All students in the Chimacum School District will begin learning at home starting Wednesday, Nov.25.

Chimacum District Superintendent David Engle made the decision to immediately pivot to remote-only learning late Friday after a meeting with county public health officials and other superintendents that centered on the increasing spread of COVID-19.

During the school board meeting last week, Engle told board members he would pivot to remote learning pending the outcome of Friday’s meeting with health and school officials.

Teachers in the Chimacum district have been using a hybrid model of instruction, with students split into cohorts that attend school in person on some days, but receive remote learning on other school days.

District officials said Cohort A students will attend school in person as usual on Monday, Nov. 23 before switching entirely to online learning. 

Cohort B only can attend in person on Tuesday, Nov. 24.

The district said Wednesday, Nov. 25 is considered all remote learning and a half day for students and staff.

The district announced the decision on its Facebook page Friday night.

The move to online-only teaching will not apply to students who receive special services.

Also, officials noted that students who do not have internet service should coordinate with their teacher. 

Engle said earlier that online instruction is expected to extend into 2021 as the spike in coronavirus cases is forecast to continue after the holiday season.