IPS Returns to 100% In-Person Learning for All Grades, Including Middle and High School Students, on April 5

On Monday, April 5, IPS students in all grades will return to in-person learning. This includes middle and high school students who were on a hybrid schedule, based on updated data and guidance from the Marion County Public Health Department.

A remote learning option remains available to families.

As a reminder, families who have selected in-person learning can switch to remote learning at any time during the remainder of the 2020–21 school year. However, those who opt-in to remote learning will be required to remain there for the remainder of this school year. 

Innovation schools might follow a different plan, so please check with your school for details.

The most important health and safety guidelines include the following:

  • Students and staff must observe social distancing rules at all times.
  • Current mask guidelines still apply. 

To learn more, see the latest in-person FAQs below.

100% Return to In-Person Learning FAQs for 2020–21 School Year

The guidance from the Marion County Public Health Department (MCPHD) applies to all schools in Marion County. This means every school and district has the ability to make a return to full in-person learning.

Families who want their student to continue with remote learning, can choose that option.

Note: IPS Innovation schools might follow a different plan. Check with your student’s school for details.

Middle school and high school students who are on a hybrid schedule will transition to full-time, in-person learning five (5) days a week starting Monday, April 5.

Note: Elementary students (including Pre-K), all special education, McKinney Vento and Newcomer students are already participating in full-time, in-person learning — unless the family has chosen the remote learning option. 

The deadline for families to opt-in to in-person learning was March 12.

As a reminder, families who have selected in-person learning can switch to remote learning at any time during the remainder of the 2020–21 school year. However, those who opt-in to remote learning will be required to remain there for the remainder of this school year. 

Yes. Students and staff must follow social distancing guidelines throughout the school day in accordance with the Marion County Public Health Department order. 

All students and staff will be required to wear masks.

Yes, all schools are prepared with the proper cleaning protocols and procedures, including:

  • Disinfectant and hand sanitizer are in all classrooms and offices.
  • Hand sanitizer dispensers are installed outside all cafeterias.
  • Barriers are installed in all offices.
  • Signage is placed in all schools, teaching social distancing, proper hand cleaning, symptom screening, etc.
  • Social distancing is enforced in all classrooms and school buildings. 

All visitors/guests are by appointment only. Visitors/guests must wear a face mask and remain in a designated area. The designated area must be cleaned after the visitors/guests have exited the building.

To the extent possible, students on IPS yellow buses will be seated one student per seat (unless from same household). 

Other safety measures include:

  • Students and staff must wear masks on buses.
  • Buses will be disinfected daily between routes.
  • Windows/vents will be opened on buses to promote ventilation, when weather allows.

Note: Families who choose the in-person option by March 12 can also choose to opt out of transportation. Contact your individual school for more details.

IPS strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccination for the continued protection of our staff, students and community.

The COVID vaccine is now available to all IPS staff via state and federal programs. 

The district website has a variety of COVID vaccine info, including a link to the federal pharmacy program, and to the state department’s vaccination schedule, locations, registration and other resources. You can access that info HERE.

IPS is currently offering interscholastic sports programming at the middle school and high school levels. Elementary level programming is tentatively scheduled to return for the 2021–2022 school year. 

For details on athletics, visit: https://myips.org/athletics/returnplan/.

For details on extracurricular activities, contact your individual school.

Please contact your school for details about spring formals and graduations.

For students participating in remote learning April 5 through the end of the 2020–21 school year, the IPS Food Service team will provide pre-packaged meals (breakfast and lunch) one day a week at multiple locations throughout the district.

Meals are available to any child age 18 and younger, regardless of enrollment at IPS. Meals will be handed out drive-thru style in school parking lots from the door numbers listed next to each school below.

Meals will be served Wednesdays from 7:30–8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

  • Arlington Middle School, 4825 N. Arlington Ave. | Door 8
  • Brookside School 54, 3150 E. 10th St. | Door 8
  • Center for Inquiry School 70, 510 E. 46th St. | Door 7
  • Eleanor Skillen School 34, 1410 Wade St. | Door 11
  • Northwest Middle School, 5525 W. 34th St. | Door 12