Gentry superintendent offers update on plans
GENTRY — With many aspects of the coming school year in question due to the covid-19 epidemic, the Gentry School District provided another update on the current status of plans.
The following letter was shared with parents and guardians of Gentry students on Thursday by Terrie Metz, superintendent of Gentry Schools:
Good afternoon Parents and Guardians,
Please review the following information and realize that this can change from day to day depending on the Arkansas Department of Health guidelines, the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, or the Governor. I will continue to keep you updated.
The first day of school for students is August 13th. As you have been reaching out to us trying to make an informed decision about your child’s educational options we want to provide you with some additional guidance for on-site learning and the Pioneer Virtual Learning Academy.
We are awaiting further guidance from the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) in regards to on-site learning. As we know more we will continue to keep you informed. However, I do want to discuss the topics below with you.
Face Coverings
The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Arkansas Department of Health have updated information regarding face coverings this week, changing “required” to “strongly recommended.” Gentry Public Schools will follow the guidelines of these entities, therefore face coverings are strongly
recommended when returning to school in the fall. Parents, please understand that physical distancing is not always possible in many instances, including students passing in the halls, school bus transportation, in classrooms, etc. Like the DESE and the ADH have stated we strongly recommend students wear face coverings when physical distancing is not possible.
Cleaning Protocols
The District’s Custodial Department ensures that daily cleaning requirements exceed the Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting facilities. Day and evening custodial staff schedules will be adjusted as needed to provide the best coverage for when students and staff are in the building. In addition, every classroom will be equipped with a spray bottle of disinfectant for use by district staff, and each facility will receive a weekly disinfectant mist throughout the facilities.
Closing Protocols
We have had the following questions presented: Will parents be notified if a student or staff member tests positive for COVID-19, and if we have a positive test result will we have to close the school, and for how long? I want to assure families that if we have a student or staff member test positive, we will follow the guidance and directives of the ADH. We are awaiting more guidance on this topic and will pass along this information to you as it becomes available.
Visitors and Large Group Gatherings
To protect our students and staff from exposure once the new school year begins, we will be restricting outside visitors from being able to enter our buildings. Therefore, this means that we will not be able to host our normal in-person open house events, and Parent/ Teacher Conferences and Parent/Teacher Organizations (PTO) meetings will be held virtually. Furthermore, to protect the health and safety of our students, parents or guests will not be allowed to have lunch with their children. Large group activities may need to be modified or canceled based on the latest guidelines, and our building principals will stay in touch about upcoming school events at the individual campuses.
School Bus Transportation
Physical distancing is not feasible on a school bus. We strongly recommend that all students wear a mask. Bus drivers and bus aides will be required to wear a mask while transporting students. Seating charts on the school buses will be arranged so that siblings and households sit together. Students will use district-provided hand sanitizer prior to entering a bus.
Pioneer Virtual Learning Academy
The application deadline has been extended to July 10, 2020, to give families more time to make an informed decision about enrolling in the virtual learning program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I enroll in the Pioneer Virtual Learning Academy (PVLA)?
A: Families simply need to complete this form for each child who will participate in PVLA. https://forms.gle/xcftPXBSLe82HZnY9
Q: My children attend school in another district. Can I enroll in PVLA?
A: A student must be enrolled in the Gentry School District to participate in PVLA. Homeschooling families should contact Renee Bradshaw at 479-736-2253 if you are interested in participating in PVLA.
Q: Do all students who apply get accepted?
A: Yes, ALL students who are enrolled in Gentry School District can participate. By completing the form, we are asking families to formally declare their choice of virtual school instead of an on-site school.
Q: How long do I have to choose the PVLA?
A: The final day to declare your choice to participate in the PVLA has been extended to July 10, 2020, to afford families more time to make an informed decision.
Q: Can I return to on-site instruction at any time?
A: No, you will not be able to return to on-site instruction until the semester is complete. When registering, you are making a commitment for one full semester. You will have the choice to return to on-site instruction or continue with virtual instruction each semester.
Q: Will a Chromebook be provided for my child?
A: Yes, a Chromebook and charger will be available for checkout to all students in the PVLA.
Q: What if I don’t have the internet?
A: The district asks that families provide their own internet. If you are homeless or are in a situation of extreme need, please contact your school for assistance. We will provide equitable services to all. A student in need will not be denied access to virtual learning.
Q: Will my child have a real teacher or will their lessons be videos and computer work?
A: Yes, your teacher will be a certified Gentry Public Schools teacher. He/she will live stream the lessons to students in real-time if you have the internet capability. You also have the option of watching the class on video that was recorded live.
Q: Will my child be able to participate in Band and/ or Choir?
A: Choosing to participate in virtual instruction does not exclude a student from participation in electives; however, there may be instances in which on-site participation is required. At this time, all electives will be held with appropriate health and safety procedures in place.
Q: What if my child is in special education?
A: Students will continue to receive services according to their IEP when enrolled in the PVLA. There may be instances in which on-site participation is required to conduct the required services/therapies that can’t be done virtually.
Q: Will my child continue to receive dyslexia, English language learner, 504, gifted and talented services?
A: Yes, students will continue to receive services.
Q: What will virtual school look like?
A: A detailed plan can be found here. Individual schedules will be developed with school personnel.
Q: If my child participates in PVLA, can I still participate in parent activities and organizations such as PTO or Academic Booster Club?
A: Yes, we encourage all parents including those with children in PVLA to participate in all parent engagement events.
Q: Will my child have a structured schedule if he/ she participates in PVLA?
A: Yes, your child will follow the regular school day schedule as close as possible. If this is not possible due to family work schedules, your child’s school will work with you to develop a structured schedule that will work for your family. Recordings of instruction from that day will be available for review in your child’s Google Classroom or Seesaw account.
Q: Will attendance be taken if my child participates in PVLA?
A: Yes, attendance will be monitored by your child’s teachers. It is expected that your child be actively engaged in classroom activities and completing assignments given while participating in virtual learning.
Q: Will grading policies for PVLA be the same as on-site?
A: Yes, assignments, projects and exams given will be graded and recorded. PVLA students will receive grades on a report card just as on-site students will. Parents will have access to HAC accounts to check grades just as on-site students will.
Q: Can my child participate in yearbook if we choose virtual learning?
A: Due to the fluid nature of yearbook activities outside of actual class time (school events, assemblies, pep rallies, etc.), it is extremely important that students are on-site to participate in yearbook class.
Q: Will my child be able to participate in CTE organizations and courses?
A: Yes, students will have access to CTE classes. Please understand that on-site attendance for activities such as shop work, greenhouse, etc. will be required for participation. The appropriateness of virtual participation in CTE classes will be considered on a class-by-class basis in consultation between family, the principal and the teacher.
Q: Will my child have recess if we choose on-site instruction?
A: While we do not have the specifics on how recess will look, and students may not have access to the equipment at first, we understand the importance of movement and outdoor time for children. Students will receive unstructured playtime that will follow the current physical distancing guidelines that are in place.
I want you to know that I appreciate each of you and your choice to be part of the Pioneer Family. I also know that there are difficult decisions ahead for your child’s educational future, and I want to affirm that your child’s safety will always be our utmost priority. Please expect more information as it becomes available.
We are the Pioneer Family! Together, we can do this!
Sincerely,
Terrie Metz, Superintendent, Gentry Public Schools