School Closure Extension – Information Update

Good Morning Families,

Some of these spring days have been so beautiful one might almost forget for a moment the challenging circumstances in which we find ourselves. While it can seem impossible that small, but resilient spring bulbs will break through a hard, cold winter ground, they do, and we are seeing so many beautiful and inspiring signs of new learning and growth blossoming throughout our school community.

We understand distance learning has been stressful at times, so Mondays in May will be flex days going forward. This means Elementary School Specialists will provide learning and Middle School staff social-emotional programming, and attendance will be taken on these days, however, no other distance learning will be done. These Mondays are intended to provide a break from regular distance learning and allow an opportunity to catch up (or catch a breath) on learning from the previous week.

The following is a schedule of flex Mondays for the end of the school year:

May 4th: Planning Day – Optional Distance Learning/Teachers Unavailable (Distribution will still take place at regular times)
May 11th: Flex Day – Only Specialist Learning at Elementary School and Advisory Programming at Middle School
May 18th: Flex Day – Only Specialist Learning at Elementary School and Advisory Programing at Middle School
May 25th: Memorial Day – No Distance Learning (Distribution will take place at regular times on Tuesday, May 26th)
June 1st: Flex Day – Only Specialist Learning at Elementary School and Advisory Programming at Middle School

As previously mentioned, students will receive basic grades at the end of the year reflecting whether they have Met or Partially Met Distance Learning Expectations for their daily participation and packet completion. We also plan to schedule conferences with students and their parents June 1st – 5th. This final, full week of school will not involve regular distance learning, but focus instead on special activities, student relationships, and year-end celebrations, including Kindergarten promotion, 5th grade transition, and 8th grade graduation. The final two days, June 8 – 9th, will be to collect distance learning resources and conclude what will have been a truly exceptional school year.

Please note the Distance Learning distribution schedule for the remainder of the school year below. Distribution will continue to take place at the established locations and times. Any changes to this schedule will be communicated with as much advance notice as possible.

Monday, May 11: Learning Packet and a 4 bag lunch bundle for eligible families (no bag lunch on Friday, May 15, due to no school for staff development)

Monday, May 18: Learning Packet and a 5 bag lunch bundle for eligible families (includes Tuesday, May 26, but not Memorial Day, May 25)

Tuesday, May 26: Learning Packet (the last learning packet of the school year) and a 4 bag lunch bundle for eligible families

Monday, June 1: Learning Packet Pickup & Collection of Distance Learning Resources and a 6 bag lunch bundle for eligible families (through the last day of the school year on Tuesday, June 9)

Tuesday-Friday, June 2-5: A schedule and process for families to pick up remaining personal items at school will be sent closer to the date

We would like to share with you the following updates and announcements regarding distance learning, year-end activities, and upcoming events. Please watch for additional information on some of these in forthcoming communications from administration and staff.

Distance Learning Grades: As previously mentioned, students will earn basic percentage-based grades for either partially meeting or meeting distance learning expectations as a result of overall participation and learning packet completion. Students may also receive an incomplete or an exempt based upon their overall performance or due to their particular circumstances. These grades are primarily intended to measure student progress, and both acknowledge individual student efforts as well as identify specific areas for additional support.

Distance Learning Conferences: Individual conferences will be scheduled with students and their parents Tuesday – Friday, June 2nd – 5th. This will be an opportunity for teachers to connect and reflect upon the distance learning period with students and their parents. A link to sign up for conferences will be sent out early next week. Please keep in mind that Monday, June 1st, of this week is a Flex Day, and the final distribution of bag lunches as well as the last collection of distance learning resources will take place at regular times this afternoon.

Yearend Celebrations: The Minnesota Department of Education, in cooperation with the Minnesota Department of Health, has issued guidance on year-end graduations and related celebrations. Plans are being finalized for Kindergarten promotion, 5th grade transition, and 8th grade graduation ceremonies that adhere to this guidance, and administration and staff will be sending out details to families soon.

Special Events: Please join us for our rescheduled virtual Parent Town Hall next week Tuesday, May 19th, at 6:30 p.m. Following school board member introductions, members of the administration will review the distance learning period and preview planning updates for the fall. Parents will be able to chat their questions following the presentation, and the call-in number to join is: +1 614-943-2872, PIN: ‪787 663 696#. Also, if you haven’t yet, please take some time to complete our annual Parent Survey to help us continue to serve you better.

Together with gratitude,

The SHPA Leadership Team