Ramapo Indian Hills Will Institute Hybrid Learning Model

OAKLAND, NJ — The Ramapo Indian Hills Regional High School District will institute a hybrid learning model for the beginning of the fall semester, the district announced Friday.

In a letter to the district community, Superintendent of Schools Beverly MacKay said students at both district high schools will be separated into cohorts, and will attend in-person classes on a two-day rotation.

This model will continue through at least the first six weeks of the school year, or until Oct. 23. Though some learning will happen virtually, students will follow the district's regular nine-period instructional day while present in the building.

"With fewer students in the buildings allowing for additional physical distancing, the use of face coverings, and increased cleaning and sanitizing protocols, we feel assured risk mitigation will be improved," MacKay wrote.

What was announced Friday is not the full plan for the 2020 school year, and is subject to change if further guidance is issued, said MacKay.

The Bergen County Office of Education has pushed back the deadline for plans from July 27 to July 31, which gives Bergen County school districts a few extra days to finalize how they'll move forward before presenting that information to parents and students.

Plans must be presented to parents no later than Aug. 3.

As committees continue fine-tuning the reopening procedures, the district has released a survey for parents which asks two questions:

• How many children do you have enrolled in the high school?
• What is your plan for their education this September?

RIH is the latest district to release tentative plans as the state rolls out expanded — and clearer — protocols for virtual learning.

Students in New Jersey are given the option to learn in a solely virtual manner, at least to start the year.

Kevin Dehmer, the interim New Jersey education commissioner, provided several of the rules and guidelines for virtual learning during a Friday news conference.

Read them here: NJ Issues School Virtual-Learning Rules, But Big Changes Possible

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