Students in Washington Township started the 2020-21 school year 100% remote. As the school year progressed, district leaders proposed a reopening plan that was approved by the school board. The plan would not be implemented until data provided on the Marion County Public Health Department (MCPHD) COVID-19 School Guidance Dashboard showed a COVID-19 positivity rate of 5.0% in Marion County. On Tuesday, September 15, the school board approved amendments to the plan.
The major amendment was the threshold for students to return was eased. Instead of a 5.0% positivity rate, the district shifted to allowing students back when the MCPHD School Guidance Dashboard shows a COVID-19 positivity rate of 8.0% and maintains that level for two consecutive weeks. Currently, the positivity rate in Marion is 5.1%. If the rate stays below, 8.0%, families will be able to send their children back on campus in October, the week after fall break. The district plans to implement a gradual return if the rate remains below 8.0%
- Developmental Preschool and K-2 would return October 12
- 3-12 would return October 15
Washington Township plans to continue providing a remote open for families who do not wish for their children to return on campus. Prior to the amendment, families were told they had to decide if their children would return when school reopened by Friday, September 11. Now, with the changes to the district’s reopening plans, parents can change their choice through Skyward until Sunday, September 20 at 5 PM EST.
Only elementary students will be on campus 100% in-person if their parents do not choose to keep them virtual. Middle and high school students will shift to a hybrid learning environment on October 15 if their parents or guardian do not want them to remain 100% remote. The hybrid model consists of two days in-person and three days remote.
Another change is that students who remain virtual when schools reopen can participate in extra/co-curricular activities in athletics. Previously, this was only going to be an option for in-person students.
For more details go to https://www.msdwt.k12.in.us/reopening-plan/.