HOPE – An online component of the Hope Public Schools, “Hope from Home Virtual Academy 2020-2021,” opened for registrations July 6.

HPS Superintendent Dr. Bobby Hart said registration material for the online academy will be available on the district website at www.hpsdistrict.org online under the “District Information/Hope Virtual Academy” button, or at the district administration offices, 117 E. Second St., Hope, Ar., through July 31.

Dr. Hart said the online component will be available to any HPS student who chooses to exercise that option.

The virtual academy is part of the general HPS district plan “Hope United: Plan for Education” which outlines the district’s guidance to a return to school for 2020-2021.

Virtual academy students will receive instruction that is aligned with on-campus classes via electronic devices provided by HPS.

Hart said virtual academy students will be allowed to participate in extracurricular activities; and, students requiring special education services who choose online instruction will be provided services without disruption.

Hart said students who chose online instruction will be allowed to return to on-campus instruction, and students attending classes on campus will be allowed to opt for online instruction during the school year. He said the district will make recommendations about the frequency and timing of such changes.

He emphasized that whenever virtual academy students are on campus for any reason, they should abide by protocols for that campus, including the recommended use of face masks provided by the district, building entrance screenings, attention to “social distancing” and engaging in frequent use of hand sanitizer and hand washing practices.