Page 17 - Florida Sentinel 6-11-21

Local
Hillsborough County Public Schools Will Offer Two Learning Options For Upcoming School Year
Face coverings will be optional for all stu- dents and staff begin- ning June 7
As we move toward the 2021-22 school year, district leaders with Hillsborough County Public Schools are grateful that ongoing safety protocols, widespread avail- ability of vaccinations, and local awareness of the effects of COVID-19 in our commu- nity will enable us to provide two learning options next year: face-to-face instruction (in school) or virtual instruc- tion through Hillsborough Virtual K-12 (HVK12).
District leaders recognize that the majority of children learn, thrive, and grow most responsively when they are in the presence of their teachers and peers. We also understand some children respond better in a less con- ventional model. Consider- ing the decrease in COVID rates and the increase in vac- cinations, the district is mov- ing toward a more normal way of work. For the 2021- 22 school year, eLearn- ing will not be an option. However, HVK12 is the perfect fit for families looking for flexibility while still having access to dy- namic, top-notch Hillsbor- ough County Public Schools teachers.
Regarding the use of face coverings and after review of recent CDC guidelines, we
have decided that face cov- erings will be optional for all students, staff, and visitors beginning June 7th which will in- clude our summer learn- ing programs and the 2021-22 school year.
HCPS will continue to work with local public health experts at the Florida De- partment of Health in Hills- borough County (DOH-Hillsborough) and
Tampa General Hospital/USF Health to monitor conditions across the community in case a change in this decision is warranted.
Throughout the summer and into next school year, we will continue our safety pro- tocols, including the use of COVID Leads at each dis- trict/school site, PPE avail- able at all schools, and the use of our environmental
safety team for deep cleaning measures when needed.
Families who prefer to continue their children’s ed- ucation at home can do so through Hillsborough Vir- tual K-12. Families can apply now at: http://bitly.com/- HVK12APPLY.
Initial Choice enrollment for HVK12 ends on July 11, 2021, at 11:59 p. m. Through HVK12, students learn virtu- ally using a web-based cur-
riculum with certified teachers from Hillsborough County Public Schools and receive a personalized expe- rience in a structured envi- ronment.
The district is surveying all eLearning families to de- termine if they intend to come back to face-to-face in- struction, apply to Hillsbor- ough Virtual K-12, or opt for a different setting outside of HCPS.
FRIDAY, JUNE 11, 2021 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY FRIDAY PAGE 5-B