DENVER — Leaders from Denver Public Schools (DPS) said Thursday that at this time COVID-19 vaccinations will not be required for students or staff but they expect the next school year to be much "closer to normal."
While they won't be required, leaders said the vaccines are strongly recommended and said they're hosting clinics to get eligible students and their families vaccinated. Right now that only includes students who are 16 and older, however, DPS said as soon as younger students become eligible to receive a vaccine they'll be included in those clinics.
They're working out details to host 10 vaccine clinics in June.
DPS leaders and Denver Health took questions from the media about the upcoming school year.
The media availability is scheduled for 11 a.m. Thursday. Watch below:
Last week, DPS parents received a letter from the district asking them to specify whether to have their child attend classes in-person or remotely for the entire 2021-2022 school year.
The letter says district officials are optimistic that full-time in-person learning will be possible this fall, citing the "encouraging" rollout of the COVID-19 vaccines. However, protocols including wearing masks and not gathering in large groups may still be in place at least to start the year.
Parents who want to enroll their students in the remote learning program are asked to complete the Learning Option Selection form on the Parent Portal between May 10 and June 4, the letter says. Parents can also call their school's front office to fill out a paper form or do it over the phone.
The letter said a hybrid option is “not an optimal or sustainable situation” for teachers.
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