Oberlin Schools go all-online until November

OBERLIN — Going back to school in person is "a time bomb waiting to happen," Oberlin Schools Superintendent David Hall said. His district has opted instead to push all learning online until at least Nov. 6. When the first quarter ends, Hall will reassess whether the coronavirus pandemic poses less of a threat. "This gives us time," he said. Most Oberlin Board of Education members spoke in favor of a 100 percent remote learning model during a meeting Tuesday night, though they didn't vote on which route to take — that decision was left to Hall. Board member Farah Emeka, for example, said coronavirus cases in Lorain County are growing and she is concerned about spread of the virus spiking in the fall or winter. Safety was on board President Jason Williams' mind Wednesday as well. "Our whole thing is students first. We want to protect our students and we want to protect our teachers," he said. The teaching staff heavily favored taking instruction online to limit exposure to the coronavirus, and that preference was heard loud and clear. Teachers will provide live instruction from their classrooms five days a week, streaming out lessons to students at home via video chat. Students in kindergarten through fifth grade will take part in three to four hours of online instruction each day, and those in grades six to 12 will get about four to six hours, depending on schedules. Art, music, physical education and Spanish will be part of the weekly schedule. Oberlin High School will follow a nine-period schedule starting at 8 a.m. and ending at 3:20 p.m. Teens will each meet with a guidance counselor to create a schedule, and they will be expected to attend an online learning orientation. Parents will be asked to attend an e-learning orientation as well. Students will get digital devices to take home, along with technical support. The district has pledged to make sure all students have internet access: "This will not be a barrier for students," its restart plan said. In addition, Oberlin Schools is working on a way to still deliver meals to students, even as they learn remotely. Guidance counselors, social workers, tutors and college support services will be made available online, along with special education, gifted, College Credit Plus and International Baccalaureate services. "The health and safety of students, staff and volunteers is paramount," Hall wrote in a news release announcing the remote-learning decision. "The district's goal is to have the students use Zoom Meet and other programs to enhance teacher/student engagement. The district has considered the social needs of students and the importance for them to belong and to be a class community. This educational philosophy will be incorporated into lessons." He also expressed interest in partnering with the city of Oberlin and agencies such as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lorain County to develop a space where students can go if staying at home is not an option. For example, a school building could be put aside with social distancing and mask requirements for children from single-parent or two-income households, for whom staying home alone isn't an option. Contact Jason Hawk at (440) 329-7122 or news@lcnewspapers.com.