The following reopening plans have be submitted to the Nevada Department of Education. They have been approved by the Board of Trustees and the state. Each plan allows for physical distancing in buildings as recommended by the Governor.

In developing the plans, student and staff safety is of utmost importance. Regardless of model, a multi-layered approach will be utilized to keep buildings clean and people healthy. This includes enhanced and frequent disinfecting of surfaces, the flushing of fresh air through the HVAC systems, scheduled and supervised handwashing with soap and water, and the availability of hand sanitizer and disinfectant in every classroom. Families will be expected to self-screen at home and if students are feeling sick, they should not come to school.

The same care and concern will be approached as related to bus transportation.  Many students rely on busing and the nature of buses makes social distancing very challenging.  The plan being presented to the state and approved by the Board of Trustees is to transport at 50% occupancy or greater and that all riders, including the bus driver, must wear face coverings.

Elementary School: Students at District elementary schools will attend Monday through Friday in person. All students and staff will be required to wear face coverings unless they have a medical exception. Physical distancing will be maintained. Families will have the option to keep their students at home and utilize distance learning through their zoned school.

Middle School: Students at District middle schools will attend a hybrid model where they are in the building 2 or 3 days a week and learning from home the remaining days each week. This model allows schools to maintain physical distancing. All students and staff will be required to wear face coverings unless they have a medical exception. Families will have the option to keep their students at home and utilize distance learning through their zoned school. Principals will work with families who have siblings to keep them on the same schedule if that is the families’ wish.

High School: Students at District high schools will attend a hybrid model where they are in the building 2 or 3 days a week and learning from home the remaining days each week. This model allows schools to maintain physical distancing. All students and staff will be required to wear face coverings unless they have a medical exception. Families will have the option to keep their students at home and utilize distance learning through their zoned school. Principals will work with families who have siblings to keep them on the same schedule if that is the families’ wish.

Exceptions to the A/B model in middle and high schools will be made for vulnerable populations, including students receiving special education services, children in transition or foster care, students participating in the English Learning program, and students in gifted and talented education.

Each of these models is subject to state approval and could change depending on further guidance. If the state reduces the need for physical distance, all students could go back to school full time. If the state deems that more restrictive measures are necessary, students may need to have full-time distance learning again. These models allow for fluidity and change as needed. Plans for all of these options – full distance, hybrid, and full in-person – will be submitted to the state and utilized as necessary.

More specific details of the plan will be posted when they are available. Read our FAQs for answers to specific questions you might have about the plans.

State of Nevada Reopening of Schools Committee

Additionally, WCSD’s Superintendent Dr. Kristen McNeill and other staff members sit on the Statewide Re-opening of Schools Committee. The group, consisting of state health officials, district superintendents, charter school leaders, the state’s Department of Education, and other experts, will work to produce an actionable framework based on the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and State health officials. The framework will address the physical, mental, social, and emotional considerations to reopen and manage districts and schools during this ongoing crisis. 

Learn more about Nevada Reopening of Schools Committee

As reopening plans are developed, they will be shared with our families and the community. We want to work together to make the transition to recovery as smooth as possible.