Your hybrid model questions, answered

By Saul Israel,

BlueDevilHUB.com Editor–

With little information coming from the district on how they plan to organize the reopening of school, we set out to answer all of the questions you shared with us. 

Q: What is Sunday’s deadline?

A: That is the deadline for the return to campus family selection survey which helps the district understand more about what they need to plan for. The link to the survey is shared below.

https://djusd.net/about/News/return_to_campus_-_family_selection_survey

Q: How will the classes be split up? And when will we know which days we go to campus?

A: Classes will be split up by what group the students are in, limiting the in-person group to the max able to fit in the classroom while still following social distancing guidelines. Group A will be in-person on Monday and Tuesday while group B will be on campus on Thursday and Friday and neither on campus on Wednesdays. 

Q: How are we going to be put in group A or B?

A: Whether you are in group A or B depends on several factors. Hybrid Groups will be assigned by household and an effort will be made to prioritize assignments for siblings attending secondary schools to avoid competing schedules. Per the district’s website “the considerations of student strengths, needs and services” will also be used when determining group assignment. 

Q: Will we ever be able to opt in and out of the in-person instruction?

A: Yes, the ability to shift into in-person learning is available for those who were originally in distance-only learning, if there is space available for the student. This process will be done through your school counselor and site leaders.

Q: When will we know what group we are in?

A: This is still unknown. 

Q: Will the students online receive attention during class?

A: Yes, in what the district is referring to as “Simulcast” classes the at home students will be taught at the same time as in-person students. Teachers will work with both groups to answer and assist those at home and in person equally.

Q: Will we just be on zoom when we’re in person?

A: No, while a zoom broadcast will still occur every day the in-person students will receive instruction from the teacher while likely doing online assignments in order to reduce indirect contact with the teacher. 

Q: How will students be able to charge their computer in class?

A: Each teacher has received a power strip and three computer chargers, which likely will only work for devices distributed by the district. The district recommends coming to class every day with a fully charged laptop. 

Q: How will students all be able to connect to the internet at the same time while running zoom? 

A: In preparation for the return the district says it has increased their bandwidth at all district sites, and has plans to increase it more per the upcoming board meeting agenda which is set to pass a motion increasing the districts max bandwidth from 25 Gbps through new fiber optic connections.

Q: What computers will we be using?

A: Students will need to bring a laptop to school and back home every day, which can either be a personal or district device. If you need a device DJUSD’s 1 To 1 Technology Initiative can help you check out a device or hotspot Monday through Friday 8 am-3 pm from the Technology Department. More information can be found on the IT department website at www.djusd.net/1to1

Q: What will lunch look like? 

A: With a planned 45-minute lunch, students who stay for seventh period may remain on campus for lunch depending on the number of students. Grab-and-go lunches will be offered by the school as usual, but it is unclear whether students can leave and return to campus for lunch.

Q: How will mask and social distancing guidelines be upheld in class and in the halls?

A: Face coverings will be required at all times on campus, except for when you are eating and are able to remain socially distant. Posters will be put up around the school and in every classroom, but it is still unknown the punishment for breaking these rules. 

With still many questions unanswered by the district, and the looming announcement of group assignments, more information is set to come out as we get closer to the first day of school.