Applegate Elementary families with students in grades K-3 are shifting to full time distance learning after a water line break further interrupted back-to-school plans.
COVID-19 case rates in Lane County stopped students from reporting to school as planned on September 22.
Just two days later, as teachers and instructional staff were shifting to limited (part-time) instruction, a water line broke in the foundation under a classroom to halt the backup plan.
Without working bathrooms, all students have been relegated to comprehensive distance learning. Work packets have been distributed to families, and teachers are organizing mechanisms to deliver remote instruction in grades K-3.
The schedule changes have been particularly hard on working families as the district waits for asbestos abatement contractors, concrete removal, and plumbing contractors to restore the service.
For those reasons, the district has announced that students will remain in comprehensive distance learning at least until November 2, 2020 unless county or state COVID-19 reopening metrics push that date back further. See the latest reopening metrics here.
Teachers and aides in K-3 classes will be gearing up to engage in some live virtual classroom experiences for students in the coming weeks, and they will advise parents directly as those plans develop.
Distance learning for students in grades 4-12 have not been adversely impacted and will continue as scheduled.