Following a press release from Governor Brown and updated guidance from the Oregon Department of Education on Tuesday, July 28, 2020, Morrow County School District is finalizing plans for a comprehensive distance learning (CDL) instructional model for reopening school in fall 2020. With the CDL model, all students are engaged in learning that occurs remotely from online platforms such as Google classroom, Canvas and Seesaw.

Districts were given updated guidance that included metrics for cases that schools need to follow in order to hold in-person instruction. These metrics include case rate per 100,000 and test positivity rate. These metrics are calculated over a consecutive three-week period of time.

“With increased restrictions and metrics related to the COVID-19 virus, Morrow County School District will begin the school year with a comprehensive distance learning model, with plans of transitioning to a hybrid model once it is safe for students to return to the classrooms,” said Superintendent Dirksen. “While we are disappointed that we won’t be able to invite our students back into buildings this fall, we are optimistic that we will be providing face-to-face instruction, as soon as possible.”

Morrow County School District is committed to providing a thorough distance learning experience for all students. The Morrow County School District Board of Directors will hold a special board meeting on Tuesday, August 4, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. At this meeting they will discuss a potential change to the 2020-2021 school calendar that would allow time to plan for the comprehensive distance learning model and for necessary professional development for staff to ensure successful implementation.

Heppner Elementary School

New School Year Will Begin With Distance Learning