provided by the student’s school.
• All students and staff will maintain 6-foot social distancing requirements.
• Parents will be responsible for assessing their child’s health before school each day.
• If a student shows symptoms, he/she will be sent home immediately and only allowed to return after being symptom-free for 72 hours without medication.
• Masks will be required per district expectations.
• Additional cleaning of all surfaces.
• Grab-and-go breakfast will be available.
• No large group gatherings.
• Attendance will be taken daily.
• Lunches will be served in areas where physical distancing can be maintained.
• The district will be prepared to move to Connected Remote Learning if necessary.

Officials note that if the digital option is selected through the Alliance Digital Academy, it is a semester-long commitment for the student(s) and family. Families will have the chance to return to in-person schooling for the second semester if they so choose.

The district is expected to send out a commitment form through FinalForms for each family to select which option they prefer. Additionally, the district provided a list of frequently asked questions and answers to help families better understand the approach to the upcoming school year.

ACS Responsible Reopening FAQs for Aviator Families

Is the Digital option like the last few months of school last year?

Unlike the last few months of the last school year, the digital option will be managed by the Alliance Digital Academy, an established program that has shown great success in the last few years it has been a part of the Alliance City School District. The digital option offers a set on-line curriculum your child will complete from home. Alliance City School teachers will be available during the school day to assist students with their work. This option is available for PreK-12th grade.

If I choose to have my child attend Alliance Digital Academy, can I send them to in-person schooling if I don’t think it’s working after a few weeks?

If the digital option is selected, your child must stay in it for the first semester of school. They will have the opportunity to return to in-person learning during the second semester if you so choose.

Is my child able to take part in the Alliance Digital Academy at any time during the school year?

Yes, you can choose to have your child take part in the Alliance Digital Academy at any time. However, they will have to remain at the Alliance Digital Academy throughout the remainder of the semester.

Is my child required to wear a mask at all times?

All students in Preschool through 12th grade are required to wear a mask during the school day and while on the bus unless they have a medical reason that prevents them from wearing one. Students will be able to remove their masks only when they eat and if the teacher or staff member permits a brief mask break while all individuals are at least 6-ft apart.

The district will provide each student with one reusable mask, but it is up to the parents to ensure a clean mask is worn each day to school.

Why are all students required to wear a mask when the governor’s order states any child under 10 years of age doesn’t need to?

We are erring on the side of caution by requiring all students to wear masks. Not only do we have to think about the safety of our students, but we also have to think about the safety of our staff members. Requiring masks for all students and staff members ensures we can help keep everyone safe and healthy during this time and keep school open.

What happens if my child forgets their mask?

All buildings will have disposable masks on hand in case a student needs one.

If my child is required to wear a mask at all times, are teachers required to wear one?

Just like your children, all teachers and staff members are required to wear a mask and to maintain physical distancing guidelines whenever possible.

What happens if my child won’t wear a mask?

Unless your child has a medical reason for not wearing a mask, they are required to wear one at all times. If they refuse to wear one, a progressive discipline system will be in place. Should this continue, the parents will be encouraged, and may be required, to have their child take part in the Alliance Digital Academy.

How do I access Final Forms to fill out the commitment form?

All parents should receive an email from Final Forms to either sign into or create an account through Final Forms so long as they have a current email address on file with the district. Once the account is created and you are signed in, you will be able to complete the commitment form.

When will school supply lists be distributed?

We are still in the process of finalizing the school supplies lists for each building.

How will Career Tech education take place when my child is not at school everyday?

We are currency working with our staff to develop our approach to Career and Technical education.