Area school district plans January inclass return
Shepherd Public Schools (SPS) informed parents of students of the prospective protocols for returning to face-to-face learning on Monday, Jan. 11.
The Shepherd Board of Education and administration listened to community members’ concerns related to the current Bluejay OnLine instructional model and took action on Tuesday, Dec. 15 on how they would return to face-to-face instruction for K-12 students in January.
The schedule is likely to be similar to the schedule SPS has prior to moving to fully virtual learning.
“The major difference, at this
time, will involve a 2:00 p.m. dismissal each day for students,” a letter to parents and students said. “Staff will utilize that additional time to work with students, regular and special education, make contacts with both virtual students and students and families requiring extra assistance. Of course creating their face to face and virtual lesson plans will also occur during this time.”
Wednesdays will continue to be used by staff for student mentoring, making home contacts, holding special education meetings, lesson preparation for virtual and face-to-face students. The SPS custodial staff will also continue deep cleaning the classrooms and facilities.
A “Learning Option Survey” for grades 6-12 will be re-issued to determine the child’s choice between online and face-to-face learning. It is advised that the survey should be returned no later than Monday, Dec. 28.
“Please remember, this is a Trimester Option,” the letter said. “Once you choose an option, it is for the entire trimester.”
The Board of Education has also elected to have a special board meeting on Jan. 5 in order to look at the current COVID-19 circumstances around the area and the state. They may change or re-evaluate the plan based on what’s going on at that time.
“As we asked in the past, we would again request that you adhere to all Covid-19 protocols to prevent us from having to return to a completely virtual programming model,” the letter said.