HERMISTON  — Hermiston School District’s middle school students are expected to return to the classroom part time on March 22, with high school students starting hybrid instruction on April 12 if COVID-19 numbers stay down.

The district announced the new schedule on Thursday, Feb. 25, adding to previously announced dates for second and third graders to start hybrid learning on March 1 and fourth and fifth graders on March 8. The scheduled start to hybrid learning for each level depends on how well the Hermiston ZIP code’s COVID-19 case counts stay in line with Oregon Health Authority guidelines.

While secondary students will also attend in person for half days, times will differ from the elementary school schedule. Students living in the walk zone will attend in person from 8:25 a.m. to 11:20 a.m., and students living in the bus zone will attend in person from 12:30 p.m. to 3:25 p.m. On Fridays, students will work on school work from home.

“With case counts continuing to decline, we are excited to open our middle schools and see our students face to face,” Superintendent Tricia Mooney said in a statement. “This wouldn’t be possible without the community’s support and everyone doing their part to help reduce Hermiston ZIP code case counts.”