Ready Schools, Safe Learners
July 2, 2020
Dear Coos Bay Families,
I want to start by saying thank you for supporting your student(s) and our district over the course of the last nine weeks of the year. With your help we were able to turn a difficult situation into something positive for most of our students. On June 30th, the Oregon Department of Education released the updated version of guidance to reopening schools in the fall. Our administrative team and staff members have been going over this guidance and developing plans for how we begin school in our district. We have compiled survey data from many families and even some students. The Coos Bay School District, in alignment with the North Bend School District, has developed a plan to reopen school for the 2020-21 year that provides families with flexible instructional options and meets the requirements of the Oregon Department of Education.
The results of our survey and work with staff were clear; we all want our students to return to school safely. Due to the class size restrictions in the state guidance, we are unable to bring all students back full-time as we begin the school year. We will be offering instructional options for families that will best meet the needs of your family, provide a quality educational experience for all students, and adhere to state and federal requirements for the health and safety of your children and our staff.
Coos Bay School District Priorities:
- Encourage student and staff health and safety
- Continue to build positive and supportive relationships with families and students
- Provide quality learning environments for both in-person and online models
- Provide options for families and students to accommodate their needs
- Provide technology and support when feasible
- Meet the requirements of the Oregon Department of Education guidance
Below is an overview of the instructional options for the start of the 2020-21 school year:
Hybrid Model of Instruction: This will be our main model of instruction and is designed for students and families that would like to have in-person contact with their teachers in a traditional classroom setting. This model allows the easiest transition back to a full school day, when restrictions are lifted.
Online Model of Instruction: This will be an optional alternative model that is designed for students and families who want to maintain their connection with Coos Bay schools but would like to be at home full-time and not return to campus beginning in the Fall. This model requires varying levels of family support at home, depending on grade level.
The Hybrid Model Includes: (times may be adjusted for transportation)
- Face to face small group instruction with your classroom teacher
- Social connection with peers
- 4 instructional days per week, Monday through Thursday, in an AM/PM cohort model: Times may be adjusted for transportation purposes.
- AM cohort will attend from 8:00-11:00am
- PM cohort will attend from 12:30-3:30pm
- Disinfecting of classrooms, buildings, and buses will take place in-between cohorts
- Fridays will be used for support of families who choose fully online model and providing additional support where needed.
- Access to supports including special education, counseling, and other instructional supports
- Two meals offered each day
- Additional daily supports provided to students through online and other supplemental materials (Books, Digital, Homework)
The Online Model includes:
- Comprehensive curriculum to meet the instructional needs of all grade levels K-12
- Connection and support to local teachers and staff
- Flexible learning schedules to fit your student/family needs
- Access to supports including special education, counseling, and other instructional supports
- District technology devices if needed
- Access to meals
There is also the possibility at the High School level to utilize both models to meet the instructional needs of every student. All models will provide students the opportunity to participate in extra-curricular activities as they become available. All models provide the opportunity to graduate from the Coos Bay School District.
More specific details regarding reopening plans will be developed and shared in early August. Each school will be developing plans that meet the Oregon Department of Education guidance for reopening schools. As more information becomes available, I will communicate it to all of you. Until then, I hope you all have a great summer!
Stay safe,
Bryan Trendell
Coos Bay Public Schools
Superintendent