A/B HYBRID EVALUATION
CENTRAL OFFICE | BRANDON VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT




   HOME OF THE LYNX

   300 S. Splitrock Brandon 57005
Phone: 605-582-2049
Fax: 605-582-7456


A/B Hybrid Learning Model Evaluation

The Brandon Valley School District will continue to apply the Center for Disease Control (CDC) Guidelines and the South Dakota Department of Health recommendations for close contacts.

Our Pandemic Response Plan outlines that we will institute the recommendations of Public Health Officials. The Brandon Valley School District will not disregard close contact CDC Guidelines or the recommendations from the Department of Health, as such an action creates unnecessary and unacceptable liability exposure and increases the likelihood of spread within our facilities.

"Close Contact Quarantine" in the Brandon Valley School District is a required 14-day quarantine from the date of last exposure.

Historical Context of the Close Contact Challenges: In July, when we developed our Return to Learning Plan, the information at that time was that a mask / barrier reduced the likelihood of being deemed a close contact. That guidance changed in August and now a close contact is defined as being within 6 feet of someone for 15 minutes, regardless of mask or barrier.

We are currently evaluating a 5 day A/B Hybrid Learning Model for the High School and Middle School. We will continue to utilize the Traditional Learning Model for the elementary and intermediate levels.

An A/B model would greatly reduce the close contact issues associated with the academic school day. The A/B model splits the students into two groups and the student attends on-site every other day. The off-site day is an academic day where the student engages in projects, assignments, or other assigned activities.

Below you will find a timeline of the evaluation process and Frequently Asked Questions.

Process for Evaluating & Obtaining Feedback on a 5 Day A/B Hybrid Learning Model at MS & HS

  • BVEA Leadership (9/16/20 Support the Strategy)
  • MS/HS Staff Advisory Meeting with MS/HS Administration (9/17/20)
  • Administrative Council (9/18/20) *Parent / Staff E-mail Communication*
  • Brandon Valley High School Student Council (9/21/20)
  • MS Parent Survey & HS Parent Survey (9/22/20-9/25/20)
  • Board Report & Potential Action (9/28/20)
  • If Consensus: Begin 10/13/20 & Continue through Semester One

We are asking all High School and Middle School parents / guardians to complete a one question survey to inform our decision-making process.

The survey link will be sent to middle and high school parents / guardians. Please complete the survey by noon on Friday, September 25, 2020.


If you have reviewed the Frequently Asked Questions (below) and you still have a question, please email your building principal.

We have close contact challenges at our Middle School and High School. This strategy would reduce the number of students on campus and would significantly reduce the number of students being identified as close contacts in the academic school day.
No. The Elementary and Intermediate School cohort isolation strategy is working. There is no change being considered for grades JK-6. This proposal is only being considered for grades 7-12.
Students will receive direct instruction on days when they are in attendance on-site. During off-site days, students will engage in rigorous assignments, projects, and other learning activities.
Yes. High need Special Education students and English Language Learners will attend on-site every day.
The teacher contract day is from 7:45 a.m. - 3:45 p.m. Please keep in mind that teachers are engaged in instruction during this time and they would answer questions as time allows.
Families will be notified Tuesday, September 29, 2020 of the decision. If applicable the change would go into effect Tuesday, October 13, 2020.
The A/B Hybrid Learning Model would begin on October 13, 2020 and would continue until the end of the first semester (January 7, 2021).
Yes. We will evaluate the decision in early December and communicate with families in as timely a manner as possible.
No. Bussing will not change if we switch to the A/B Hybrid Learning Model. All pick-up and drop-off times will remain the same.
On-site students will receive standard meal service. While on-site, your child will also receive a Grab-and-Go Lunch for the next off-site day.
Yes. Siblings will be assigned to the same A/B learning schedule to the extent possible.
Yes. However, families must make their own transportation arrangements.
Yes. The implementation of the A/B Hybrid Model will be based on the feedback received. It is possible that the High School could implement the A/B Hybrid Model while the Middle School remains in the Traditional Model.
Yes. We are seeking feedback from multiple stakeholder groups to ensure we make an informed decision.
We will continue to utilize the Traditional Learning Model, as conditions allow.