Birmingham Schools return to in-person classes

By Lisa Brody

Nearly a full year after the COVID-19 pandemic began forcing schools to close to in-person education, the Birmingham Schools Board of Education voted to approve a return to full days of in-person instruction for students in all grades, while also providing virtual options for those students and families who prefer to remain with that choice.

In a letter to families, the district's central leadership team stated, “The Board of Education voted to approve a return to full days of in-person instruction for students in all grades, kindergarten through post-secondary. Virtual options will remain in place for all students. At the elementary level, students will have the option of Birmingham Virtual Academy. Middle and high school students will still be able to select an option to live stream into the classroom.

“The transition from hybrid to full days of in-person instruction will begin on March 15 and will continue for the remainder of the school year.”

As the transition to full in-person instruction from a hybrid model is a complex undertaking which will take several weeks to coordinate, families have been asked to complete a selection form by Tuesday, February 9, at noon. Elementary families received a separate email from their building principal that included the link to the elementary selection form. Additional planning is occurring at the middle and high school levels, and selection forms will be distributed in the upcoming weeks.

In addition, many schools are holding town hall meetings for parents.