We are just two weeks away from the first day of classes for students. In a normal year, this would be the ramp up to a routine and rhythm that’s familiar, but this year is anything but normal. All students will begin their year fully online - whether that be with their neighborhood school or at Hillsboro Online Academy - and that structure will continue through at least the end of the quarter on Nov. 5. Families have been provided with materials to help them plan and prepare for Comprehensive Distance Learning (CDL), and over the course of the next two weeks will be receiving information specific to their child, including teacher assignments and class schedules. Even though students completed the 2019-20 school year online, what they experience this fall will be different. There will be more structure and predictability around the learning, daily and period (for middle and high school) attendance will be taken, and grades will be given. We know the CDL model is not ideal; however, it is the best mechanism we have at this time to keep learning happening in a safe and healthy manner. Next week, there will be a “soft start” to the school year. Staff will be reaching out to families to establish a connection and find out about any supports that might be needed. The following week, classes will begin for all students. Stay tuned to hsd.k12.or.us/202021schoolyear for additional information, and we’ll keep you updated through Hot News, social media, and other communication channels as we have news to share.