United’s Hostetler: Hybrid Plan Includes ‘Eagle’s Nest’

Lance Hostetler, superintendent at United Local Schools, is coming back strong. To learn more about the district, visit its website.

What are some ways your district is dealing with the effects of COVID-19? 

We are offering all of our classes online, as well as facilitating face-to-face instruction. We have started the year using a hybrid model, with students split into two groups, alternating between face-to-face instruction and remote learning depending on the day of the week. We estimate about 23 percent of our students are using the dedicated online learning option though our “Eagle’s Nest Virtual Academy.” To support these efforts, we have one teacher per grade level (K-8), as well as our high school teachers, setting aside one hour of dedicated time to invest in our online students. Ultimately, we are all working with the same shared goals to provide the best plan possible for our students to keep them safe and provide them with a strong education. 

What’s been the reaction from students and parents so far?

Overall, the reaction has been very positive. Some parents believe that we should be facilitating face-to-face instruction for all five days. We plan to send a survey out after the first two weeks of classes, and follow up with our families a few weeks from now.

What impact has the outbreak had on you personally?

My wife and I are both superintendents, and we’ve both put in a lot of time and hard work this summer. Overall, we are holding up. There are a lot of people working together on scenarios and solutions to reinvent something that works for students and staff, and to protect the overall community.

What advice are you sharing with the people you love?

I have one child who teaches in Florida and another who goes to college out of state. They both know the importance of staying safe and alert, and we just hope and pray that they are taking care of themselves and following the guidance of health care professionals. As a dad, I also hope and pray that their employers and schools are taking every precaution to protect them.