KIRKLAND, Wash. — Thousands of students are starting the new school year in a unique way this week.
It’s the first day for students Tuesday in the Lake Washington, Tahoma, Enumclaw, Rainier, Riverview and Issaquah school districts, to name a few.
Most will hold all classes online. But what can parents expect with a remote learning model?
It’s going to consist of a four-period day that starts at 9 a.m. for middle and high schools but aligns a little with the periods you see inside the school building.
The Lake Washington School District devised a plan over the last few months. The doors of schools will be closed to in-person learning for now, but the school district will still be having a timetable for students in remote learning.
For middle schools on Mondays and Thursdays, the odd period classes such as 1, 3 and 5 would meet online, while on Tuesdays and Fridays the even period classes such as 2,4 and 6 would meet online.
There’s also homeroom every day.
It’s the same schedule for high schools, but only some days have a homeroom.
Wednesday is a day when both middle and high school students essentially work on their own at the direction of teachers.
Months ago, we heard from parents who had to confront the prospect that will play out this week -- a move to virtual learning.
“It’s just now a juggling act, trying figure out what it’s going to look like and how to make it work for everyone,” said parent Lindsey Rice.
School days across Western Washington are going to look similar to some degree.
The goal is to try to bring some structure to the day especially for people working from home, but in some cases, it’s hampering teachers trying to learn, apply and keep up with technology not everyone fully understands.