EUGENE, Ore. --- Eugene School District 4J is continuing to plan for students returning to school buildings in a hybrid model. In the hybrid learning model, groups of students will attend school on-site and online in alternating weeks.

Superintendent Cydney Vandercar sent out a message to 4J families Friday night explaining their plans for the new year. 

Vandercar acknowledged that currently, case rates in Lane County are much too high to safely reopen schools under Oregon's requirements and are even higher in the Eugene metro area. 

"Getting students safely back to school in-person is a high priority for Oregon and for Eugene School District 4J. We are planning for a phased-in return of students to school buildings when public health conditions allow," Vandercar said. 

Vandercar said this will be carefully phased in over time by grade level, starting with the youngest students, followed by older elementary grades, then middle and high schools.

4J students will continue learning at a distance at least through January.

The district will begin phasing in hybrid on-site learning starting February 1, the second semester for elementary schools, if public health conditions allow.

Middle and high school students will return to school buildings in a hybrid model in the third trimester, starting March 29, if public health conditions allow.