INDIANAPOLIS–Kids who attend school in the Indianapolis Public Schools district will likely be learning from home through October. The school board will hear that recommendation at their Thursday meeting.
The school year begins Aug. 17.
If approved, in-person learning will be delayed until at least October, which will allow more time for the number of COVID-19 cases in Marion County to stabilize and decrease to a less dangerous level, said a news release from the district.
“From the beginning, IPS administration has said we would remain flexible and respond to the changing data with an emphasis on the health and safety of our students as our top priority,” said Aleesia Johnson, IPS superintendent. “The decision to delay the return to in-person learning will allow more time for the number of COVID-19 cases in Marion County to stabilize and decrease to a less dangerous level.”
All students will receive a device for their school work.
Students in Grades Pre-K-2 will receive an iPad; students in Grades 3-12 will receive a Chromebook. A MiFi mobile hot spot device will also be available to families who do not have access to internet service.
The district also plans to implement learning hubs as a supplement to remote learning for select students. These hubs will be physical spaces where some students who may struggle with remote instruction can go each day to access their digital classwork and receive help, as well as those who receive physical and mental interventions that they can’t otherwise get virtually.
