Why are staff required to return in-person prior to the first group of students scheduled return on March 1?

There are several reasons for the decision to bring staff back a week prior to students. The week will provide the opportunity for staff to set up their classrooms, receive support for technology challenges upon returning to the building, and become accustomed with new signage around the building so they may be able to properly direct students upon their return.

Additionally, the time will allow staff to become familiar with the measures in place to adhere to the CDC's guidelines around health and safety and ask questions or raise concerns they have.

Finally, many staff members have been teaching virtually from a location other than their classroom since March 2020. The week will provide an opportunity to reacclimate staff to teaching from their classrooms.