Distance Learning Plan Information
Good Afternoon Families,
As many of you know, the Governor has announced a two-week Stay at Home order effective this Friday, March 27th – Friday, April 10th. The school closure distance learning period has also been extended from Monday, March 30th – Monday, May 4th, pending any further announcements. As we finalize our preparations this week for the delivery of our full distance learning plan upon our return from our spring break on Monday, April 6th, we are providing the following outline of our Distance Learning Plan. We know there is a lot of information being communicated, and we have tried to condense it and share it in the most manageable way possible for families. We also know this process will at times be difficult, so we appreciate your continued patience and cooperation, and we remain committed to supporting you as best we can as me make our way forward together through these challenges.
Distance Learning Plan Distribution: This Distance Learning Plan distribution will involve a larger delivery or pickup of textbooks, workbooks, and learning packets (along with lunches and technology to eligible families) on the morning of Monday, April 6th. We will run afternoon bus routes, but do so in the morning. Buses will depart school at 9:15 a.m. and again deliver to the same afternoon stop locations. Expect buses to arrive at the first stop on each afternoon route at approximately 9:30 a.m. and arrived at the last stop at approximately 10:45 a.m. Again, for this larger delivery, buses will run afternoon routes, but do so in the morning. Parents picking up Distance Learning Plan resources may do so from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. by again using established pickup routes and door locations. Please plan to transport home what may be for some a heavy bag of materials for each student. The focus for this first day of distance learning will be to make sure students and families receive the resources they need to continue their learning from home. Similar to the first day of school, students and parents should simply plan for the distribution of instructional materials and a review of expectations.
Distance Learning Plan: The Distance Learning Plan that will be delivered on Monday, April 6th, will begin a period of at least 5 weeks of learning and is required for all students (see student attendance procedures below). Students and parents should expect approximately 15 – 20 minutes of daily learning in each subject area. Distance learning will be a combination of paper and electronic learning materials. Teachers will continue making daily morning videos that welcome students and outline the learning objectives for that day. Teachers will then be available each weekday via email or chat each day from 9:00 a.m. – Noon to answer questions and provide additional guidance.
Included in the Distance Learning Plan resources will be an instructional packet on how to use Google Classrooms that accompany these video tutorials by Bloomington Campus and Richfield Campus Elementary and Middle School Teachers. We ask parents to assist us in making sure students use technology responsibly for learning purposes and adhere to our existing technology acceptable use and data privacy policies as we engage in online learning. In addition, we ask parents and students to be patient while we work to develop a modified grading system that is consistent, accurate, and fair for all students. We remain committed to supporting students who have IEPs or receive EL services during the period of distance learning. Finally, we will also make adjustments as necessary in our delivery and continue to plan for the possibility of prolonged distance learning.
Student Attendance: As with other aspects of our Distance Learning Plan, we are trying to follow established practices and procedures as much as possible to maintain consistency and continuity in learning. To that end, students will be expected to login or submit an assignment each day in order for their teachers to take attendance. Daily attendance reports for the previous day will be sent to office personnel to record and office personnel will follow up as necessary regarding attendance in order to track absenteeism and ensure students are receiving the resources they need to continue their learning.
School Payments: At this time, student lunch payments will be credited forward as we await further guidance on the length of the school closure. Fees for Trimester III spring sports and clubs will be fully refunded and refunds for yearlong clubs will be prorated. Bus transportation payments will not be refunded as this service is expected to continue in some capacity during the school closure period. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we process these various items.
Additional Information: Please visit the school’s homepage for updates and contact information on various distance learning plan supports (food service, bus service, child care, student technology, student medications, and communication access) addressed in previous emails. We have developed a FAQ page on our homepage that will be regularly updated for our parents and families to reference. We will also be adding a Distance Learning Plan document as a general guide for our families to follow. Finally, the Minnesota Department of Education will be requesting a state testing waiver, and we will provide further information on this update as it becomes available.
With continued encouragement and much gratitude–be well and stay safe,
The SHPA Administrative Leadership Team