Roseburg Schools to Shift PK-3 Students to Remote Learning as Cases Soar

(RPS) On Monday, November 16, Roseburg Public Schools received the latest COVID-19 update from the Oregon Department of Education and the Oregon Health Authority. This update includes a two-week tally of cases and test positivity rates for the state and each county. Unfortunately, the number of positive COVID-19 cases in Douglas County over the past two weeks has topped 200 cases/100K residents and the county now has a rapidly increasing test positivity rate of 13.4%, according to the School Metrics Dashboard. These alarming new rates have shifted our schools into the “Distance Learning” phase of state metric requirements. This will require several adjustments in our strategies for in-person learning, and we are moving forward with the following plan: PK-3: The “Distance Learning” phase of the state metrics requirements directs districts to shift all students to remote learning. We have been working closely with the Douglas Public Health Network and consulting with Douglas County Public Health Officer Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer regarding our district’s status. Dr. Dannenhoffer strongly recommends that Roseburg Public Schools close to in-person learning until case numbers decline. We know that this year has been a challenge for families and their schedules. In an effort to give families time to plan for this shift, we will transition PK-3 students to remote learning starting November 23. If case and test positivity rates in Douglas County decline, we will look to bring these students back to school on December 7. The district is prepared to re-deploy technology devices to families as needed, and teachers will reach out to families to assist with the transition. Grades 4-5: Our students in Grades 4 and 5 will continue with remote learning. We are maintaining our target date of December 7 to welcome our 4th and 5th grade students back to in-person learning, dependent on Douglas County the metrics. In order for students in all elementary grades to return to in person learning, case numbers will need to fall below 100 cases per 100,000 people (50 to <100) AND test positivity rates will need to fall below 8% (5% to <8%). You can view the latest OHA metrics and learn more about the metric requirements by clicking https://bit.ly/3eKTau9. Grades 6-12: At the middle school and high school levels, we will continue with remote learning. In order to prioritize student safety, we will pause athletic and activity practices and workouts starting Tuesday, November 17, with a plan to resume these opportunities on December 7, dependent on metrics. We also anticipate being able to offer limited in-person instruction starting December 7, dependent on metrics. Remote learning for these grades will continue through the end of the first semester, January 22. Our target date for reopening to hybrid in-person instruction continues to be January 25, the start of the second semester. Meal distribution: Grab ‘n’ Go meal drop-offs will continue during this time via bus delivery routes. The district will temporarily close cafeteria pickup sites; however, we will add bus stops at each school where meals will be delivered. Bus stops will be updated on our website later this week and can be viewed at https://bit.ly/2K8P9o5. As we revise our plans to prioritize safety for our students, staff and community, the district continues to collaborate with DPHN. View this graphic for a summary of our latest plans. For the most current information about our schools, please visit our district website at www.roseburg.k12.or.us.