HOPE – The Hope Public Schools will adhere to the announced revision in the target date for the start of classes statewide for the 2020-2021 academic year.

The determination made by Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson to reset the start date for schools statewide to Aug. 24 will afford the district time to refine plans already developed for on-site and online instruction through its “Hope United: Plan for Education,” which is available on the district website at www.hpsdistrict.org online.

Plans regarding some activities such as Open House remain incomplete because of the necessity to revise the academic year calendar.

Various options have been discussed, recognizing Hutchinson’s emphasis upon maintaining 190 “contract days” for teachers and 178 “contact days” for students. The district is revising its calendar based upon the Aug. 24 start date to anticipate a dismissal date of May 27.

HPS Superintendent Dr. Bobby Hart has suggested the use of “virtual education” days in the schedule may be employed as the district moves into a hybrid on-site/online configuration, which includes the “Hope from Home Virtual Academy.”

Registrations for the virtual academy surpassed 350 students by July 17, and the district anticipates more students signing up prior to the July 31 close of registration.

The planned start of school will reflect the choice for students to attend classes on campus or online as the district issues school supplies this year. All students will be issued school supply backpacks that will include materials for on-campus instruction and an electronic tablet.

--Students opting for online instruction will be issued devices to connect to the district wi-fi, as well.

--Virtual academy students will be taught by a certified teacher at a time and venue set by the student’s family.

--Virtual class content will be delivered via the Lincoln Learning application in three-week units during each academic quarter.

--All students will be introduced to the Lincoln Learning application.

--Teachers will have set conference periods as is typical in any school year.

--Once a student is registered for online classes, parents will be contacted within three to five business days to resolve initial questions.

Registration materials for online instruction are available on the district and campus websites at www.hpsdistrict.org online and at the district administrative offices, 117 E. Second St., Hope.