CINCINNATI — Cincinnati Public Schools will extend student distance learning beyond Jan. 4, with a potential return to blended learning slated for the end of January.
The board of education announced the decision Wednesday night due to a continued increase in area COVID-19 cases. The board will review community and staff health data on Jan. 16.
"Like other essential organizations, the higher level of community spread has a direct impact on staff absenteeism," according to a CPS release. "Teachers and staff must stay home when sick, when in quarantine as a result of a close contact, or as needed to take care of family members."
A CPS spokesperson confirmed to WCPO that winter sports will continue with some added safety precautions.
CPS moved to a five-day-per-week distance learning model on Nov. 23. Prior that CPS had phased in its blended learning modelOct. 12 after some delay. The CPS school year started onlinein August.
From an internet connection standpoint, CPS believes most all of their students are ready. At last week's meeting, the board discussed the fewer than 500 students who still need WiFi access, compared to more than 8,000 back in the spring.
In its announcement Wednesday, the CPS administration also encouraged community members to wear masks and "to practice good hand hygiene and social distancing" to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
Families can find more information here, or by calling the district's customer care hotline at (513) 363-0123.
