Learning options

Purcell Public Schools began the 2020-21 school year with a plan not etched in stone, but amendable as dictated by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The most up-to-date version of the district’s Return to Learn plan can be found on the Purcell Public Schools website.

The plan addresses multiple topics ranging from school operations to outside organizations using school facilities to academics and growth.

This is a year of choice for students and parents/guardians.

Those choices are traditional, full time virtual and blended.

Traditional is “face to face instruction on campus that will be enriched with online instruction through Google Classroom and Odysseyware,” according to the plan.

Teachers guide the instruction. High school students may participate in concurrent and career tech.

Virtual instruction is delivered through Google Classroom and Odysseyware at the junior high and high school and Edgenuity for pre K through fifth grade.

Students complete learning at home and attendance is determined by meeting daily assignments. Teachers are available for assistance and guidance.

Students who opt for virtual instruction must continue in it for a full semester.

Blended instruction combines in-person instruction on campus and virtual off-campus instruction.

For example, a student may enroll in all core classes online and take electives such as band on campus.

Like the virtual option, enrollment is for a full semester.

“The Covid-19 has caused a public health crisis like nothing many have seen.  The stress that families have sustained for extended periods of time is concerning.  We are committed to helping our students through this experience,” the plan reads.

Not all the topics addressed are academic.

The plan even extends to lunch and cafeteria operations.

While lunch options may be reduced, there’s been good news from USDA.

The federal agency has extended an existing waiver allowing the district “to feed all students for free like we did during the summer,” superintendent Dr. Sheli McAdoo said.

Off campus lunch is permitted for 10th, 11th and 12th grade students and  at the High School.

While no visitors are permitted at lunch, parents may check out their students and take them to lunch.