Kuna implements blended-learning model

The Kuna School District will start the school year with a mix of in-person and remote instruction.

Citing increased spread of coronavirus in Ada County in recent months, Superintendent Wendy Johnson told families Wednesday that the district will remain in a hybrid model through Sept. 30, while leaders monitor metrics used to identify local spread of COVID-19.

“Ultimately, our goal is to return all students to in person instruction five days a week,” Johnson wrote.

Parents can complete a survey letting the district know which of two color-coded timetables work best for them under the hybrid model:

  • A “gold” schedule, which allows for half of Kuna’s students to attend school in person Tuesdays and Thursdays.
  • A “blue” schedule, which allows for the other half to attend in person Wednesdays and Fridays.

Mondays will be a “digital day” for all students to work from home and an “early release” collaboration day for teachers, Johnson wrote. “We will share more details about the specifics of the schedule no later than Aug. 7.”

The district will use students’ last names to keep families on the same schedule, Johnson said.

Teachers will return to school Monday, Aug. 24, and students will go back Thursday, Aug. 27. Students who prefer to attend completely online can enroll in Kuna Virtual School by Aug. 3. Face coverings are required for students attending in-person classes.

Click here for the district’s reopening plan.

Kuna isn’t the only Treasure Valley school district adapting to a surge in local cases of coronavirus since June. Caldwell announced last week that it will reopen with a blended model. And Boise School District trustees are expected to decide on Monday whether all students will start the school year virtually, rather than only those enrolled in Boise Online School.

Boise Superintendent Coby Dennis said Wednesday afternoon that face-to-face classes have become “a bit more unlikely” for the district in recent weeks.

Devin Bodkin

Devin Bodkin

EdNews assistant editor and reporter Devin Bodkin is a former high school English teacher who specializes in stories about charter schools and educating students who live in poverty. He lives and works in East Idaho. Follow Devin on Twitter @dsbodkin. He can be reached by email at [email protected].

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