Dear Shaker Heights Schools Families, Staff and Community,
Since early April, the District has been working with families, faculty and staff, students and others in our community to devise a plan for the 2020-2021 school year. Two principles have guided this work: the health and safety of our students and staff, and our Strategic Plan, which is supported by the two pillars of our educational equity policy and our International Baccalaureate framework.
During this planning period, our overarching goal has been to get as many students as possible safely back into their classrooms. Our plan will enable all students in grades K-4 to be in-person, full-day five days a week, and enable our students in grades 5-12 to engage in a hybrid learning environment that would include in-person classes as well as distance learning experiences.
This was not an easy decision. We understand this plan will present challenges and hardships. We are hopeful that by informing you now, you will have time to make necessary adjustments for the fall. Still, I believe this decision will enable us to get back to in-person learning in an environment that is safe for our students and staff.
Students and staff at all grade levels will be required to wear masks or face shields while in school. The District will follow all physical distancing and cleaning protocols.
For families who do not want their child in an in-person environment, the District will offer the Shaker Virtual Academy, a learning experience guided by Shaker Heights Schools teachers and administrators that will be 100-percent virtual. Because continuity is important for our students, we ask families choosing this option to commit to it for at least one semester. We are asking that families interested in the Shaker Virtual Academy enroll by Friday, July 31.
Over the next few weeks, we will continue to provide you with updated information related to the start of the school year. As mentioned above, you can also find up-to-date information about the start of school on our website. Thank you, as always, for your continued support and we look forward to welcoming students back to school at the start of the 2020-2021 school year.
Sincerely,
Dr. David Glasner, Superintendent
Shaker Heights Schools