HASLETT - The Haslett Board of Education met on Feb. 22 to discuss the current learning dynamic amid the pandemic.

Haslett Elementary began a hybrid learning program on Feb. 1, and sixth through 12th grade switched to hybrid learning on Feb 8. Many parents are concerned that this is not enough in-person learning for their children, but others are still weary of the exposure.

The Board of Education is developing a revised timeline for the next phase of what they call their “Responsive Return to Learning Plan”, which could include additional half days and full days of in-person learning. This phase of in-person learning is hoped to begin after March 19. By that point, all Haslett Public School staff will have received both doses of the vaccine – if they elected to do so – plus have quarantined for an additional 14 days following the second dose.

A District Survey was sent out to parents on Feb. 19 regarding each family’s preference of either face-to-face or virtual instruction for children. Currently, 53% of students are participating in a hybrid learning program, and 47% of students are only doing an online program. The Survey also provided information of the number of students who are interested in switching their learning style, however all requests may not be able to be accommodated within the safety guidelines.

When students can shift to more face-to-face learning, all current safety protocols will remain in effect. These include mandatory mask wearing, daily cleaning procedures, and frequent handwashing and hand sanitizing. Superintendent Steven Cook stated that the only challenge will be keeping students six feet apart, but social distancing will be enforced when possible.

“I want to be clear that we are not getting rid of social distancing but depending on where the numbers are it may be more challenging,” Cook said.

The next steps in the learning plan are to analyze the data from the survey that was sent out, which will close on Feb. 26, and then collaborate with the Administrative Team and staff to discuss new schedules and finalize plans. This will also determine the need for additional staffing, revised transportation schedules, and new food service schedules and lunch protocols.

Once an effective and safe plan is developed, Haslett Public Schools will communicate the timeline and details to parents and the community. Still, the main priority is keeping everyone safe.

“We’re happy that we’re back in person, but we want to make sure that once we make the next step, we have all the planning tools to do that,” Superintendent Cook said. “A lot of these things we’ve been doing all along the way, but as the numbers change from the survey and the class sizes could potentially change, we want to make sure we have everything in place to do that.”