Palmerton Area School District’s latest proposal for reopening its schools in 2020-21 features two main options for parents; a hybrid schedule under which students would have face-to-face instruction twice per week, or a full-time virtual learning experience.

The revised health and safety proposal was released Friday.

“We believe that the options provided will give students structure and routine,” the district said of its plan, “while being flexible enough to allow parents to be included in the decision-making process that they believe is in the best interest of their child.”

Under the hybrid plan, each classroom would be divided into two groups with one group in school Monday and Tuesday and the other group in school Wednesday and Thursday. On the three days a group was not physically in the school building, classes would be held virtually.

Parents could also opt for full-time virtual learning. Students would be enrolled in their school and assigned to a Palmerton teacher just as they would be if they were in the actual face-to-face school setting. Students would be able to see and hear teachers conduct instruction and participate in lessons just as they would if they were physically in the classroom.

“This method will not be the same as it was during the spring when schools were closed,” Palmerton’s plan states. “Instead, it will be a full day of live instruction, lessons, and activities.”

Parents who prefer a full cyber approach can contact Dan Heaney, the district’s technology supervisor, at dheaney@palmerton.org, for additional information regarding the Blue Bombers Cyber Academy.

Additional instructional supports would be provided to students at-risk of not graduating on time, students with disabilities, students who struggled in the prior distance/remote learning environment, and other students identified as academically at-risk by teachers and parents.

While in school, it is expected that all staff and students will wear approved face coverings in accordance with the Pennsylvania Department of Health and Gov. Tom Wolf’s orders. Students must provide their own approved face covering/mask.

The district is planning for 6 feet of social distancing at all times, however that may fluctuate at various points during the day depending on the room size, number of students in attendance, etc.

Lanes in the hallways will be created and marked to keep students separated. Principals will plan staggered class changes to decrease the number of students in hallways at one time. Whenever possible, the teachers will change classrooms instead of the students.

According to the plan, if there were a confirmed positive case of COVID-19 in a student or staff member, the district or school would close only if that is the recommendation from health officials.

“We will work in conjunction with local and/or regional health officials since they are the medical experts,” the plan states.

If someone becomes symptomatic during school hours, the student or teacher will leave the classroom immediately and report to the nurse’s office. The nurse will fully assess the individual, which will include a temperature check, questions about pre-existing conditions, prior travel history, etc.

“As the situation warrants, the nurse should contact a child’s parent for pickup and a referral for further medical care,” the plan states. “Staff and students with elevated temperatures will leave the building regardless of cause. The teacher/student’s desk will be sanitized and disinfected prior to further usage.”

After a positive COVID-19 test, a student/staff member may return 10 days from symptom onset, including 72 hours without a fever, without any additional testing required. If an asymptomatic student/staff member tests positive, local health authorities will fully investigate the case and recommend return criteria.

Each school will have a designated room available for symptomatic students and staff.

Buses will operate with approximately 24 students per bus and riders must wear a face covering/mask.

By Aug. 14, each building principal will develop protocols for student drop off/pick up, staggered entry and release (by grade, class, or bus numbers), marked spacing for pickup, etc.

“Meals must be served in a location where 6 feet of social distancing can be provided,” the plan states. “Alternate locations, such as the gym, will be considered.

Principals will create a meal schedule that allows additional time between sections/periods if needed for appropriate cleaning.”

The full proposal is available on the district’s website at www.palmerton.org

The school board is expected to have a special meeting at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday for discussion on the plan. After the board approves a health and safety plan, the district plans to release building level plans that will be more specific for each school.