When classes open for the fall at United Township High School in East Moline, students will only attend for half days, and only four days a week.
Superintedent Jay Morrow says students will attend for half a day, either in the morning or afternoon on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Wednesdays will be reserved for cleaning the building and remote instruction.
"We felt it was important to get students in front of teachers and with their classmates as many days as possible while we were still adhereing to IDPH guidelines."
Morrow says he and his staff decided this would be the best way to have face-to-face instruction for the students, and still be safe.
"We would have the ability to transition back to complete instruction, but just as importantly, we would have the ability to transition to complete remote instruction as we had to do when COVID hit."
He says COVID-19 will put a huge strain on his students and staff, emphasizing safey and yet still having lots of people in the building at one time. He worries what will happen if one student or staff member tests positive.
Morning students at UT will attend classes from 8:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m., while afternoon classes will run from 12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Teachers will report on Aug. 3, with the first day for students one week later.