Back-to-school: 10 ‘need to knows’ in Tri-Cities

Tri-Cities students head back to class, but instead of getting on the bus they will be powering up computers.

Richland, Kennewick and Pasco schools have plans for how and when students will log on each day.

Here are some basics you need to know:

1. Class schedule

Each school district’s schedules features a mix of live sessions as well as work students will do on their own — online or off. A chart of the schedules are posted on each district’s website.

• Richland will hold classes five days a week and is staggering the start of live virtual classes. Elementary students have the earliest live classes, then middle schoolers and high school students start after noon.
• Pasco classes are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. The schedule is similar with the youngest children online in the morning.
• Kennewick’s classes are also Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Classes are split — half the period is live and the other requires students to work on their own.

2. Attendance

All Washington state school districts must take attendance.

• Pasco will take it during the live classes and ask parents to call the school’s attendance office if a student misses a session. They will forgive absences for students that need a flexible schedule or have problems connecting online.
• Richland will be taking attendance during the live classes and tracking work that students do during lessons.
• Kennewick officials are still finalizing details for when and how attendance will be taken.

3. Computer access

• Richland schools are scheduling times to check out Chromebooks for new students and those who do not have one. Students who still have a Chromebook from the spring will be contacted by the district to re-register them.
• All Pasco students will get a laptop. Elementary and middle schools will arrange a time for students to pick them up on the first days of school next week.
• Kennewick is the only district that doesn’t have Chromebooks available for every student. About 8,000 computers are being handed out this week to students in 3rd through 12th grades. The district has ordered iPads for K-2 students, but because of the demand they will be waiting until November for the order to arrive.

4. Internet access

If you don’t have internet at home, Lifeline, human-I-T and everyoneon are nonprofits aimed at helping low-income residents get online access.

All the districts offer some sort of help if you’re having problems with your internet connection or don’t have enough bandwidth to have several children streaming video and online sessions at the same time.

• In Richland, email info@rsd.edu or call the district at 509-967-6000.
• Kennewick has put up a Google form for people to fill out if they need help with internet service or reach the district’s technology department through the district office at 509-222-5000.
• Pasco is also offering help connecting people with community resources. Contact each child’s school for help.

5. Online apps

Each district has a list of apps students may use depending on the grade and are offering technical help. Some include Zoom, Google Classroom or Screencastify.

Districts are offering parents and students help before school starts, and they recommend you try them before the first day.

• Kennewick provides how-to videos at the district’s website, including on how to us the Google Classroom tools.
• Pasco lists its computer programs on its website. People can get technical help by calling the district’s help desk at 509-543-6710 or emailing helpdesk@psd1.org. Help is available in both English and Spanish.
• Richland plans to post videos online within the week about the programs that students will be using.

6. School supplies

Tri-Cities schools should have supplies, such as workbooks and packets, available and will be reaching out about when they can be picked up. Supply lists are on district sites — and this year’s lists will include masks for when schools open in-person.

7. Immunizations

All immunizations need to be up to date for students to start school. State immunization requirements are available on the Department of Health website. Parents must turn in documentation to their schools.

8. School lunches

All of the school districts are offering breakfast and lunches to students. And lunch and recess time is built into student daily schedules.

• Kennewick will be delivering breakfast and lunch to bus stops on a daily basis. Information about prices and applying for free and reduced meals is on the district’s website.
• Richland is offering weekly pickup at 16 locations. The packets include breakfasts and lunches for five days. Pricing information and pickup locations and times are available at the district’s website.
• Pasco students will be able to pick up their meals on a daily basis. Families are encouraged to apply for free or reduced meals if needed. People can contact Nutrition Services at 509-546-2836 or their local school for more information. A schedule is available on the district’s website.

9. Childcare

• The Boys and Girls Club provides childcare in Richland and Pasco school districts. Information about registering and locations is available at the club’s website.
• The YMCA of the Greater Tri-Cities provides full-day childcare oat four elementary schools for kindergarten through fifth grade. Enrollment information is available through the YMCA’s website.
• Child Care Aware of Washington offers people help in finding childcare. People can call their family center at 800-446-1114 between Monday and Friday or search online at childcareawarewa.org/families.

10. Grading

Students can expect a return to regular grading for the school year, meaning that students can fail their classes. Pasco noted specifically that student work will be monitored regularly.

This story was originally published August 26, 2020 at 2:40 PM.