As the weather gets warmer and this unpredictable school year comes to a close, Lane County school districts begin planning for graduation, summer learning and the return of a fully in-person school schedule for fall 2021.
The challenge SPS faces hosting graduation ceremonies remains balancing safety concerns and providing celebration opportunities. Superintendent Todd Hamilton said there will be some level of in-person celebration, especially for families to see their students walk across the graduation stage.
“We heard loud and clear last year and this year that as much as possible, families and students would like some form of in-person graduation,” Hamilton said, promising more information coming next week.
Post-graduation safety concerns are then met with summer learning safety concerns. With the release of the Oregon Department of Education’s guidelines for summer schooling, Hamilton said that SPS teams are planning for summer school students at a scale they’ve never seen before.
“We will be spending millions of dollars to support extended learning and finished learning for our students in SPS, as well as academic support and enrichment opportunities at our K-8 level,” Hamilton said, noting that lack of staffing will not be a problem and many are jumping at the opportunity to work during the summer.
SPSD has also approved a regular in-person learning schedule for fall, with intent to move forward as the Oregon Department of Education plans to release new guidelines July 19, Hamilton said.
South Lane School District is going to remain in hybrid learning status for the remainder of the school year, said Dr. Yvonne Curtis, SLSD superintendent, in an email on May 10. She said it is the district’s hope to return to in-person learning for the 2021-22 school year.
“We wanted you to have this information now so that your family could settle into your routine without the stress of expecting another big change,” Curtis said.
SLSD and Lane County Public Health are offering a vaccination clinic at Harrison Elementary on May 15 for students and community members ages 12 and older, with more information coming next week.
In addition this summer, Creswell Clubhouse is offering after school and summer enrichment programs in the Cobalt Activity Center. Visit creswellclubhouse.org.
