Blended Learning, The Kairos Way
Some schools are model obsessed. They believe in doing things a certain way, no matter what. Some are peer obsessed. They see what other schools are doing, then copy. Kairos is family obsessed. We try to deeply understand our parents and students, then look around corners to better serve our community—aware of our model and how others are approaching a problem, but led above all by what will deliver the best service and education to our families.
Overwhelmingly, Kairos families want their children to learn alongside classmates and teachers again. Our community is also rightfully cautious of COVID-19 transmission. So we asked: What would it take to offer some in-person learning while maintaining a statistically insignificant chance of transmitting COVID-19?
Our recommended learning plan blends rigorous project-based coursework, executive function coaching, targeted tutoring/enrichment, and self-directed personalized learning. Projects and clubs happen in-person (Mon + Thur for 50% of students, Tue + Fri for the other 50%). Targeted tutoring and enrichment happens virtually on Wednesdays. And self-directed personalized learning happens virtually on the other two days (again, either Mon + Thur or Tue + Fri, depending on your group). Coaches check-in, set accountability goals, and advise strategies 2-3 times per week virtually.
Safety
Kairos went full nerd, diving into scientific studies and talking to experts. COVID-19 is widely misunderstood, and between the panic and politics, there’s a lot of misinformation. Our plan cuts through that to ensure maximum safety while providing a new, but we believe still high-quality, learning experience
The science is clear on two main points:
- COVID-19 is transmitted when a significant buildup of COVID virus particles (virions) leave one person’s nose or mouth (through either visible droplets or invisible “aerosols”) and accumulate in another person’s nose or mouth.
- There is no reliable way, besides a daily test, to know who has contracted or may be spreading COVID.
Of course, we don’t let anyone into our building if there’s reason to believe they may be infectious. But since we can’t know for sure, there’s only one safe way to re-open: Create an environment where COVID cannot build up in the air. Fortunately, scientists have figured out how to do this.
Circulate AirEvery room a student will enter has an industrial strength HVAC system that constantly sucks in and pumps out air. Each circulation filters out 85%+ virions.
Physical Distance
Students rotate attendance so that we can cut class sizes by 50%. Students will always be spaced 6 ft. apart indoors and, during limited indoor travel, will stay similarly distanced from peers.
BatchTo minimize exposure, students will be batched with ~10 peers in a single classroom all day. Teachers will rotate between rooms.
MasksMasks dramatically reduce both how many virions someone exhales into a space. It also dramatically reduces how many virions other people breathe in. Our very simple rule for all staff and students: always wear a mask indoors.
Lunch & Breakfast
Eating and drinking with masks off is the riskiest part of the day. When weather permits, lunch and recess will be outdoors. Due to the large volume of air outdoors, and the fact that sunlight quickly kills COVID, it's very hard for COVID to be transmitted outdoors. Of all documented transmissions, .0001% have occurred outdoors.
Wash Hands
Students and staff wash hands frequently, in lunch transitions (when they’re most likely to touch their face).
Disinfect
Custodians wipe down tables, light switches, markers, door knobs, etc. between days. Doors are kept open to avoid touching handles to enter/exit. (An aside for peace of mind: COVID dies exponentially on surfaces, meaning only trace amounts survive day to day.)
Morning Checks
Temperatures are scanned at the door. Students complete a morning wellness survey, which includes social-emotional questions that measure psychological safety and needs for support.
These are obviously just the cliffnotes. Without a doubt, these are the most important steps any group of people can take in order to prevent viral transmission. They protect not just our students, but also our staff, and all our loved ones.
Learning
Alternate Learning Programs
We believe a blended option maximizes student learning without sacrificing student safety. That said, we understand that it may not be right for your family. You may need support with childcare due to your job, or perhaps someone in your household is immunocompromised. To meet our families’ needs, we’re offering 100% in-person and 100% remote programs alongside our default blended option.
100% Remote
Students will participate in an identical course schedule through virtual classes. Lessons will be adapted to maximize learning in the digital environment.
100% Supervised
Kairos will refer families to service providers like YMCA and Gene Slay Girls and Boys Club to provide supervision for students who need to complete their three virtual days outside their home.
Have Questions?
exposed outside Kairos?
if you were maskless around someone who tested positive for COVID-19
1Notify
Alert our team by emailing covid@kairosacademies.org.
2Test
Get a COVID-19 diagnostic test as soon as possible.
3Plan
Work with your coach or team leader to plan how to continue working virtually.
4Wait
You can return to Kairos when you meet one of the criteria below.
Tested Negative
You can return as soon as you get a negative COVID-19 test result.
14 Days + Feel Fine
If you feel fine, you can return 14 days after the potential exposure.
Felt Bad + Now Feel Fine
Got sick? Return 10 days after the exposure, but only if you feel better.
exposed at Kairos?
if someone in our community tests positive for COVID-19
1Community Email
You will receive an email to announce a student or staff member tested positive.
2Class Follow Up
Families of the affected "batch" (~10 kids) will be notified of potential exposure.
3Quarantine
Kids in affected batches will quarantine until they meet any of the above criteria.