Parents and families-

I want to first thank you for your patience as our district solidifies final plans to welcome students back this academic year. I know it can be difficult to prepare your learner for this new experience in a fluid environment. I want you to know my number one priority remains the health and safety of our learners and staff.

I have been diligently working to come to a compromise with the Florida Department of Education regarding our reopening plans. Unfortunately, FLDOE has rejected two different phased-in models our district proposed that would have delayed our brick and mortar opening while ensuring our most vulnerable student populations were served in a face-to-face capacity.

To meet the state’s emergency order for all schools to open on August 31, Hillsborough County Public Schools will now begin eLearning for all students on August 24 and transition to brick and mortar a week later for those students whose parents want to come back on August 31.

Please know our learners will be returning to classrooms with enhanced safety protocols. Students will be provided PPE and will practice social distancing. In addition, our district will employ contact tracing through the local health department in the event of any positive COVID-19 cases.

The first week of school while students are eLearning will be called “Smart Start Week.” This will provide a jumpstart for our learners and allow them to build a foundation for success while becoming accustomed to new health and safety procedures. Teachers will record daily attendance and prepare students for new safety protocols when returning to the classroom.

I appreciate your flexibility and understanding as we all work toward the shared goal of providing a high-quality education to every learner in our district. 

Sincerely,

Addison G. Davis

Attachments:
 smart_start_pdf.pdf (84.2 KB)