Dear Parents and Guardians, As we complete our third week of distance learning, I am confident that students, parents and RUSD staff alike will enjoy a week to unplug, take a step back, and simply enjoy free time with family members. We have been challenged in ways we have not been before and personally I know I will take time to reflect, refuel and refocus. Spring break will be observed next week from April 6-10. There will be no instruction during this week as everyone will take much-needed time to recharge. If you are seeking activities for your children, I suggest you check out the new enrichment portion of the distance learning web pages for ideas. You may also want to check out virtual fieldtrips or a new resource from Common Sense Media. Don't forget to set up virtual play dates for your children to connect with friends and classmates, as this will greatly benefit them as they cope with missing their friends.
Please remember that during spring recess, physical distancing of at least six feet must still be maintained with people outside of your household. I ask that our families follow the guidelines to stay home and maintain the Shelter in Place order by not traveling during spring break. Marin Health and Human Services states that you can leave the county if your reasons "...include ensuring the health and safety of yourself and your family (e.g. you are a relative's caretaker and they live in a different county) and to perform employment functions that are permissible under the Order". Please see other FAQ's about the Shelter in Place Order. Distance Learning Changes: In my letter earlier this week, I said that I would update you on the progression of our distance learning program and what you will continue to see and can expect moving forward. Since then, our dedicated and exceptional school principals, Dr. Niesyn, Ms. Cala, and Mr. Lynch have sent you newsletters outlining the changes you will see after spring recess. We are excited about these modifications and think it will make the distance learning program more manageable for students and families. We are so appreciative of elementary parents and middle school students for providing important feedback on how the distance learning program is working for them. This information was very valuable in developing adjustments to our distance learning plans. Thank you! Teachers are creating opportunities to connect with their students in a live format through Google Hangouts and other applications which are facilitating a wonderful opportunity to engage with students and classmates. Some parents have suggested that we provide live streaming for students through Zoom. We will not be moving in this direction for several reasons. There have been privacy and security issues with Zoom and personally having used this format daily for the past three weeks, in meetings with 18 or more people, it is difficult to have everyone engage and participate given differences in connectivity and people entering the room at various times. Additionally, managing a virtual classroom is not the same as it is in person and not nearly as conducive for student learning. Instead, teachers are creating very engaging recorded lessons that are thoughtfully prepared and targeted to the learning goals that have been set for students. Your child will experience more of these recorded lessons in the weeks following spring recess. Grading and Report Cards: As schools across the country have moved to distance learning, the topic of grading and report cards is being discussed and ideas shared. School districts are making decisions that are best for their students in collaboration with teachers who are the most knowledgeable in determining how well they can assess student learning and achievement in a distance learning model. There are some districts that have moved to a credit/no credit policy for secondary students, and others are holding student grades harmless for the third trimester if students continue to demonstrate consistent levels of achievement. Our administration and teachers will begin these discussions as we progress further into the trimester and we will communicate with parents once we have determined how the trimester performance will be recorded. It is very unlikely that our current report cards will be the tool to report achievement. Please do not stress over this topic and know that we will make sure that grade reporting will be fair and equitable as well as be accepted by public and private schools. In closing, please take time next week to have fun like you did when you were a child. Your children may enjoy getting a glimpse of what you were like when you were their age... go ahead, it may just create memories that you all laugh about and cherish 20 or 30 years from now. Enjoy, relax and make memories. Warm regards, Nancy Lynch, Ed.D. Superintendent Reed Union School District Comments are closed.
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