Full in-person learning could be scrapped in Bethel Park School District

BETHEL PARK, Pa. — Back-to-school plans in the Bethel Park School District could be changing.

The school board discussed Tuesday night scrapping full in-person learning.

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Just last week, the plan was to offer two options for students: all online or all in-person learning.

With talks of getting rid of a full return to the classroom, the school board president said the district is shifting toward a blended model.

The blended model would involve alternating groups of students who go to classes in person for part of the week. When a group isn’t in the classroom, those students would work online.

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“Listen, as a parent, it’s not easy. So, imagine what it’s like for the kids,” Becky Smith, a parent in Bethel Park, said. “These decisions are not one size fits all. The district has to figure out what’s best for everyone and COVID keeps changing this, so let’s hope this just works out. We have to look out for the kids.”

School board members said the back-to-school plan has evolved from their initial model because of an increase in COVID-19 cases and additional guidance from Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf.

“This option has been our plan B, and with the numbers of cases in Allegheny County continuing to rise, we are adjusting our opening to this plan to make every effort to keep our students, staff and families safe and healthy,” Janet O’Rourke, Bethel Park’s assistant superintendent, said.

A decision on a new plan is expected from the board on Aug. 11.

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