Grades, Updates and Next Steps -- What we know so far...

Team,

I hope you all are rested and actively practicing social distancing as a responsible citizen within the Commonwealth of Kentucky.  Today, I want to provide you with some information pertaining to how we are moving forward in the next couple of weeks.

At this time, we are still slated to be out of school until April 6th.  April 6th has now been turned into a non-flex professional development day that will happen remotely (we will still telecommute) and log  on to the PD site -- More info to come with this, the district is working on this format.   April 7th will start the NTI (Non-Traditional Instruction) days.  The board of education did approve the use of these days, but they are still not set in stone at this time.  If we use NTI days, this means that students will receive work through online platforms (Google Classroom), assignments turned in online, students receive feedback and returned graded assignments.   We will have to also have a process for paperwork as well, but the push is for online learning enviornments.

For families without devices at home, the district is working on a plan to distribute Chromebooks to households so that students can access instructional materials.  This plan/protocol is not fully in in place at this time, but is a work in progress.

Changes in pay/job functions have not been shared yet.  At this time, we should assume everyone is returning to work in some capacity.

In the meantime, please be prepared in the following ways:

• Grades are due for the third grading cycle.  The window is currently open for you to post grades.  Technically, the date they are due is four working days after returning to work -- so this would ideally be April 9th, but please go ahead and get this completed.

• If you are not familiar with using Google Classroom -- start building your proficiency - this will be the format of online learning.  Create this environment and practice uploading information and linking assignments and providing directions for turning in assignments.  I do know that Nik, Haley, Allison, Sarah, Jessalyn, Mark, and Irena use Google Classroom regularly and may be able to answer a question or two.  If I left off your name, please let me know -- I'm working from memory over here.  I have also reached out to Kathleen (Zone 2) to provide some additional resources for learning how to use Google Classroom.

• Check in with your students -- give a call (Jones sent out information on creating a Google number) or send messages on Dojo to check on students.  It would also be a good idea to ask parents if they have a device and internet access at home.  As you talk with families, please keep track of who you've talked with and whether they have a technology at home.  Today, we are sending a School Messenger message to share some family resources from the Office of Access and Opportunity -- this will come to employees as well.

• Building Access -- Currently, the building is closed.  Our custodians are in the building working daily to clean the building.  Administrators are working from home this week and will be Monday as well.  Following the inclement weather schedule, we work Monday also and then are off through Spring Break.  To reach me, use email, text, or call me 502-303-0768.  

Take care of yourself