March 30, 2020
Dear Parents and Families,
I once again extend my well-wishes to each of you, and hope you and your families are making the best out of this extended closure. Our schools halls are empty and we anxiously await the return of our staff and students!
Now that we have settled into a routine with this prolonged closure (currently through April 20, 2020 with Spring Break), I wanted to provide you with some updates regarding academic expectations, among a few other items. Dr. Slack and Dr. Smith will be sending out more detailed information this week as well.
ACADEMIC UPDATE
To help create a balanced and realistic home learning scenario, teachers of courses in grades 7-12 have been directed to utilize a “3 x 40” rule of thumb. In other words, student assignments, course readings, and review exercises should not exceed an estimated “seat time” requirement for students of greater than 120 minutes per 5 day cycle for each course. Teachers will also ensure that a pacing calendar indicating targeted due dates for material is conveyed to students.
Additional expectations regarding GCC and AP courses will be shared in Dr. Slack's forthcoming letter.
For our elementary students, the following guidelines have been developed:
Grades 5 & 6: approximately 2 hours per day plus reading and IXL
Grades 2-4: 90 minutes daily plus reading and IXL
Pre K - 1: 60 minutes daily plus reading and IXL
Certainly, you are welcome to go above these recommendations, but again, please remember your children are lacking the supports that are found here in school.
Information regarding report cards, marking periods, and grading will also be shared in the letters from your principals.
How about the upcoming Spring Break? I would encourage you to use this as a break so to speak. Assuming your children have been engaged, then I would recommend easing off a bit, while still encouraging them to read, engage in IXL, practice, review, and stay in touch with teachers as needed.
The State Education Department has announced that a decision will be made this week regarding June Regents Exams. Once I learn of that decision, it will be shared immediately.
MEAL SERVICE
We are serving about 400 meals per day! Thank you to Michelle Higgins and her wonderful staff from Personal Touch!
With the exception of Friday, April 10, meal service will continue as scheduled during the scheduled Spring Break (April 10-19).
HOT SPOTS/INTERNET
Thus far, there has not been a strong response for need of hot spots in the community as was promoted last week. We will continue to monitor this need and adjust accordingly. There is a significant cost for the District to set this up and we want to ensure we have enough participation.
In the meantime, our campus has access to the Internet 24-7:
NETWORK: Guest
PASSWORD: Wireless
We are also hoping to have another order of Kajeets arrive this week. Give us a call at 765-3101 if you would like to be placed on the list
We now have jump drives available for the following Regents subjects: US History, Global Studies, Algebra 1, Geometry, and Biology. These do NOT require internet access--only a computer. Give us a call at 765-3101 to arrange pick up or email at LLamay@lcsdk12.org.
LEARNING PACKETS
Our campus is being opened up this week to faculty and staff only to develop additional learning materials for your students. These will be completed by the end of the week, and detailed information on packet pick up will be shared by Friday of this week.
STAFF PARADE
Our faculty and staff miss you and would love to see you! If you are on our parade route, please come on your porch or driveway. If we are not passing by your house and you are driving to the area, we kindly ask you to remain in your vehicles, or stay 6 feet apart (Social Distance Guidelines) to celebrate, while at a safe distance from others! Show us your decorated signs, get ready to wave and wear your orange and black to show your Tiger Spirit!
Date: Thursday, April 2nd
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Route: 4th of July Route (Starting by Lynoaken Farms on Alps Rd, left on Willowbrook, down Lake Ave. turning right on 63, turning left on Housel, and ending at the school parking lot.)
We cannot wait to see everyone!!
#tigercountry
I look forward to re-connecting with our staff this week, and hope to see many families along the parade route on Thursday.
As has been said, this prolonged closure continues to be unchartered waters for all of us, and my staff and I are adjusting this new normal.
If you have questions, please contact me directly at Jasmith@lcsdk12.org or 765-3101. Chances are others have the same question, and I can use your questions in future updates.
Stay safe, stay home, and keep learning and reading (and go easy on the Netflix! :) )
Sincerely,
Jason Smith, Superintendent