After more than a year away, elementary students returned to in-person learning Monday, April 12 in the Kent School District.

“It was all smiles behind these masks as we welcomed elementary students back into our school buildings this morning,” according to a district statement. “While learning has continued since schools were closed across the state last March, it was wonderful to see students celebrating being back on campus with air hug reunions, thumbs up and loads of laughter today. We can’t wait to welcome our preschool, middle and high school students back next Monday, April 19.”

The district’s hybrid learning model combines in-person instruction at a school building with asynchronous, or “work you do on your own,” remote learning at home. Parents still have the option to keep students in remote learning.

Elementary students in grades K-6 will receive 3.5 hours of in-person instruction at school Monday-Friday in the mornings. They will complete 2.5 hours of asynchronous remote learning at home on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday afternoons.

Preschool students will have 2.5-hour sessions available in the mornings and afternoons. Morning in-person sessions on Monday and Tuesday, afternoon sessions will be offered on Thursday and Friday.

Secondary students in grades 7-12 who begin hybrid learning on April 19 will receive 3.5 hours of in-person instruction at school on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday mornings. Teachers will be instructing in-person and remote students at the same time.

Secondary students also will complete 2.5 hours of asynchronous remote learning at home on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday afternoons and complete 3.5 hours of remote learning at home on Wednesday. Advisory time will be scheduled every other week. Teachers will offer remote office hours to answer student questions or offer support.