School began on September 8 for grades K-12. Since that time, we invited Kindergarten and 1st grade to return for in-person learning beginning September 28, 2020. Additionally, small groups of special education students and select small groups of non K-1 students have been coming to school for in-person services. 

PSD 2nd Graders were invited to return to in-person learning beginning Tuesday, January 19, 2021
On Tuesday, January 19, 2021, 2nd grade students and families who selected in-person learning were invited back to our elementary campuses. Those choosing to learn remotely continue to do so.

Like our Kindergarten and 1st grade students, 2nd graders participating in in-person learning attend school on campus four days a week, and continue with remote learning on Wednesdays. Students who need transportation can ride the same bus as Kindergarten and 1st grade students who are coming to school for in-person learning. Bus routes and times can be found here. 

In the fall we finalized plans for 2nd graders who chose in-person learning but needed to delay the planned November in-person learning start as COVID-19 case rates increased significantly. The new return date of Tuesday, January 19 was announced following winter break.

Last November, 2nd grade families were asked to commit to either the in-person or fully remote learning model. Those selections are still honored for the January return, however a new survey was issued and closed on Sunday, January 3, 2021 allowing families who wished to change their November selection the opportunity to do so.

PSD 3rd-5th graders were invited to begin hybrid in-person learning starting Thursday, February 4, 2021
An AM/PM hybrid model was selected for 3rd-5th graders, plus 2nd graders who attend Pioneer and/or participate in the Peninsula Accelerated Classroom Enrichment (PACE) Program. Several factors contributed to this choice, but the most important factor was the ability to have in-person learning and connections with students four days a week.

Families of grades 3-5 students were surveyed to learn which families wanted their child to come to school for in-person learning and which families wanted to have their child continue with only remote learning. 

6th-12th Grade - Middle School Started February 25, 2021, with High School Starting March 11, 2021
District leaders have been working collaboratively with staff since fall to develop a hybrid model that will best serve the interests of our 6-12 grade students, families, and staff.

Families of grades 6-12 students were surveyed to learn which families wanted their child to come to school for in-person learning and which families wanted to have their child continue with only remote learning. 

• 6th grade ‘A’ day first day is set for Thursday, February 25;
• 6th grade ‘B’ day first day is set for Friday, February 26;
• 6th, 7th and 8th grade ‘A’ first day is set for Monday, March 1; and
• 6th, 7th and 8th grade ‘B’ first day is set for Tuesday, March 2.
   

• 9th grade ‘A’ day first day is set for Thursday, March 11;
• 9th grade ‘B’ day first day is set for Friday March 12;
• All other grades in cohort ‘A,’ first day (includes 9th grade ‘A’) is set for Monday, March 15; and
• All other grades ‘B’ first day (includes 9th grade ‘B’) is set for Tuesday, March 16.

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We will be responsive to our national health pandemic and the environments for learning with the undeniable goal of maximizing in-person learning while keeping our students and staff safe. As we have seen since March, public health conditions can be fluid.

In the guidance from the state K-12 tool kit, the decision to resume or expand in-person learning is complex and requires weighing both risks and benefits to children, staff, their families, and the broader community. The district will consider rates and trends in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations and test positivity in their community. It is not a single number, but a much broader consideration.

Parent, student, and teacher feedback and OSPI guidance, has formulated significant improvements to our Remote Learning 2.0 plan which allows for a more robust learning experience with increased expectations for student participation, more consistency for delivery of content, and more student support. We are streamlining communication and using standardized online tools and platforms districtwide. Students have attendance requirements and teachers provide weekly schedules for each student as well as daily engagement or assigned work for each student.

Schools are open for staff and selected groups of students depending on the stage of reopening. Schools and buildings are closed to the public, with the exception of YMCA which is leasing space for before/after school care at two elementary schools. School administrators may be able to meet with families in person, but by appointment only.

• Students unable to attend live learning sessions during school hours may continue to be enrolled in their neighborhood PSD school. 
• The state has given districts more latitude on attendance policy to accommodate these situations. 
• Daily work will need to be done and shared with the teacher in order to be counted as “present” for daily attendance. 
• Parents are given a guide with suggestions to make learning successful without the live, synchronous connection.
• Parents should inform the teacher if their student will not be connecting live. 
• The student will still be expected to complete assignments and assessments, tracking with the students attending during regular school hours. 
• The district will continue to build supports for parents to support learning during non-school hours. 
• Parents should stay in close contact with the teacher for assignments, materials, resources, and student progress.

PSD is using existing curriculum and has allowed classroom educators to develop units and lessons around the curriculum they are already familiar with. We believe this is best for our students and allows for the ability to switch between remote and in-person learning more easily. Only approved PSD curriculum is used for remote learning. It may be presented differently than in-person, but students are expected to learn the same standards at roughly the same pace.

Every school has a building COVID-19 Building Site Coordinator who is prepared to respond in the event of a health concern at the school. They will work with the Building Response Team to respond to a COVID-19 case. They will also report suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases to the district COVID-19 Safety Coordinator. Read more in the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department's School COVID-19 Case Response Toolkit.

Every school has a designated isolation room for use in the event that a student becomes ill during the school day.

The Washington State Department of Health provides guidance on how to best keep schools clean. PSD staff follow the most current guidance in each of our open facilities, adjusting as we receive updated procedures from health authorities. Read the Safety Protocols in the Reopening Peninsula Schools Guidebook.

This video provides a quick peek into what our schools and buildings look like with additional safety practices and protocols in place.

Each time someone enters a building, they are asked to conduct a health check that includes a temperature reading. This aligns with the Washington State Department of Health screening guidance. Please see this video about what's involved in a health check.

Health Check Video from Peninsula School District on Vimeo.

Yes. The Department of Health requires everyone in a school building or on a school bus to wear a face covering, with specific exemptions identified in the guidance.

Are face coverings required in PSD? 

• Yes, face coverings are required for students, staff and visitors while on Peninsula School District property. 

Why are face coverings required? 

• Governor Inslee, the State Superintendent of Schools, and health departments all require face coverings to be worn as a condition of reopening schools. 
• Face coverings are being required based upon best available data and input from local health authorities, the School Board, CDC guidelines, and stakeholder groups, including teachers and parents. According to the CDC, face coverings have been shown to be an effective tool in stopping the spread of COVID‐19, along with social distancing, frequent hand washing, and cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces. Nothing regarding this requirement is intended to violate the ADA or HIPAA protections for our students and staff.

Do people have to wear face coverings all day? 

• Yes. Face coverings are required unless an approved exemption applies.

Are there exemptions? 

• Yes. The following approved exemptions apply: Persons eating or drinking; persons for whom a face covering would cause an impairment due to an existing health condition; persons who need to communicate with someone who is hearing impaired and needs to see the person’s mouth to communicate; and teachers and students when face coverings are an impediment to instruction.

Is my child be required to wear a face covering when participating in co‐curricular and extra‐curricular activities? 

• Yes. Face coverings are required unless an approved exemption applies. 

What happens if a child forgets, loses, or damages their face covering? 

• If a student forgets, loses or damages their face covering, the district will provide a disposable face covering for that day.

What happens when a student refuses to wear a face covering? 

• Face coverings are required for all students, staff, and visitors unless an approved exemption applies. Every attempt is made to ensure that the student and the student’s parents understand the importance of wearing a face covering. We have a remote learning model for students and families who elect not to wear a face covering. 

Can students and staff bring their own face coverings? 

• Yes. Face coverings must comply with school dress codes so that they do not disrupt school activities, are not obscene or otherwise inflammatory, and do not endanger the health or safety of themselves or others. 

How does the face covering requirement apply to students with special needs? 

• Appropriate accommodations are made based on the individualized needs of the students.

Are face coverings be required on buses? 

• Yes. It is the student’s responsibility to wear a face covering while on district transportation; disposable face coverings are available for students who forget their reusable face covering.

Yes. Compliance with immunization requirements must be met before the first day of returning to school building campuses for any in-person learning or services. Students participating in full remote learning do not need to fully meet the immunization requirements to start school, but will need to before returning to campus.

For more information, please visit our Health Services web page.

Students need to wear face masks and are spaced based on when they are picked up. Drivers indicate where students should sit to help maintain social distancing as best we can. Students are always required to remain seated and keep their hands and arms to themselves. Students should not touch each other or share any items. School buses will be cleaned and disinfected daily.

The ventilation systems in all our schools and buildings are ​monitored and ​maintained to ensure that they are working properly. Ventilation units are scheduled to start early every day to ensure sufficient air changes are made prior to the school being occupied by staff and students. The percentage of fresh outside air is adjustable through the Building Automation Systems to make sure the air quality is maintained during occupancy of the building. Ventilation systems vary across the district. If you have questions about a school or building’s ventilation system, please contact Jeff Otis in the Maintenance and Grounds Department at 253.530.3811.

Yes. Student meals are available for pick up at school sites. Please visit our Nutrition Services web page for further information.

The district communicates using a variety of channels including emails, district and school websites, and social media. If you missed a message, visit this page for our message archives. If you do not already receive our district emails, please update your information in Parent Portal. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Additionally, schools communicate to their respective school communities. If you think you may be missing school-based communication messages, please call or email your school office staff to ensure your contact information is up to date. 

School counselors work collaboratively to support students with their academic, social/emotional, and career planning needs through a remote learning environment. For more information please see the Counseling Services page.

School nurses and health techs work collaboratively to support students. For more information please see the Health Services page.

We understand that childcare is a concern for many of our families. Although we cannot directly provide childcare, we are committed to helping our working families find solutions. We work with our childcare partners, local agencies and community-based organizations to support and connect our families with community-generated solutions.

Families may contact the YMCA Childcare office at 360-813-1813 for more information and to start the registration process.

Parents are encouraged to go through Childcare Aware for help finding operating childcare. Call the Family Center at 1-800-446-1114 or visit the Childcare Aware website.

The military also provides childcare and other support for dependents of military members. Information for the Navy is available here. Information for JBLM is here.

We know that some of our families are in a situation where they must work and also find a way to ensure their children are appropriately cared for when they can’t be in school. Childcare facilities are licensed by the state and operate under different regulations than schools. In order to operate, childcare facilities are offering smaller groups and taking the appropriate steps to meet the state’s health and safety guidelines.

If your child does not have access to a wireless network in your home, we have wireless hotspots available for checkout. Please contact your child’s school for more information and see the low-cost internet options available in Pierce County here.

If your child's device is in need of repair, please email servicecentral@psd401.net and we will arrange a time to pick up a loaner and collect your device. If you have emailed us and have not gotten a response, please check your junk or spam folder, as we have heard that our messages often land there.

Please contact your school for specific information about clubs and activities. Please refer to our high school athletics FAQ on this page for more information specific to high school athletics.

All courses, including band and choir, previously offered by middle and high schools are offered during Remote Learning 2.0.

All courses previously offered by our middle and high schools will be offered with Remote Learning 2.0.

Yes. AP (Advanced Placement) courses will remain an option at PHS and GHHS.  Additional support and resources can be found at https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/.

Career and Technical Education courses are adjusted to a remote learning model that grows student knowledge, skills, and aspirations in a variety of ways. These include:

• Virtual simulations in classes like Computer Science and Health Sciences;
• Guest teachers from the field to help answer questions and share their career journey;
• Kits available for student pick-up or delivery that addresses skills in an attainable way;
• Online access to programming such as Adobe programs through Amazon Cloud;
• Distribution of equipment such as cameras and tools; and
• When possible, invite students to participate in small group demonstrations and use of power equipment.

We continue to work with our post-secondary and industry partners to ensure high quality learning in our Career and Technical programs.

Hybrid learning for our district means students will participate in both in-person learning on school campuses and remote learning from home.

District leaders have been working collaboratively with staff since fall to develop a hybrid model that will best serve the interests of our 6-12 grade students, families, and staff.

Families of grades 6-12 students were surveyed to learn which families wanted their child to come to school for in-person learning and which families wanted to have their child continue with only remote learning. 

• 6th grade ‘A’ day first day began Thursday, February 25;
• 6th grade ‘B’ day first day began Friday, February 26;
• 6th, 7th and 8th grade ‘A’ first day began Monday, March 1; and
• 6th, 7th and 8th grade ‘B’ first day begins Tuesday, March 2.
   

• 9th grade ‘A’ day first day is set for Thursday, March 11;
• 9th grade ‘B’ day first day is set for Friday March 12;
• All other grades in cohort ‘A,’ first day (includes 9th grade ‘A’) is set for Monday, March 15; and
• All other grades ‘B’ first day (includes 9th grade ‘B’) is set for Tuesday, March 16.

In the guidance from the state K-12 tool kit, the decision to resume or expand in-person learning is complex and requires weighing both risks and benefits to children, staff, their families, and the broader community. The district will consider rates and trends in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations and test positivity in their community. It is not a single number, but a much broader consideration.

All families have a choice for their child to do in-person or remote learning. Students receive the same class/subject content whether they are in-person or remote.

It is likely that students who are in the fully remote program will have a new teacher for one or more subjects. This is due to how we will need to staff both the full remote program and the hybrid model. Students selecting the in-person hybrid model may also experience teacher changes, as there is the possibility that one or more of their current teachers is part of the fully remote teacher team. 

The lessons and expectations should be relatively the same, though you'll need to account for different teachers teaching remotely and in-person. This would be true if all students were in-person. We suggest you ask your child to list advantages and disadvantages, which you may have already done. Each child and family is going to be different with unique needs and preferences.

Students who receive special education services in the resource room setting will have the option to access the in-person, hybrid model or remote learning. Students who are placed in a District Level special education program (Options, ET&T, TRAC, CTP) will continue their current in-person schedule or can access remote learning.

All students and staff must complete a health assessment including a temperature check. Watch this video to see the Daily Health Check Process. While on campus they must:

• Wear a face covering;
• Maintain 6 feet apart from others; and
• Frequently wash hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer.

Floors have been marked to help in areas of potential congestion. This video provides a quick peek into what our schools look like with additional safety practices and protocols in place. Additionally, desks, chairs, and other high touch areas will be wiped down with approved/recommended cleaner between each class period.

Each school has a safety plan and an identified safety coordinator. Please visit your child’s school reopening webpage.

We have extended the passing period so that there will be ample time to move students safely from one class to another. This may include staggering dismissal times. Directional signs and floor marking indicating one way movement in hallways and around the building have been posted and staff will be monitoring. Passing periods will be evaluated regularly to make sure there is enough time for students to move, but not to congregate. 

Students will be distanced in classrooms and monitored in hallways/transitional spaces/bathrooms to ensure distancing and mask protocols are followed. Floors have been marked to help in areas of potential congestion. Whenever possible one-way traffic will be used

Based on our planning and adhering to health and safety protocols, we are planning for in-person class sizes in the hybrid model to be between 8-14 students per class.

School meals will be served in groups to accommodate the 6 foot social distancing requirement. They will likely be held in the commons/lunchroom and may expand to other spaces such as gyms. The administrators at your child’s school will have more specific details on locations and groupings.

Restrooms have been designated with maximum occupancy signs and students will be instructed to adhere to this and maintain 6-foot social distancing when in the restroom.

No, lockers will not be used due to physical distancing requirements. Locker areas tend to be areas where students congregate so we do not feel it is safe at this time. Students are encouraged to use a backpack for their materials and school supplies.

Yes, we are working hard to safely accommodate those students who want to come back for in-person learning. The hybrid model reduces the number of students at school in a day, allowing for class sizes to fall within the determined classroom maximum occupancy while abiding by the 6 foot distancing.

Yes. Find more information about what is involved with a daily health check in our safety and wellness FAQ. If your child has special health needs, please start now to make plans for medications that may need to have on hand to assist your child. Call your school to help coordinate with the health room.

Each student and staff member goes through a daily check-in process, which includes a temperature check and submitting a health check form.

Please click on the following links to view, download or print a form.

• PSD Student Health Screening Attestation Form
• PSD Student Health Screening Attestation Form (Spanish)
• PSD Staff Health Screening Attestation Form

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Each suspected or confirmed COVID-19 case in our schools is unique and may be handled differently. Our protocol includes contacting our district’s lead nurse who communicates with the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department. Close contacts of the individual testing positive will be investigated by tracking the individuals movements throughout the school building; for students who ride the bus, this would include any other bus riders who may have been in close contact. A close contact is defined as someone who has spent 15 minutes or more within 6 feet of the confirmed case.

Anyone who is a close contact will receive instructions from the health department about quarantining.  Communication to other staff and families from the individual’s school will be sent once all close contacts have been determined and communicated with.

Every school has a designated isolation room for use in the event that a student becomes ill during the school day.  In the event that we are able to continue COVID-19 testing, any student testing positive will also be placed in the designated isolation room until a method for getting the student home has been determined and implemented.

Every school has a COVID-19 site safety plan, which can be viewed online. Go to your school’s homepage, and click on the “School Reopening” menu. The plan is posted on each school’s reopening page.

Yes, you can view our COVID-19 Data Dashboard here.

Before making a decision to close any of our schools due to COVID-19 cases, we work with the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department to investigate cases and consult published guidance from Washington State Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

On ‘at home’ days, students will engage in activities linked to past, present, and future learnings that can be done individually. This may include, but is not limited to: independent practice on assigned concepts, projects, remediation, extensions, and videos associated directly with previous concepts covered or concepts to be covered in upcoming lessons.

Students who select the in-person hybrid model will be expected to attend shorter, synchronous (with their teacher) class sessions on Wednesdays. Students in the in-person hybrid model can expect a day of learning similar to the 1 hour late start days that were in place prior to the pandemic with all instruction occuring remotely. 

Yes, all schools have attempted to group those students returning for in-person instruction alphabetically to help families within a school and, more broadly, within the district, in the same “A” or “B” cohort. Schools will work individually with families who have children who are placed in opposite cohorts to make accommodations that will align students from the same household.  However, as elementary schedules significantly differ from the schedules for secondary students, accommodating days of the week and times between elementary and secondary is unlikely.

Yes. We are making every effort for students to remain with their teachers, although some student schedules may be shuffled depending on the number of those returning to school for in-person learning. There may be other class changes that are typical in any school year around the semester or trimester change.

Yes. Students attending in-person will be able to ride the school bus. Check our transportation web page for route information.

Yes. We will continue providing both breakfast and lunches for our students. Each school will have their own plan for distributing meals, so please contact your child’s school.

Building leaders, teachers, and district staff have agreed upon the specifics of the remote learning model for those students who choose to continue with fully remote learning. Here are some highlights:

• The secondary remote learning model will blend components of the current remote model and the hybrid, in-person learning model.
• Most remote students will continue to attend 3 class periods a day. Some students who take classes where specific teaching certification is required may have more than 3 classes per day.
• The length of class sessions will be shortened to approximately 50 minutes with periods 1, 2, and 3 occurring in the morning every Monday and Thursday, while periods 4, 5, and 6 will be held every Tuesday and Friday afternoon.
• Remote students will receive essentially the same number of instructional minutes per week as they currently do.
• On Wednesdays, students will follow the 1 hour late start schedule as was in place prior to the implementation of fully remote learning. Students will be expected to attend shorter class sessions for all 6 periods synchronously from home.
• Please see this graphic regarding the basic outline for students in fully remote

Hybrid learning for our district means some learning taking place on campus and some learning taking place remotely.

In the guidance from the state K-12 tool kit, the decision to resume or expand in-person learning is complex and requires weighing both risks and benefits to children, staff, their families, and the broader community. The district will consider rates and trends in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations and test positivity in their community. It is not a single number, but a much broader consideration.

PSD 3rd-5th graders have been invited to start hybrid in-person learning on Thursday, February 4, 2021.

Students will attend in person 4X per week, M/T/Th/F, and learn remotely on Wednesdays.

All families have a choice for their child to do in-person or remote learning. Students receive the same class/subject content whether they are in person or remote.

Most students selecting the fully remote option will be reassigned to a different teacher.  Some students selecting in-person may need to shift teachers if their current teacher is part of the fully remote teacher team. 

Due to the complexities of staffing, we request that families stay in the learning mode initially selected. Please contact your child’s school principal if you have any questions related to switching learning modes once you’ve made your selection.

All students and staff must complete a health assessment including a temperature check. Watch this video to see the Daily Health Check Process. While on campus they must:

• Wear a face covering;
• Maintain 6 feet apart from others; and
• Frequently wash hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer.

Floors have been marked to help in areas of potential congestion. This video provides a quick peek into what our schools and buildings look like with additional safety practices and protocols in place.

Each school has a safety plan and identified safety coordinators. Please visit your child’s school reopening webpage.

Students will be divided into three cohorts:

In-person AM: 9:00AM-11:30AM; In-person PM: 1:00PM-3:30PM, and a fully remote option.

While students are at school, desks will be kept 6 feet apart and each student has their own desk and materials.

Yes, we are working hard to safely accommodate those students who want to come back for in-person learning, and classrooms are set up with 6 foot distancing, and efforts are made to maintain that distance at all times, understanding that kids will be kids. The hybrid model reduces the number of students at school in a day.

Schools and buildings are cleaned throughout the day and disinfected each night, with special attention to high-touch areas. Custodians clean restrooms and common areas routinely several times throughout the day.

Yes. Find more information about what is involved with a daily health check in our safety and wellness FAQ.

Every situation is different, and we will be relying on the Health Department guidance. Every school has a building COVID-19 Building Site Coordinator who is prepared to respond in the event of a health concern at the school. They will work with the Building Response Team to respond to a COVID-19 case. They will also report suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases to the district COVID-19 Safety Coordinator. Read more in the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department's School COVID-19 Case Response Toolkit.

Every school will have a designated isolation room for use in the event that a student becomes ill during the school day. 

Yes. Students attending in-person who are transported by parents will be assigned to the morning session from 9am to 11:30am. Those students being transported by school bus will be assigned to the afternoon session from 1pm to 3:30pm.

More detail on this will come as we get closer to launch, but here’s what we can say now.  It’s important to note that the teacher will not be available to students during this time as they will be teaching the other cohort. Home learning time will consist of some mix of the following:

• Independent learning time 
• Follow up and completion of activities begun during the in-person half days
• Specialist activities provided on Chromebook (more details still TBD) 
• Chromebook-based learning to build skills (example, iReady activities) 
• Hands on/project-based activities will also be emphasized (example, Hands-on Art projects) 
• Collaborative work via Zoom

Similar to above, although there may be some times where teachers will be available.  More details will be shared by your child’s teacher.

Meals (breakfast and lunch) will be provided. More details will be provided by your school soon.

Due to the limited time 3rd-5th grade students have on campus, traditional recess time will be replaced with other activities like ‘brain and stretch breaks.’

We would like students to bring their Chromebooks to school each day they come to school and also have them at home for remote learning.