HYBRID LEARNING

Absolutely. We recognize there are circumstances in which some families may not be ready to return to campus and we are prepared to offer a remote learning experience that parallels hybrid learning. Families will receive a survey in the next two weeks asking whether your child plans to stay in remote learning mode or would come to school in person for hybrid learning.

No, "Half Day" refers to the length of the time the building will be open for on-campus learning. In this case, the building will be open from 8:20 to 12 noon, allowing 2/3/5-Day Preschool and PreKindergarten students time for their full class period.

We are aware of what many other schools and districts are doing. In fact, we are in regular contact with a number of independent schools both local, and across the nation and the world. While there is much to be learned from other schools, we encourage you to not make assumptions such as: if this school is doing 'x,' STS should be doing 'x' too. Each school is different in number and composition of students and faculty, family needs, grade level and program offerings, facilities, finances, etc. 

A number of factors influence the decision to open or close campus to students. When opening campus, these same factors are considered to determine the amount of in-person learning that can be offered. While not weighted equally in terms of their impact on decision-making, these are some of the key considerations:

• Government and public health agency recommendations
• COVID-19 activity levels in Bellevue and King County
• COVID-19 activity levels in STS community (students, faculty, and staff)
• STS community needs
• School supply of required cleaning/disinfecting products and personal protection equipment, and readiness to implement physical distancing and other COVID-19 related procedures and policies
• School's ability to comply with state and federal employment laws as related to COVID-19
• STS community compliance with COVID-19 related policies and procedures (i.e. practicing physical distancing, using face coverings, etc.)
• Adequate staffing levels
• Insights from our Health Advisory Board composed of STS parents who are medical professionals. This board includes Mark Freeborn, M.D., Vishal Gala, M.D., and Kristina Adams Waldorf, M.D.

Finally, decisions are presented to the STS Board of Trustees for their consideration and endorsement. 

Our intention is to be able to provide at least a two-week notice prior to the School advancing to the next step, but be aware there is always a chance plans may change at any time.

Among the many factors influencing the decision to open or close campus is one that is completely within our collective control: STS community compliance with COVID-19 related policies, procedures, and guidelines. That means each one of us –parents, students, faculty, and staff – has an impact on community health and, therefore, how children will be educated (in-person, hybrid, or remote).

Members of the STS community are expected to:

• Follow public health guidelines and the School's health and safety protocols.
•  Avoid large crowds.
• Wear a mask.
•  Practice physical distancing.
• Wash your hands frequently.
• Stay home if sick or exposed.