PPS News Release

For Immediate Release Contact: Ebony Pugh 412- 529-3616

Board Votes for Phased-In Approach to In-Person Hybrid Instruction

District to Begin In-Person Instruction for its Most Vulnerable Students
November 9th

PITTSBURGH October 28, 2020 – The Board approved the phased-in approach to in-person hybrid learning at this evening’s Legislative Meeting. Pittsburgh Public Schools will take a phased approach to its AA/BB/C/D blended model, beginning in-person hybrid instruction with its most vulnerable students, Cohort D, on November 9. Students in Cohorts AA and BB will remain in full-time E-Learning until in-person instruction begins no earlier than January 4, 2021, and no later than January 25. Families who chose to remain in full-time E-Learning will continue and may opt into in-person instruction no earlier than January 25.

“We know that the connections our teachers and staff have made with our students are important, and we look forward to strengthening those connections through in-person learning,” said Superintendent Anthony Hamlet, Ed.D. “While we are prepared to welcome back all families who
desired a form of in-person instruction, tonight’s decision by our Board allows us to at least begin with our most vulnerable students and ensures we bring all students back gradually.”

Beginning in January 2021 (no earlier than January 4 and no later than January 25), students in Cohorts AA and BB will spend two days learning in school and three days learning remotely. Families who have chosen to remain in full-time E-Learning will be in Cohort C. Students in Cohort D, include students with special needs, medically fragile students, English Language Learners, and other student groups, are able to have a four day a week in-person model. Based off new criteria approved this evening, Cohort D will be formulated, and school principals will notify families of affected students.

As of Monday, October 26, 15,488 students (72 percent) have enrolled to return for in-school hybrid instruction. Another 5,889 students (27.3 percent) have enrolled in the full-time remote learning model. Less than one percent, 194 students are not enrolled in any cohort at this time. The
District is working with principals and teachers to work with these students.

“There is not a school district in the country that has a perfect scenario for dealing with this pandemic. We have the protocols in place right now to manage challenges as they come,” said Dr. Hamlet.

The following data points demonstrate the District’s readiness for in-person hybrid instruction.

 Only 84 of the District’s 2,000 teachers have applied for a leave of absence, leaving 1,916 teachers ready to come back to school.
 The District is currently successfully transporting students to 102 schools across the region, utilizing more than 258 drivers on 619 routes.
 The District’s physician, Dr. Martin Gregorio, has provided deep input and insight on our implementation strategy, in consultation with the Allegheny County Health Department and other medical experts.
 Personal protective equipment of masks (adults/children), face shields, desk shields and additional hand sanitizer dispenser have been delivered to all schools and facilities.

For a view of a school site and signage plan, please visit https://vimeo.com/446010790.
Cohort Definition Key:
Cohort AA – Beginning no earlier than January 4, 2021, students in Cohort AA will spend Monday and Tuesday learning in school and Wednesday, Thursday and Friday learning remotely.

Cohort BB – Beginning no earlier than January 4, 2021, students in Cohort BB will learn remotely Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and will spend Thursday and Friday learning in school.

Cohort C – Students in Cohort C will learn remotely five days a week and may opt into in-person instruction no earlier than January 25, 2021.

Cohort D – Students in newly defined Cohort D will begin in-person instruction, four days a week, starting November 9, 2020. Based off new criteria approved this evening, Cohort D will be formulated, and school principals will notify families of affected students.