Deerfield October Newsletter
October 2020
Calendar of Events
October 13th 7:00 pm - PTO Meeting - Zoom Link
October 16- NO SCHOOL Elementary PLAN DAY
October 29- End of 1st Trimester
October 30- NO SCHOOL Record/Report
Gearing Up for Hybrid
Know that you do have the choice to keep your child in remote learning by choosing Distance Learning on the enrollment form that was sent to you earlier this week from Julie Boyle and is referenced below. I know this is a difficult decision. Remote learning is working effectively for most, but this is not the case for all. We want to give you the most up to date information as we receive it so that you can make an informed decision.
I also wanted to let you know that I receive about 100 emails a day from district office, staff and parents. I WILL respond to all emails. I plan to spend this weekend catching up from that last few days (since the BOE late night decision to return to school :) Thank you for your patience! I am a parent also, so I know the frustration of an unanswered email. I will not let them go unanswered.
I continue to be overwhelmed by the positive feedback and love we are receiving from our Deerfield family. I also know there are concerns that need to be addressed.
More information will be pushed out as things "Pivot".
Non-Instructional Logisitics
Please pay particular attention procedures for arrival/dismissal and attendance.
Nursing Services
Change Your Child's Learning Model by October 8
Thank you so much for your continued partnership as we strive to meet the needs of all students! On Monday, September 28, the Lawrence Board of Education voted to transition our current fully remote learning model to a hybrid learning model beginning October 19. You now have the opportunity to choose the learning model (hybrid or distance learning) that will best meet the needs of your family. The chart below describes each learning model.
Frequently Asked Questions:
I want to change learning models for my elementary student(s), what do I do?
Submit an Elementary Enrollment Form by October 8.
If my student is enrolled in the hybrid model, can I change between Group A or Group B ?
Many variables go into creating class rosters based on student enrollment preferences. Individual requests cannot be honored.
Where do I find information about the school’s safety plan and how they will conduct arrival, dismissal, lunch, etc?
Please review your school’s Non-instructional Systems plan to be sent to you by your principal. Watch this video demonstrating elementary safety procedures: https://youtu.be/zKZFPnZNfyg.
What if I change my mind after the enrollment window closes, can I change learning models?
At the end of the second trimester in February, you will have another opportunity to make changes to your enrollment.
IF YOU WANT TO CHANGE learning models, please submit one form for each elementary student by clicking on the Elementary Enrollment Form link below and submitting the form by October 8, 2020.
IF YOU DO NOT WANT TO CHANGE your enrollment, do not submit this form.
MUST DO: Complete your Remote Learning Assurances Form
We are pleased to share that after listening to the concerns of parents, teachers, and school districts, the Kansas State Department of Education eliminated its requirement of daily learning logs for remote learning programs like ours. We thank KSDE for its acknowledgment of the importance of our schools focusing on students and their education rather than logs.
Instead of the daily learning logs, KSDE requires that all parents/guardians complete and sign a Remote Learning Assurances form. This is a school accountability measure and verifies for the state that the district and school families understand remote learning expectations. For your convenience and safety, the state allows families to complete and sign this form electronically. By completing the online form and clicking Submit, you authorize your electronic signature.
Please follow these instructions: (English instructions) (Spanish instructions), to complete this form by September 29, 2020. Your prompt submittal by this deadline enables our staff to continue focusing on student learning and support rather than on collecting late forms.
Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting student achievement and success!
Change: Remote Learning Attendance
At this time attendance will still be taken twice a day, once in the morning and once in the afternoon:
- If your child is present online for remote learning anytime between 8:00-11:30, they will be counted present for the morning.
- If your child is present online for remote learning anytime between 11:31-3:05, they will be counted present for the afternoon.
If your child will be absent from remote learning:
- Parents must notify the office for the absence to be counted as "excused".
- If parents do not notify the office the absence will be recorded as unexcused.
- Teachers are required to contact parent by phone or webex for any full day unexcused absence. Unexcused absences will be changed if parents are reached by phone or webex and have a valid reason for the absence.
- Truancy will be enforced during all learning models (Hybrid/Remote, Distance). Truancy is filed when a student has 3 consecutive unexcused absences or 5 cumulative unexcused absences in a semester.)
Need Internet Access?
School Directory Information
The FERPA Annual Notice directs parents who object to the public release of directory information to request, complete, and return a Non-Disclosure of Student Information Form. If you wish to NOT have your child's contact information in our annual school directory please fill out this form and return to the school office by September 11th. If we do not receive this form your child's contact information will be listed as shown below....
Student Name
Parent/Guardian 1
Address
Phone
Parent/Guardian 2
Phone
Supply List
Deerfield Website Calendar
Revised School Calendar
Breakfast & Lunch Menu
Like Deerfield Facebook Page
Like Deerfield PTO Facebook Page
Deerfield School
Email: japplema@usd497.org
Website: https://www.usd497.org/Domain/10
Location: 101 Lawrence Avenue, Lawrence, KS, United States
Phone: 785-832-5660
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deerfield497/