(KGTV) -- The new school year begins Monday morning for the Sweetwater Union High School District, and classes will be very different this time around for students and teachers due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Starting Monday, Aug. 3, classes will be taught online, with all students equipped with district-issued computers, laptops or tablets to connect with teachers.
SUHSD students will be on a daily block schedule that puts them in three classes per day with 30-45 minutes of virtual face time with teachers. Students’ remaining time will be independent study to complete coursework.
District officials said the 2020-21 school year will begin with distance learning through at least Oct. 2. According to the district, the goal is to provide flexibility to begin the school year so adjustments can be made along the way.
During the school year, the district plans to evaluate the possibility of a return to in-class instruction on three dates:
-- Sept. 21: District will assess whether distance learning will continue after fall break.
-- Nov. 30: District will assess whether distance learning will continue into second semester or potentially bring 10% of students back to schools.
-- March 1: District will assess whether distance learning will continue through the end of the school year.
If in-class instruction is allowed, all schools will have safety protocols in place that will be monitored.
