Cape students registered by Aug. 14 guaranteed in-person spots

Cape district students whose families completed the learning commitment form by Aug. 14 are guaranteed spots for in-person or hybrid learning if requested, Cape officials stated Aug. 19. 

In a letter emailed to parents, Cape Superintendent Bob Fulton and Assistant Superintendent Jenny Nauman said more information will be sent to families from their child’s school the week of Aug. 24. 

“No matter what option you have chosen, including full remote, attendance is mandatory all five days,” Fulton and Nauman stated.

The school board voted Aug. 6 to allow parents to choose from fully remote instruction or a hybrid model that combines remote and in-person instruction. Parents were surveyed in mid-August on schooling and transportation choices to determine spacing and scheduling for the first marking period of the 2020-21 school year.

Students in pre-K through fifth grade who chose the in-person option will attend school five days a week. Students in grades six through 12 who chose the face-to-face option will attend school in person two days a week, either Monday/Tuesday or Thursday/Friday. 

Cape officials said they are working to increase health and safety measures.

“And that starts with you at home,” the letter stated. “All Cape staff members have the opportunity to be tested for COVID-19 at home prior to coming back to school and then monthly throughout the school year. We are asking you to do the same.”

COVID-19 testing will be offered for Cape students and families from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 26, at Beacon Middle and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 27, at Mariner Middle. Other sites will be available in the coming weeks, the letter stated.

“We are encouraging you to have your child(ren) tested now and ongoing throughout the year,” officials stated.

Officials noted that all students must wear masks, and asked parents to have their children practice wearing two-ply masks often and for extended time periods. 

“Some of our younger students or students with disabilities may need help learning to wear masks, but this will be a requirement for our district,” Fulton and Nauman stated. “Mask protocols are expected to be followed and will be a part of our Code of Conduct.”