July 1, 2020
Dear Inspire parents and families:
I hope you have had a restful and relaxing first few weeks of summer! Since the end of school, Inspire staff have been attending webinars, reading articles and guidance documents, and meeting with public health and education experts to solidify our plans for returning to school in August. The COVID-19 pandemic has not ended, yet we know it’s essential for our students to get back to the business of learning and connecting with teachers and peers. We have much work to do and many questions to be answered; however, we are getting closer to a finalized plan for returning to school at Inspire School of Arts and Sciences. Though the situation is fluid, and plans may change as we learn more, here’s what we can tell you so far:
Priorities for a safe return to school:
Our reopening plan will be developed with the following priorities in mind...
To provide a safe and secure learning environment for all students
To provide the opportunities for connection and engagement our students need to be successful in school
To continue to offer a wide range of high-quality, standards-aligned learning opportunities for students to explore their passions and develop their interests
To offer support for all learners to access academic materials and content
Student learning models:
Our reopening plan may consider the following structures for a safe return to school…
In-Person Instruction Model: Students have the opportunity to attend school 5 days per week, with enhanced safety measures in place
Blended Learning Model: Students would be placed in two cohorts, and would have the opportunity to attend school 2-3 days per week with enhanced safety measures in place; in this model, students would complete 2-3 days of online schoolwork at home per week
Independent Study: All students will have the option of completing their coursework through independent study, regardless of the adopted model
Safety Measures:
Our reopening plan will be aligned with state and county public health recommendations, including the following…
Temperature checks for students upon arrival at school
Students and staff experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 stay home
Masks are recommended for staff and students; masks provided for each student
Touchless bathroom fixtures installed
Social distancing measures in place
One-way movement on campus
Hand sanitizer stations installed in each classroom; additional hand-washing stations available
High-touch areas in classrooms cleaned after every period
All classrooms cleaned and disinfected daily
Tentative Timeline:
With the exception of unforeseen circumstances, our reopening plan will be finalized according to the following timeline…
July 8: Reopening Planning Meeting with Staff
July 9 at 4 p.m.: Reopening Planning Meeting with Parents
July 13: Inspire Board of Directors Approves Inspire Reopening Plan
July 15: Chico Unified Board Approves CUSD Reopening Plan
July 16 at 6 p.m.: Virtual Meeting with Inspire Parents to Review the Details of Reopening Plan (SAVE THE DATE! This meeting will be open to all interested parents and families; see details below)
July 16: Final Reopening Survey for Inspire Parents and Staff
August 11: First Day of School
Please know that we are working diligently and thoughtfully to prepare for a return to school, with students' needs always at the center of our work. We know that the pandemic has affected the lives of every one of our students; we know that no blueprint or map exists to show schools the way forward, and that we must rely on the recommendations of experts to develop our plans; we also know that our amazing staff, working in collaboration with community and parent partners, will continue to reinvent a high school experience where all kids thrive.
I will plan to send weekly updates as our plan evolves. In the meantime, don’t hesitate to call or email if you have questions or concerns. In addition, please let me know if you would like to join our parent planning meeting next week.
With profound appreciation for your partnership,
Becky Brown
Principal/Superintendent
Inspire School of Arts and Sciences
(530) 230-7758
