Jan. 11, 2021
We would like to start by thanking our parents, staff, and students for their continued flexibility, partnership, and grace as we move forward in the school year. It is nothing short of remarkable that our District was able to start the school year with the offer of in-person learning while so many did not, and a testament to everyone’s hard work and commitment that we have been able maintain this model.
Since the fall, all students have been learning remotely on Fridays. As we near the start of the second semester, we have been reflecting on our practices and working to make a decision about what learning on Fridays could look like moving forward. We understand that consistency in scheduling is important for our students, families, and teachers, and observed the successes that students had in remote learning schedules during the adaptive pause. During that time, we received positive feedback from families and noted high student engagement in whole-class participation — all while delivering engaging learning opportunities and support. Recognizing these key factors, tonight the Board of Education discussed and took action to approve a plan to adopt Remote Learning Fridays for all in-person hybrid students, beginning Friday, Jan. 29.
These are the elements of the approved plan:
- All K-12 hybrid in-person students will continue to follow an A/B schedule. The updated A/B schedule can be found at this link.
- On scheduled Remote Learning Fridays, all students will become one learning group, ensuring three days a week of learning for all students and allowing them the opportunity to learn together as a whole class. Similar to the adaptive pause, all students will have at least 2.5 hours of live, synchronous instruction along with asynchronous learning activities and support throughout the day.
- Attendance will be taken daily at the elementary level, and every period at middle and high school.
- Similar to the week of our Adaptive Pause, all students will follow a consistent schedule on these Fridays according to their grade level (Elementary, Middle, or High School – specific schedules will be forthcoming).
- These Remote Learning Day schedules will include periods of both synchronous and asynchronous learning time.
- Students enrolled in Online-Only learning models would continue with their learning plans.
- Students who receive special education services will be provided with in-person learning opportunities. Additional information regarding their schedules will be forthcoming.
While our goal remains to return all students to in-person learning in the future, we greatly believe that this plan will provide a consistent, valuable learning model for our students now. As we continue to navigate this situation, we remain focused on delivering high-quality learning experiences for our students and appreciative of your continued partnership.
Sincerely,
Dr. Kent Mutchler, Superintendent
Taylor Egan, Board of Education President
Kevin Gannon, GEA President
Leann Enneking, GSSA President