DENVER (KDVR) — Denver Public Schools (DPS) Superintendent Susana Cordova confirmed Wednesday that most DPS students will return to 100% remote learning, with students in grades 3 to 5 switching to remote learning on Nov. 2 through the Thanksgiving holiday, when DPS will reassess health conditions.
Students in grades 3 to 5 have until Oct. 30 to gather their things and prepare for learning remotely. Meanwhile, early childhood, first- and second-grade students will continue with full-time, in-person learning.
“We know that our youngest learners struggle the most with remote learning. These are our developing readers and in-person support is absolutely critical to ensure that they are getting a solid foundation for their education,” Cordova said. She added that statistics show coronavirus risks for early elementary grades are low.
Scroll down for Cordova’s full remarks
Cordova also confirmed that students in grades 6 through 12 will remain in remote learning through the end of the semester.
Specialized programs, including Newcomer Centers, Remote-Learning Support Centers and Special Education Center programs will continue to offer full-time, in-person learning for all grades.
“We know that these students who are in [these programs] are some of the highest needs students who desperately need and require in person support to be able to meaningfully engage in their learning. At times, it’s the only place where our students can get access to reliable broadband internet to meaningfully interact with their classes,” Cordova said.
“We continue to make sure that each class is set up as much as possible for remote learning so that families and students can access the support they need, including for our students in person who at times will need to transition back and forth based on quarantining needs,” Cordova added.
She and public health leaders are asking everyone to do their part to bring the COVID numbers down.
“Right now, our students are losing out on the opportunity to have in-person learning because of our failure as a community to keep COVID rates down,” said Dr. Steven Federico, a pediatrician at Denver Health Medical Center.
Some Denver families are not happy with these decisions. Some parents of 3rd through 5th graders who must return to remote learning are planning to protest on Monday.
