FAIRVIEW, Ore. (KOIN) — Reynolds Middle School announced Tuesday they would be returning to distance learning for a short period for the safety of its students — but not because of any new COVID cases.
The school is planning to engage students in distance learning for about two weeks starting next Monday, November 22. In a statement, the school said they will be temporarily transitioning back to virtual instruction “to ensure Reynolds Middle School has the necessary social-emotional supports and safety protocols in place to provide a safe learning environment for all students.”
“We are finding that some students are struggling with the socialization skills necessary for in-person learning, which is causing disruption in school for other students,” Reyolds School District Superintendent Dr. Danna Diaz said.
No school will be held this Thursday or Friday, which will allow faculty to prep for distance learning.
During the next two weeks of virtual learning, the school says administrators, teachers and other staff will be implementing safety precautions in preparation for students returning. Students will start transitioning back to the classroom on December 7.
“What we’re doing is looking at providing teachers with that grade level reflection activities that they can work with the students on to be able to talk about the environment and the how to address it in a positive way so that we don’t have the negative outburst that are affecting education,” Reynolds spokesperson Steve Padilla said.
The school’s distant learning schedule and additional information are posted on their website. The Reynolds School Board will meet Wednesday night to discuss this issue.
Other schools in the state have experienced similar disruptions.
Portland Public Schools held a virtual board meeting Tuesday night where parents, staff and students voiced their concerns.
“Everything you see going on in this city, you need to understand it’s reflected in our schools and it’s what our community and our schools are going through,” said Susan Anglada Bartley, a 20 year veteran teacher working all but one year in PPS. “Where do we place the blame when there’s violence in the classroom, when there’s outbursts, when there’s all types of services needed that aren’t there?”