Hempfield Area officials making plans for next school year

Students in the Hempfield Area School District will not have the option to participate in a hybrid model of learning during the 2021-22 school year, officials announced this week.

Instead, much like in a typical year, students will choose between attending in-person classes five days a week, joining the Hempfield Area Cyber Academy or attending Edgenuity, a program that allows students in sixth through 12th grade to complete courses at their own pace.

“Hybrid instruction was in response to the pandemic,” Superintendent Tammy Wolicki said. “For families who continue to want a virtual option, we are providing full online synchronous learning as an option for all grade levels and a continued asynchronous option for secondary students.”

Announcement of the learning options for next year came as officials are wrapping up the 2020-21 school year, which was largely impacted by the covid-19 pandemic that caused secondary students to attend classes through a hybrid model of learning, or a mix of in-person and online classes.

In preparation for next school year, officials now are asking parents and guardians to fill out an online form if their student plans to attend the district’s cyber academy next year. A semester commitment is required. If the form is not filled out, it will be assumed the student is returning to in-person learning.

According to Wolicki, there is no deadline for when the form should be completed, but she noted that officials are hopeful interested families will submit the form soon to help with planning and staffing for next year.

Of school leaders seemingly planning for a more normal year, Wolicki said, “Students enjoy the social aspect of school. We look forward to a school year in which students can socialize without social distancing and without a face covering.”