As summer school got underway this month, Great Bend USD 428 officials were looking ahead to the fall semester.

A letter to parents said the administration is reviewing guidance from the Kansas Department of Health, Kansas State Department of Education, Kansas Association of School Boards and Barton County Health Department.

“We will continue to research the best models to determine what will best serve our students, families, community, and staff as we progress through this situation,” the letter stated.

“Our top priority in back-to-school planning is focused on student learning in a safe and healthy environment.”

Administrators said they anticipate three options when students return to school: in-person schooling with health safeguards, remote learning, or a hybrid approach combining in-person schooling with some revised remote learning. “Taking what worked, what we learned, and family feedback from the fourth quarter, we will refine and improve the previous continuous learning plan.”

The letter acknowledges that the quality of learning for students during the pandemic has not been equal to in-person learning.

“In the days ahead, families will be invited to participate in a survey and provide feedback on the Continuous Learning Plan (used during the fourth quarter). This feedback, paired with reflection and input from our teachers, administrators, and community, will be used to create a Continuous Learning Plan 2.0 as well as enhance our health focus and in-person learning opportunities.”