KFCS K-8 Students Move to Longer Day

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. - In a memo sent to Klamath Falls City School District parents, Dr. Paul Hillyer provides an update on students returning to the classroom on Monday, April 19.

Earlier this month the Center for Disease Control (CDC) changed their recommendation on school social distancing from a mandatory six feet to three feet. Governor Brown, following this advice, reduced social distancing requirements for schools accordingly. This change makes it possible to have more students in a classroom at the same time. As a result, school districts can begin using longer school day schedules.

In line with this new guidance, the Klamath Falls City Schools Board of Education has approved the resolution to have K-8 grade students begin a full-day in-person schedule on Monday, April 19. Students in grades 9-12 will continue their current a.m./p.m. hybrid program. Those choosing the district home learning program, River Academy, may continue to do so. It is exciting to have students back in school for more time to enhance their academic growth and to strengthen their social and emotional health.

Social distancing requirements have changed, but other safety protocols have not. Students will still be asked to wear masks throughout the day, wash their hands frequently, and stay home if they have possible COVID symptoms. Students will also continue to space six feet apart for such school activities as lunch, physical activities, and singing. Closely following these guidelines is critical to keeping the COVID virus from spreading in schools and for continuing with longer school days. Thank you in advance for encouraging these safety precautions with your children.

Schools will be contacting families soon to give them scheduling information. The transportation department will be reaching out to families to give them new pickup and drop-off times as well.

PLEASE NOTE: In order to give time for teachers to prepare for returning to a longer school day schedule on Monday, April 19, the KFCS Board of Education has approved making Friday, April 16, a non-student day for grades K-8. Grades 9-12 will have school as normal on that day.

Sincerely,
Paul Hillyer, Superintendent