Hopkins Public Schools officials have outlined a “back to school” plan for the next academic year starting in late August.

Superintendent Gary Wood told school board members students are scheduled to meetin person on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday each week and reserve Wednesdays for on-line instruction only. Those not comfortable with in-person classes will be given options for virtual instruction.

Wood cautioned, “Do we have all the answers? No, we do not… We know what’s required. This plan was designed with safety in mind.”

The superintendent acknowledged that on-line instruction is encouraged in an effort to keep the student numbers down inside buildings and classrooms.

“There also are concerns about how to handle the youngest students in elementary grades and special education,” Wood added. “But this is something we need to attempt to do.”

Elementary Principal Scott VanBonn said the lowest grades do not have enough technology to accommodate grades K-2.

Wood said he is aware of complaints about virtual leaning last spring, but quoting board member Karen Ryan, “This remote instruction is not what was done last spring.”

The superintendent said, “I’ve gotten a lot of letters from parents who say they won’t send their kids to school if they have to wear masks.”

Ben Brenner said, “Some kids feel that they can’t succeed with virtual learning,” especially those enrolled in advanced placement classes.

Wood was asked what would happen if one student tested positive for COVID-19. He replied that the student would be quarantined and “We would follow the guidelines of the Health Department.”

The superintendent already has purchased hand sanitizer and thermometers and is encouraging members of a local church to provide as many as 2,000 masks.

The Hopkins back to school plan must submitted to the Allegan Area Education Services Agency on Aug. 15.