COLORADO SPRINGS – Based on increasing COVID-19 cases and new hospitalizations in the Pikes Peak Region, it is El Paso County Public Health’s strong recommendation that K-12 in-person learning not begin until on or after August 17, 2020. This allows for four full weeks to evaluate the impact of mandatory masks and other mitigation efforts on local COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations to better inform school health and safety strategies.    

Harrison School District Two (HSD2) has elected to delay the start of school based on this recommendation. Elementary students will begin in-person instruction first as they are our youngest students, most vulnerable and in need of support. Cohorts are easier to implement at this age and younger students are less likely to contract the virus or spread the virus. 

School start dates have been modified: 

August 17:

• Grades K - 5th - In-person instruction/eLearning (as selected by families)  
• Grades 6th - 12th - Remote learning 
  • Secondary teachers (6th - 12th) will be working at their school location to provide remote instruction (Aug 17 - Sept 4) 
• Grades 6th - 12th - Center-based special populations in-person instruction

September 8:

• Grades 6th - 12th - In-person instruction/eLearning begins based on county recommendations and a successful start of our elementary students. 

The Superintendents of the Pikes Peak Region appreciate the continued partnership with leaders at El Paso County Public Health. We know that EPCPH shares our values when it comes to student, staff, and family health and safety. They have worked with us consistently to achieve those goals. The consensus of regional superintendents is to support the county's recommendation to delay the start date of in-person schooling in El Paso County until at least August 17, 2020. We trust our community to respond appropriately and model the safe practices of social distancing, mask-wearing, and hand washing that is necessary for us to safely open schools for in-person learning. 

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For more information, please contact Christine O’Brien at the numbers listed above