Steubenville City School District Families and Staff,

I am pleased to share information regarding the plans in which Steubenville City School District is preparing to safely and responsibly deliver high-quality education to students during the upcoming academic year. The district continues to closely follow guidance from Governor DeWine, the Ohio Department of Education, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and local health officials in crafting our plans for the fall. We are committed to taking every precaution possible to ensure the highest level of health and safety for our students, their families, and our staff. As such, our plans will closely align with the state’s COVID-19 Guidance. Changes to the learning plans will be guided by the risk assessment guidelines. In conjunction with the Jefferson County Health Department and local epidemiologists, Steubenville City Schools will review risk levels to maintain the highest levels of health and safety and to determine if adjustments need to be made. 

• Traditional Learning Plan = Level 1, Level 2 (Based on Steubenville City Schools attendance) 
• Hybrid Learning Plan = Level 3 (Based on Steubenville City Schools attendance). 
• Remote Learning Plan = Level 4  (Based on Steubenville City School District attendance)

Steubenville City Schools Remote Learning:

Parents can choose to opt-in to the Steubenville City Schools Remote Learning if their student is unable to return to the classroom. This full-time option will run independently of the district’s three learning plans. As such, students must commit to the remote learning for the full semester. Students will be assigned a Steubenville City School teacher and every effort will be made to allow students to follow their previously scheduled courses. Some elective courses and specials, may not be offered in this setting.  

Parents who want their student(s) to participate in the Steubenville City Schools Remote Learning this fall must opt-in by August 7, 2020. For more information on the Remote Learning, contact your building principal. 

Enhanced safety protocols include:

Social Distancing:

Every effort will be made to ensure students and staff maintain safe distances from one another in all school environments, including classrooms, hallways, restrooms, cafeterias, playgrounds and on the bus. Staff will organize furniture and students in classrooms with the goal being 50% of fire code; however, this may not always be attainable depending on the class and grade level. As such, face coverings are an essential part of the Steubenville City School District plans to help protect all students and staff. 

Face Coverings:

Per Ohio Governor DeWine, all staff are required to wear facial coverings while on school property.  As recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, unless special circumstances apply, all students (K-12) will wear a face covering in instances where six feet of social distance is not feasible. This is critical to provide a safe and healthy environment for all. 

Transportation: 

All students (PreK-12) and staff must wear face coverings while on the bus. Buses will be loaded from back to front to allow for reduced contact between students. Sanitizer will be available on each bus. Touch points will be sanitized between routes and each bus will be thoroughly sanitized after the morning run and the afternoon run. 

Cafeteria:

If necessary, each school will designate a separate area during lunchtime or students might eat in their classroom in order to ensure a social distancing is available while students eat and drink and cannot wear face coverings. Cafeterias will utilize a “grab and go” approach. 

Cleaning Procedures:

The district’s custodial schedule will be redesigned to enhance daily cleanings and sanitizations across all buildings. Sanitizer will be available at entrances to classrooms and in high-traffic areas. Increased opportunities for handwashing will be provided throughout the day.

Thank you to the parents, staff and community members who have provided feedback regarding our draft plans over the past few weeks. Your input and insight have been incredibly valuable. Please keep in mind that these plans may change should we receive new guidance from state or local health officials.

We will continue to update you as additional information becomes available. If you have any questions at this time please contact your building principals.

Sincerely,

Melinda Young

Melinda Young

Superintendent

As a reminder, parents who want their student(s) to participate in Steubenville City Schools Remote Learning this fall must opt-in by August 7, 2020. To complete this process, please contact the building principal.