Jordan School District settles on plan for fall classes

WEST JORDAN —  Monday, the Jordan School District unanimously approved a plan for fall classes in which students will attend school in-person for four days per week.

The plan is structured so Monday through Thursday students will attend in-person classes. On Fridays, students will take part in online classwork, small-group learning, and additional teacher consultation. 

Superintendent Anthony Godfrey described each Friday using the words “guided,” “directed,” “supervised,” and “accountable.”

Board members said that they hope that using Fridays in this manner will not be taken as a three-day weekend every week.

One option out of many

This model was chosen out of four other options that were presented, one of which was a “traditional, in-person” class model, similar to how education was conducted prior to the state’s soft closure in the wake of the pandemic. 

One plan included a system where students would have attended every other day, with smaller classes that would alternate Monday-Wednesday-Friday or Tuesday-Thursday schedules. 

A similar plan had students alternating weekly with online learning and in-person learning. 

Another plan had students alternating between mornings and afternoon classes. 

Officials said that having students not attend school in person on Fridays provides an extra day where custodial staff can deep clean the buildings in addition to the sanitation efforts that will already be in place for high-touch surfaces and common areas.

Additional details of the plan

District officials also discussed plans for face coverings, hand washing and regular disinfecting of surfaces and central air systems in their meeting on Monday morning. 

The district will discourage whole-school assemblies unless proper social distancing can be maintained; large-group meetings will be decided upon case-by-case.

Through the end of the 2020 calendar year, schools in the district will only allow overnight travel if it relates to state tournaments. A plan to reopen prep sports in the fall has not yet been formally approved by the Utah High School Activities Association. 

With the exception of an out of state marching band competition, the district will not allow field trips and out of state travel. 

District officials said that several hundred parents and teachers responded to a survey last week. The survey asked about the school year beginning with a traditional, in-class curriculum. The board said it made these changes with an eye toward the “health and safety” of students, faculty and teachers. Board members also acknowledged some parents will be upset by the decision.

The board plans to meet again on July 28, and will likely have more details on the plan.

Likewise, the Davis School District announced some of their return to school plan that includes face coverings for students and teachers, an emphasis on hygiene etiquette, social distancing and disinfecting surfaces when possible.

---

How To Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 Coronavirus

COVID-19 coronavirus spreads person to person, similar to the common cold and the flu. So, to prevent it from spreading:

• Wash hands frequently and thoroughly, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds.
• Don’t touch your face.
• Keep children and those with compromised immune systems away from someone who is coughing or sneezing (in this instance, at least six feet)
• If there is an outbreak near you, practice social distancing (stay at home, instead of going to the movies, sports events, or other activities.)
• Get a flu shot.

Local resources

KSL Coronavirus Q&A 

Utah’s Coronavirus Information 

Utah State Board of Education

Utah Hospital Association

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Utah Coronavirus Information Line – 1-800-456-7707

National Resources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Commonly asked questions, World Health Organization

Cases in the United States