School districts in Northern Nevada region establish school reopening plans, safety models

School districts in the Northern Nevada area are putting plans in place for students to safely return to the 2020-21 school year.

A new directive by the state of Nevada requires school districts to submit three reopening plans for the upcoming school year. The three plans include one for complete in-person instruction, one for hybrid instruction and one for all-distance learning.

Governor Sisolak signed a directive Tuesday, July 28, to increase the safety of students and staff for the new school year. A minimum physical distancing of at least three feet is required for students in Pre-K, kindergarten and middle school students. A minimum physical distancing of at least six feet is required for staff and high school students. These enforced rules are recommended by the American Association of Pediatrics.

The directive also includes mandatory face coverings for all staff, parents, visitors, volunteers and K-12 students. Exemptions may be approved by the school if medical conditions are documented by a medical professional.

The Carson City School District voted in favor of pushing the start date to Aug. 24 with a few alterations to the normal plan. Visit the link here for more information.

Below is a list of reopening plans and models for schools in Lyon County, Douglas County, Storey County, Churchill County and Washoe County.

Lyon County
The Lyon County School District will institute a hybrid model for all students grades 3-12. Grades kindergarten and 2nd grade will be in the classroom full time for the upcoming year. The first day of school is reportedly set back to Sept. 1.

Under the hybrid model, Lyon County students will be split into two groups that alternate going to school for one week and distance learning from home the other week. This model is a blend of in-person and distance learning throughout the school year.

Additionally, Smith Valley Schools will allow all students to return under the current state restrictions.

Douglas County
The Douglas County School District will use a hybrid model for the upcoming 2020-21 school year. The first day of school is reportedly set for Aug. 17.

Face coverings are required and busses will be limited to 50 percent capacity to follow health and safety procedures.

Elementary students will be on campus each day, but they will transfer between classroom and digital learning. Middle and high school students will also institute a hybrid schedule between in-person classes and virtual learning each week.

Parents and students can go through online schooling through Douglas Nevada Online.

Storey County
The Storey County School District will open on Aug. 24. with a new schedule for the 2020-21 school year.

Students in Pre-K through 5th grade will have in-person classes four days per week. Distance learning from home will take place on Fridays to allow for a deep cleaning of all classrooms.

Students in 6th through 12th grade will institute a full hybrid schedule for the year, which will be divided into two cohorts. Cohort A will meet in person on Monday and Tuesday. Cohort B will have in-person classes on Wednesday and Thursday. Friday will be a distance learning day for all students while classes and busses are deep cleaned.

The Storey County School District said that chrome books will be available for students that have internet access.

Churchill County
The Churchill County School District is planning on a hybrid model for the upcoming school year. Specific plans for the 2020-21 year have not been announced. More information will be available to parents and students by Aug. 7.

In a statement by the Churchill County School District, officials said they want households to be on the same schedule for grades Pre-K through 12th grade.

Washoe County
The Washoe County School District will allow in-person classes for elementary schools during the 2020-21 school year. Middle and high school students are scheduled to be in a hybrid plan that was previously approved on July 7.

School is scheduled to start Aug. 17 and Kindergarten classes will begin Aug. 24.

All students K-12 and staff must wear face coverings and follow the social distancing procedures enforced by the state of Nevada.

More information on the Washoe County School District’s decision can be found here.