USD 470 Offers In-person and Remote Learning Options

Arkansas City, Kan. – In addition to in-person learning, USD 470 will offer a remote learning option for students.

Any student enrolled in USD 470 may apply for the remote learning option but in order to qualify for remote learning, students must have access to quality, reliable internet at home. Students must also be able to commit to (and log) a total of 410 minutes of learning each day.

“Students will be able to complete much of the remote learning on a flexible schedule each day but they will still be held accountable for the same number of hours as students attending in-person,” Jeri Crumbliss, USD 470 Director of Curriculum and Instruction, said. “Students in the remote learning program will also be taught the same
competencies and will be assessed in the same way.”

Secondary level students enrolled in the remote learning program will have an opportunity to participate in sports and certain performance-based co-curricular offerings such as band, choir, and orchestra as community health conditions allow, but some elective courses may not be available in the remote program.

“The remote learning option is a great opportunity for students who are at higher risk medically, or who would feel more comfortable in an at-home environment for now,” Crumbliss said. “We are asking families to commit to at least one full semester.”

Of course, safety precautions will be taken at school too. Per Governor Kelly’s Executive Order 20-59, everyone in schools will be required to wear a mask, unless medically exempt, and wash/sanitize hands hourly. Everyone entering the building will have their temperature checked and there will be extra cleaning and disinfecting in classrooms.

Regardless of what each family decides is its best fit, they can enroll now. Online enrollment is available via PowerSchool and families who need assistance can call or visit their child’s school. Students applying for the remote option must have the electronic application submitted by 4 p.m., August 5. The form can be found at www.usd470.com/remote.

“Our staff is looking forward to connecting with kids again,” Crumbliss said. “Even though things will look different, we’re ready for a great year!”

For more information, visit www.usd470.com.