2021 Learning Information

PSD Kindergarten and 1st grade students were invited to return to in-person learning beginning Monday, September 28, 2020.

In-person learning for Kindergarten and first grade consists of full days four days a week (Monday-Tuesday and Thursday-Friday) with no-in person learning on Wednesdays, which is dedicated to student independent work. K-1 families who did not wish to have their students participate with in-person learning have continued with remote learning.

Last fall, K-1 families were asked to choose between in-person or remote learning through the end of 1st semester (ended Thursday, January 28, 2021). Recently, K-1 families had the option to change their selection for the 2nd semester (started Monday, February 1, 2021) via a survey that closed Sunday, January 3, 2021. The intent was for K-1 families to commit to one learning platform through the end of 2nd semester of the 2020-2021 school year to help ensure student and teacher continuity.

For More Information:

• K-2, Special Education and Small Groups FAQs
• December 18, 2020 Message to Elementary Families

PSD 2nd Graders were invited to return to in-person learning beginning Tuesday, January 19, 2021.

Please note, this return date excludes 2nd graders at Pioneer Elementary or those who participate in the Peninsula Accelerated Classroom Enrichment (PACE) Program, as those students learn alongside 3rd graders in those models.

On Tuesday, January 19, 2021, 2nd grade students and families who selected in-person learning were invited back to our elementary campuses. Those choosing to learn remotely continue to do so.

Like our Kindergarten and 1st grade students, 2nd graders participating in in-person learning attend school on campus four days a week, and continue with remote learning on Wednesdays. Students who need transportation can ride the same bus as Kindergarten and 1st grade students who are coming to school for in-person learning. Bus routes and times can be found here. 

In the fall we finalized plans for 2nd graders who chose in-person learning but needed to delay the planned November in-person learning start as COVID-19 case rates increased significantly. The new return date of Tuesday, January 19 was announced following winter break.

Last November, 2nd grade families were asked to commit to either the in-person or fully remote learning model. Those selections are still honored for the January return, however a new survey was issued and closed on Sunday, January 3, 2021 allowing families who wished to change their November selection the opportunity to do so.

For More Information:

• K-2, Special Education and Small Groups FAQs
• January 6, 2021 Message to 2nd Grade Families
• December 18, 2020 Message to Elementary Families

PSD 3rd-5th graders were invited to begin hybrid in-person learning starting Thursday, February 4, 2021.

An AM/PM hybrid model was selected for 3rd-5th graders, plus 2nd graders who attend Pioneer and/or participate in the Peninsula Accelerated Classroom Enrichment (PACE) Program. Several factors contributed to this choice, but the most important factor was the ability to have in-person learning and connections with students four days a week.

Families of grades 3-5 students were surveyed to learn which families wanted their child to come to school for in-person learning and which families wanted to have their child continue with only remote learning. 

• Students have been divided into three cohorts. Students attend in person 4X per week, M/T/Th/F, and learn remotely on Wednesdays.

  • In-person AM: 9:00AM-11:30AM

  • In-person PM: 1:00PM-3:30PM, and 

  • A fully remote option. 

• Most students selecting the fully remote option will be reassigned to a different teacher. Some students selecting in-person may need to shift teachers if their current teacher is part of the fully remote teacher team.  

• Students attending in-person will be designated to be in an AM/PM group based on transportation mode. Students transported by their family will attend the AM session; those transported by bus will attend the PM session.  

• Hours of attendance for students with IEPs and/or special programs may vary from these times as needed to provide the necessary services to support the student.

• In some cases, students with IEPs could be reassigned to a different special education service provider and ESA, SPED and LAP schedules may need to be revised. 

For More Information:

• Grades 3-5 Frequently Asked Questions
• January 21, 2021 Message to Grades 3-5 Families
• December 18, 2020 Message to Elementary Families

We are inviting secondary students back to our school classrooms during the second semester of the 2020-21 school year. A return date to begin the hybrid learning model for middle school started February 25, 2021. A return date to begin the hybrid learning model for high school started March 11, 2021. 

District leaders have been working collaboratively with staff since fall to develop a hybrid model that will best serve the interests of our 6-12 grade students, families, and staff.

Families of grades 6-12 students were surveyed to learn which families wanted their child to come to school for in-person learning and which families wanted to have their child continue with only remote learning. 

Students will be divided into three cohorts:

• An in-person Hybrid “A” group who will meet for periods 1-6 on Mondays and Thursdays.


• An in-person Hybrid “B” group who will meet for periods 1-6 on Tuesdays and Fridays.


Wednesdays will be home learning days that provide an additional learning opportunity for all students to connect with their teachers. For students who attend hybrid in-person learning, Wednesdays will include shorter class sessions in which students are expected to attend synchronously from home.



For More Information

• February 23 Message to Middle School Families
• February 22 Message to High School Families
• Grades 6-12 Frequently Asked Questions
• February 3 Message to High School Families (Regarding High School Change of Semester Info)
• February 3 Message to Middle School Families
• January 22 Message to Grades 6-12 Families
  • Fully Remote Learners Example Schedule Graphic
• January 7 Message to Grades 6-12 Families
• January 6 Message to Grades 6-12 Families

COVID-19 Building Site Safety Plans are available on each school's website. A quick reference list to site plans is also available below.

Elementary

• Artondale
• Discovery
• Evergreen
• Harbor Heights
• Minter Creek
• Pioneer 
• Purdy 
• Vaughn
• Voyager

Middle School

• Goodman
• Harbor Ridge
• Key Peninsula
• Kopachuck

High School

• Henderson Bay
• Gig Harbor
• Peninsula

• PSD Student Health Screening Attestation Form
• PSD Student Health Screening Attestation Form (Spanish)
• PSD Staff Health Screening Attestation Form

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