PUSD Board Sets Timeline For Return To Classroom

PLEASANTON, CA — Younger Pleasanton Unified School District students will begin returning to classrooms after Alameda County has stayed for two weeks in the red tier of the state's four-tiered, color-coded, COVID-19 risk system.

Students will return in phases, the board decided last week. Alameda County is currently in the most-strict purple tier, which indicates widespread COVID-19 risk. The red tier is one step down from the purple tier.

It's unclear when the move to the red tier could happen, but the county would have to meet requirements that include seeing four to seven daily new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 residents. Currently, Alameda County is seeing 41 daily new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 residents.

"Our ability to [start bringing students back] largely is dependent on our broader community's collective efforts in adhering to health and safety guidelines," wrote district spokesperson Patrick Gannon in an email.

The initial phase of PUSD's plan includes bringing back students in preschool through second grade, said Superintendent David Haglund in an email to PUSD families. Those students will participate in an AM/PM hybrid model.

One week later, students in grades three through five will return and also be placed in the AM/PM hybrid model.

Secondary students will be the last to return, one week after students through fifth grade have returned. They will still be able to participate in sports and co-curricular camps. The board will discuss more details about secondary students' return during a meeting on Feb. 11.

Families may continue with remote learning if they wish, Haglund said. Small cohort programs to provide additional support will also continue.

Parents will receive a survey this week regarding their preferences for in-person or remote learning, Haglund said. Families are asked to complete the survey as quickly as possible to help PUSD as it plans for a return to school.

PUSD plans to soon post on its website a COVID-19 safety plan, which must be submitted to state and county public health departments. Plans are approved eight days later if no feedback is provided.

"Please stay safe and healthy," he wrote. "Remind our young people to wash their hands frequently, avoid gathering in large groups, and remember to wear a mask whenever outside of your home."