Schools plan return to in-person instruction in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - If COVID-19 numbers continue on their current downward trajectory, students in the Lake Tahoe Unified School District will be able to return to the classroom February 1 when Phase 2 of reopening plans resumes.

District officials announced Friday they are "cautiously optimistic" about the return to in-person learning in grades TK through 8. LTUSD has been monitoring the local COVID-19 data and case numbers have been stable or trending down, including decreasing cases among their staff, over the last several days.

As long as the community continues to stay on this course, LTUSD anticipates a safe and healthy return to the classroom on February 1.

If able to open as planned, students will be on a Monday/Tuesday or Thursday/Friday cohort schedule, giving them two days of in-person instruction and three days of remote learning each week.

"Masks will continue to be required, as well as social distancing, smiles, elbow-bumps, conversation, laughter, and learning," said the LTUSD PIO Shannon Chandler in an email to parents Friday.

LTUSD will be sending information to parents in the coming days on school schedules, transportation and meal service for Phase 2.

Should there be a dramatic rise in cases, or a sudden outbreak of COVID-19 among our staff, the February 1 target could be delayed.

Since South Tahoe High never moved to Phase 2 before the end of 2020, they will remain on distance learning per the current State orders. Once El Dorado County moves into the "red tier" and remains there for two week, the campus can open to in-person learning. To move from purple down to red, or "substantial," the daily new cases need to be 4-7 per 100,000 and the county needs a 5 percent to 8 percent positive test rate. As of January 22, the County has a positivity rate of 11.8 percent and 41.4 new case rate.