Well, well, well...here we are. I just got out of our first staff meeting back and expect more meetings and information to come daily. A lot has been thrown our way over the last week, and much of it has evolved and changed as this situation is fluid. I am posting below what I know for now.
I want to take this opportunity to tell you how much I care about your kids, and to let you know that I miss them tremendously. I hope everyone is staying healthy and safe. I cannot wait for this mess to be over, so we can get back on track with the rest of our year. As of now, I am still planning our Poetry month (April) lessons and activities. Pie n' Poetry Night, Ice Skating, and Twin Bears are still a go! This week, it is my goal to reach out to each and every student/family with a phone call, to check-in, and simply to say hello! In that conversation or by email, if there is anything that you need, please let me know and I will try to help, no questions asked. I also believe that the school district is working on breakfast and lunch plans to provide kids who receive free/reduced hot lunch available for curbside pickup. Some other staff members will also be reaching out for other reasons, so you may receive more than one call from the school. It is only because we care and we have different things to discuss.
As for homework and assignments. Mrs. Young was in the middle of her FTST and we were also finishing up a lot of things (Persuasives, Current Events, Lantern Poems to name a few). I am going to be working on updating grades and narratives for report cards this week (Due by Friday). I do not expect any drastic changes from what is in the grade book now. Mrs. Young also has a few assignments to enter yet. Moving forward, I will be building a classroom web site where you will be able to access curriculum materials to download and work on at home. I will put up things like math worksheets, book report options, and writing prompts! I will let you know when it is finished so you can get busy if you choose. Please keep in mind that this work should be considered "Engagement Activities," NOT required (per the district), and will not be "Graded."
Here is what I have from the District and the Office of the Superintendent per Dr. Gaborik:
How long will schools be closed?
Right now, schools are closed until March 27, 2020. As COVID-19 spreads in other states, however, we are seeing school districts extend closure through the end of April and beyond.
While I am hopeful that the preventative measures being taken in Alaska will mitigate the transmission of COVID-19 in our state, Fairbanks educators will utilize the next two weeks to begin planning for potential long-term school closure.
My children have items in the classroom and/or locker that we need at home. Can we stop by the school to get them?
Contact the school directly to make arrangements. While students and families cannot access classrooms or lockers, we will make every effort to get these items to you via curbside pickup.
What if my children receive free and reduced meals?
Many amazing and generous community partners have volunteered to assist with meal production and distribution. In addition, our Nutrition Services department is developing a plan to continue free and reduced meal services.
We will send an update, and ask that you watch the district website and social media posts for more information.
Is there anything school-related my child can do over the next two weeks?
Governor Dunleavy has indicated the next two weeks are non-student contact days. This means there will be no academic work required of students.
We plan to provide Engagement Activities During Closure which will be available on the district website beginning Monday, March 16. Schools will share the link as well. Teachers who currently have systems in place for online delivery of materials and communication may also be sharing engagement activities directly with their students and families. These engagement activities, however, accessed, are not graded and not required but available if parents want them.
What if the closure lasts longer than two weeks?
District educators will be planning for long-term closure. Instructional delivery will look different at each grade level. We will send updated information as it becomes available.
I heard everything will be done online. What if our family can’t access materials online?
Maintaining instructional and academic continuity for a diverse community of 13,500+ students during extended school closure is a daunting task. The district will do the best we can to accomplish this goal. Our educators are committed to meeting the needs of ALL our students.
Over the next couple of weeks educators will develop instructional plans for both online and traditional activities. Each school will be thinking about how to best continue instruction for students in their respective communities. We will utilize our existing resources to the best of our ability.
What about sports and activities?
To facilitate social distancing and mitigate the spread of COVID-19, all-district sports and activities are canceled at this time. Additionally, events planned in school facilities by outside user groups are also canceled. We will continue to evaluate and update as the situation evolves.
Where can I get more information about the district’s response to COVID-19?
--Angel Rocks Hike and Twin Bears Educational Excursion. We will have several meetings throughout the year about this as it is a 3-day overnight camping trip, and yes we will need volunteers!
