As Cleveland joins the rest of the United States in re-establishing day-to-day routines amidst the new normal of COVID-19, one of the most important concerns on people’s minds is how schools can restart for the 2020-21 academic year.
If you live in Cleveland or other Northeast Ohio suburbs, here is everything that you need to know:
School districts will begin the new school year fully remotely
Following the recommendations of the Cuyahoga County Board of Health issued on July 30, 2020, the following Northeast Ohio school districts will start classes fully online:
- Chagrin Falls Exempted Village Schools: In addition to a fully remote model, a hybrid model (combining a half-day of in-person instruction with a half-day of remote learning) starting August 25 is also available
- Beachwood City Schools: Classes start on August 24
- Cleveland City Schools: Starting August 10, this school district is rotating in-person attendance by alternating groups of students at reduced capacity while the rest attend virtual classrooms
- Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District: Classes start on September 2, with options for all-remote or blended learning models
- Cleveland Metropolitan School District: Fully online for the first nine weeks, starting on August 24 for year-round students and September 8 for traditional students
- Mayfield City Schools: Classes start on August 17 with an online learning model planned for at least the first quarter of the school year
- Orange City School District: Classes begin on August 27 and will be held remotely for at least the entire first semester
- Shaker Heights City School District: Starting August 31, classes will be held remotely for at least the first quarter
- Solon City Schools: Remote learning for at least the first quarter begins on August 26 for Grades 1-12, August 28 for Kindergarten, and August 31 for Preschool students
- Westlake City Schools: Fully online starting September 8, with plans to switch between all-in (in-person), virtual, or hybrid learning models depending on the latest health reports
In addition to encouraging virtual learning during the early portions of the school year, the county health board also recommends discontinuing any extracurricular programs such as sports, band, theater, choir, and any other activities that require in-person social gatherings.
School districts can decide whether to shut down buildings or campuses if a positive case is recorded
All school districts are expected to exercise discretion and flexibility on their chosen teaching and learning methods, based on evolving developments in local health conditions.
For schools that are shifting to in-person classes, students will be required to wear a mask in compliance with the statewide mandate that was put in effect in late July.
Governor Mike DeWine has also given school districts the authority to shut down school buildings or multiple schools if the COVID-19 situation worsens in a local area.
The state government can declare a statewide shutdown if such extreme measures are necessary
The state government will also practice discretion about declaring a statewide shutdown if the coronavirus threat significantly escalates. As of August 8, 2020, Ohio has recorded a 5.5% positivity rate.
When you want to keep up with the latest updates and developments concerning the Northeast Ohio lifestyle, talking to a reputable local agent is always the smart move. Contact me, long-time resident and top Cleveland Realtor Michelle McQuade, at 440.823.2449 or MichelleMcQuade(at)HowardHanna(dotted)com.