Lower Merion School District: February Winter Flex Option For Grades K-8

Press release from the Lower Merion School District:

2021-01-27

In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Lower Merion School District has been exploring ways to increase flexibility for elementary and middle school families. We are pleased to offer an alternative attendance option for all families with students in grades K-8, which will be available starting next week.

We are calling this temporary offering the "Winter Flex Option." This option is open to all current hybrid students in grades K-8 who would like a short-term alternative to returning to in-person instruction. Students must enroll in the Winter Flex Option for the entire month of February. The District may opt to extend the Winter Flex Option for an additional month. A decision regarding a possible extension will be made near the end of February and parents/guardians would be required to re-register at that time.

Families electing to participate in the Winter Flex Option will not be required to report their child absent and the days will not count toward accrued absences, unless a child is unable to participate virtually due to sickness or other appropriate reasons for absences.

All students enrolled in the Winter Flex Option are expected to attend school virtually and connect with their teachers on a daily basis. Participation in class will consist of both synchronous and asynchronous learning during class time.

At the middle school level, students will continue to follow their schedule using technology when they are not in school, as is the current practice.

At the elementary school level, students will continue to follow their schedule using technology when they are not in school. Students will be given access to a Zoom meeting link and will view appropriate parts of the lesson while the teacher instructs the students who are physically in school. Please note that teachers will prioritize the in-person learners. This experience will be more limited than the fully remote or fully in-person instruction. Students participating in Winter Flex will continue to follow their current hybrid schedule and will have asynchronous learning at various times throughout the day. All assignments will be available digitally.

To register your child for the Winter Flex Option, please submit a Winter Flex Request.

This press release was produced by the Lower Merion School District .The views expressed here are the author’s own.