Return to School 2020
News and Resources for CBSD Families
A Letter to the Community from Superintendent Dr. John J. Kopicki
Just over three weeks lie before us as we look toward the start of school on September 8. As we continue our efforts to provide families with information and resources to prepare to return to school, we are launching a weekly newsletter.
Families can expect videos, digital resources, and insight into what to expect the following week. This information is intended to help families gain a deeper understanding of what the virtual experience will look like, while helping them prepare their children to return to school.
Please note, we will continue to revise the question and answer page on our website at www.cbsd.org/help as we respond to the individual questions and concerns shared by our families. Visit the site often, as updates may be made as frequently as daily.
Stay Well,
John
John J. Kopicki, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Gearing Up for 2020-21 - Technology and Resources are Key
As we prepare to begin the 2020-21 school year in a 100% virtual learning environment, technology and innovation staff are sorting and preparing new devices for distribution, and developing resources for families. This year, providing our students with learning devices and instructing them on the proper use and care of these critical tools is more important than ever. Devices will be distributed to students who need them beginning the week of August 24. Families should look for emails tailored to their grade level with detailed instructions to help them prepare to pick up their device. Watch the video below to get a glimpse of what's to come.
A Single Learning Management System - Canvas
Canvas takes center stage as the landing site for all students, each day. It's a virtual classroom for elementary students and a "home base" for secondary students, with each teacher placing classwork, assignments, and resources in one place. Canvas is also a critical tool for families as they monitor their student's progress. In order to help families navigate the system and help their children be successful, the district will provide training resources in the coming weeks.
Staying in Touch
Secondary families will also be able to monitor missed and upcoming assignments and student grades within the parent portal. While these tools are useful and convenient, classroom teachers and/or the school will seek to make personal contact with families to discuss individual student needs when appropriate, and families are always encouraged to contact the classroom teacher or school to discuss concerns.
Student Schedule Update
Elementary classroom teacher assignments and secondary student schedules will become visible within the parent portal on September 2. At both the elementary and secondary level, virtual learning will include the following essential elements:
- Students will have every class every day (class periods will be slightly shorter).
- Students will be assessed and receive grades in each of their classes.
- Students will be expected to attend each class and participate.
- Students will receive both live (synchronous) instruction and independent/collaborative (asynchronous) work.
- Teachers will conduct live check-ins (individual/group) with students during independent/collaborative (asynchronous) time.
- Teachers will work a full day and engage in ongoing professional development each day.
Secondary Schedule Update
The structure of the virtual school day at the secondary level will include the essential elements listed above. Additionally:
- Students will conclude the instructional day approximately 30-40 minutes earlier than typical.
- There will be a break in the middle of the day for students and teachers.
- At this time, sports and other extracurricular activities will occur, and we will continue to monitor each activity to ensure safety and supervision in accordance with our reopening plans.
- MBIT has gone 100% virtual; details will be forthcoming.
The proposed daily schedule is as follows:
High School: 7:25 a.m. - 1:57 p.m.
Middle School: 7:30 a.m. - 2:01 p.m.
Elementary Schedule Update
The structure of the virtual school day at the elementary level will include the essential elements listed above. Additionally:
- There will be breaks scheduled throughout the day, including snack, lunch, and recess.
- Specials (physical education, music, library, art, and Quest) will be 30 minutes.
- Students will be using a district-issued device.
- All assigned work will begin from the learning management system, Canvas.
At the elementary level, the start and end of the school day will remain the same as communicated in the health and safety plan. Leaving the schedule unchanged will allow for a smoother transition back to school when the staffing shortage is resolved, and provide for the professional development and daily preparation that teachers will need in order to successfully deliver instruction in an all virtual model. The daily schedule is as follows:
Elementary School A: 8:35 a.m. – 2:15 p.m.
- AM Kindergarten: 8:35 a.m.– 11:00 a.m.
- PM Kindergarten: 11:50 a.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Elementary School B: 8:50 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
- AM Kindergarten: 8:50 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
- PM Kindergarten: 12:05 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Elementary School C: 9:05 a.m. — 2:45 p.m.
- AM Kindergarten: 9:05 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
- PM Kindergarten: 12:20 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
CBSD Virtual Learning Program Objectives
Introducing the Broadcast Center
What's Next...
- Support, tips, and resources to set your child up for success in a virtual learning environment.
- Resources to help parents and guardians to learn more about and navigate the district's K-12 learning management system, Canvas.
- Final revisions to the 2020-21 instructional calendar.
Quick Links
Central Bucks School District
Your feedback is welcome! If you have questions or suggestions for areas that require additional communication, please contact Angela Linch, communications and public relations administrator, at alinch@cbsd.org.
Email: alinch@cbsd.org
Website: www.cbsd.org
Location: 20 Welden Drive, Doylestown, PA, USA
Phone: 267-893-2000
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cbschools/
Twitter: @CBSDSchools