On Friday, Elmore County Public School Superintendent Richard Dennis reached out to parents of students and all personnel concerning the plan of action to finish the school year with alternative methods. Below are messages sent to parents and personnel.
TO PARENTS OF STUDENTS
FROM ELMORE COUNTY SUPT. RICHARD DENNIS
COVID-19 Call Out for March 27, 2020
As directed by the Governor, beginning at the start of school on April 6, 2020, all K-12 public schools shall implement a plan to complete the 2019-2020 school year using alternate methods of instruction as established by the State Superintendent of Education.
Elmore County faculty, staff, and administrators have a basic plan to provide a virtual Schools administration has worked with the Elmore County Commission, Elmore County Economic Development Authority, and Central Access to expand broad band in Elmore County and create internet “hotspots” in communities for students with existing providers. An interactive map of Elmore County will be made available to identify locations of internet “hot spots” in each school zone.
Principals will meet Tuesday, March 31, with their administrative teams along with central office administration and coordinate the return of faculty and staff to school campuses on April 1 and plan the initiation of the virtual program for all students. Teachers will set up students in virtual platforms so access can begin as early as April 6. The individual schools will communicate information to students and parents as this process begins.
Students that have internet access and technology may begin at that time. Students that need to secure technology, a Chromebook, from his or her school will be contacted by the school as Chromebooks are prepared and are available for distribution. Students that do not have technology or internet will be provided curriculum packets of assignments to be completed.
Our focus will be to finish the year by having students focus on the most important standards in each curriculum and any standards that are prerequisite for the next level course.
Certainly, these are trying times and we will need to work together to make this a success. It is important that we provide our students the soundest instruction possible as they build their academic foundation. Elmore County Public Schools is committed to do the very best to meet students’ needs, especially in this crisis. We will work hard to help our students and work with parents and guardians as we complete this task.
Please adhere to safe practices as outlined by ADPH and the CDC. We wish the very best for you and your family.
To personnel for all public schools in Elmore County
Elmore County Personnel:
As directed by the Governor, beginning at the start of school on April 6, 2020, all K-12 public schools shall implement a plan to complete the 2019-2020 school year using alternate methods of instruction as established by the State Superintendent of Education.
To accomplish this goal Elmore County Public Schools will work to initiate the virtual program faculties and staffs trained for prior to school closure. The following is a schedule of dates that specific groups will report to assigned school location:
• Monday, March 30, 2020 – all Central Office personnel will report to assigned department areas. Directors/Coordinators will communicate any special notifications.
• Tuesday, March 31, 2020 – all base school administrative teams will report to the base schools for a webinar with Central Office administrators. The contact link will be emailed to each administrator.
• Wednesday, April 1, 2020 – all teachers and staff will return to work at assigned locations. Principals will communicate the school schedule for the day and the agenda of items to accomplish.
From this point on we will work to initiate the virtual program for students with internet access and in some cases develop curriculum packets for those that lack internet connectivity. Principals will review the schedule of tasks that each school must complete in order to initiate the virtual program on April 6.
The ALSDE has given each system flexibility in numerous areas to work toward successfully completing the 2020 school year. There will be obstacles and barriers that we will need to address and improve upon. It is our goal to work out as many of the problems and issues as possible before the next school year. This will require that each school to work together and communicate effectively with the faculty, staff, parents, and students.
We will follow ADPH/CDC Emergency Protective Measures as we conduct school operations.
Thank you for all your efforts.
