DESOTO (WBAP/KLIF)- A year ago, schools across the world scrambled to respond to how they would educate students amid a global health pandemic. In that time, schools developed virtual educational frameworks, systems for social-emotional learning and other means to address gaps for students as a result of schools’ closures.
As families also adjusted, many found solace and comfort in their ability to work from home and educate their students at home.
In a recent survey of DeSoto ISD families, the District found that parents desired a continuation of virtual learning and, in response, developed the hybrid learning model at Ruby Young for third through eighth grade scholars for the upcoming 2021-2022 school year.
“I know this past year and a half has been difficult for everybody but we can’t negate the fact that we have seen some students excel in a virtual setting; being able to remove themselves from a classroom setting and engage in learning at a pace they felt was most appropriate for them and their family,” said Mallory Morris, Innovation Coordinator at DeSoto ISD.
The district’s plan for a hybrid model includes students alternating days at home and in the classroom. Students will learn away from school two days per week and at school three days per week. “3rd through 5th graders would be on campus Monday and Wednesday, 6th through 8th grade students will be there Tuesday and Thursday and all students will come together on Fridays for innovative learning on campus,” said Morris.
Morris said this model has kept students engaged, proactive, goal oriented and improved their time management skills while keeping health and safety a top priority.
Morris said other districts in North Texas are also pursing hybrid or fully virtual models for the Fall school year. She encourages people to contact their local representatives about the legislation around these learning options. “There’s legislation in the Texas Senate right now around virtual and hybrid schooling and it’s being held up. Our representatives need to understand that this is a model a lot of people are looking for, they are looking for the flexibility not just for safety but for the educational opportunities it provides our students. We have to let this legislation pass so all of the schools across the state of Texas can provide this option,” said Morris.
DeSoto ISD Enrollment for the hybrid campus will be available starting May 28 through July 31.
For interested families who want to learn more about the DeSoto ISD hybrid learning opportunity, the District will host a virtual meeting led by the campus’ administrative team at 6:30 pm on Wednesday, May 19, 2021 via Zoom. Access the meeting via the information below:
● Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9023794819?pwd=aEo1aGxWZCtQYmZZUml1OWRGckNUUT09
● Meeting ID: 902 379 4819
● Passcode: 7HFB83
