On March 17, 2021 an email sent out by City Schools of Decatur announced that the two separate groups of in-person 6-12 students would be combining, and in-person learning would be open to a larger group of K-5 students.

New data provided by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) suggests that in-person learning can now be safely offered to a larger group of students at once. Because of this data it was decided that, starting April 19th, the previously separate A and B schedules for students grade 6-12 will be combined, offering students a full four day week of in person instruction, rather than the current two day week. Additionally, many K-5 students who previously could not go in-person because of excessive numbers will now be able to return to in-person learning starting April 12th. 

This information was first announced in a faculty meeting hours prior to the release of the district-wide email. According to Lauren Parrish, a DHS science teacher in attendance of the meeting, “New data suggests that we can have students three feet apart, rather than six feet apart, without an increase in transmission rates if students and teachers continue other mitigation strategies.” These strategies include wearing masks at all times and frequent hand washing.

The email provided evidence to support this change, and addressed the input from many focus groups that were held; these groups consisted of parents, students, and community members.

The in-person days will still be half-days of the same four hours in the building (8:35 AM – 12:35 AM), and Wellness Wednesday will remain as well. This change will be instituted the week after spring break, at which time the majority of the staff will be fully vaccinated. The email reasoned that “By the end of spring break, all employees will have had ample opportunity to receive a full vaccination.”

According to Parrish, “students have access to the email through the district website and social media accounts.” Principal Lofstrand encouraged students and families to reach out with any questions or concerns they may have about this change.