PORT ANGELES — The Port Angeles School District will join other districts on the North Olympic Peninsula in reverting to full remote learning Monday.
The district announced the change for kindergarten to 12th grade students Wednesday.
The district — the largest on the Peninsula — joins public school districts in Sequim, Port Townsend, Chimacum and Quilcene in returning to district-wide remote learning beginning Monday.
The Brinnon School District will shift back to a hybrid model Monday.
Districts are stepping back from original reopening schedules as COVID-19 cases rise.
The Port Angeles School District said in a letter to parents that the target dates to have students return to A/B hybrid in-person learning is Jan. 11 for kindergarten through sixth grade and Feb. 2 for secondary students.
“PASD officials will evaluate transmission rates and other factors the first week in January to determine if the target dates can be met,” the district said in the letter, which acknowledged that the change would create a hardship for many families.
“It is frustrating and difficult; however, the health and safety of students, staff, and community must remain the top priority,” the letter said.
Some students will receive in-person learning, although the majority will be educated remotely.
Districts also are continuing to provide meals for students.
Crescent School District reported Wednesday it has made no changes yet.
Superintendent Diane Reaume of the Quillayute Valley School District said the district plans to continue with its hybrid system — which allows families to opt to remote learning — until Christmas break.
“We’re closely watching the West End numbers,” she said, adding that the district is able at this point to fully staff everything.
“We’re working with Dr. (Allison) Unthank (county health officer),” she said.
