Access Affton
A Publication of the Affton School District
Update for Families | July 5, 2020
An Update from Dr. Bracht
School Reopening Update from the Superintendent
I hope everyone had a good July 4th weekend!
I want to provide an update on the progress being made towards school reopening during this time of COVID-19. A key aspect of the planning process has been to engage our families and staff to get input. At the end of May, the district began getting input from staff and families on topics related to school reopening. The input process has continued throughout June with a survey and discussion groups. The district will conduct task force meetings in July to polish a draft reopening plan. The district will release the draft plan on Monday, July 20. The release of the draft plan will also be accompanied by an informational webinar and feedback opportunity. The district will use the feedback collected from staff and families on the draft plan to make final adjustments.
There are two overarching themes that have been confirmed by staff and families throughout the input process, 1) Health & Safety and 2) Equity in Learning. These two themes will be used to drive our efforts during the planning and preparation leading up to school reopening and throughout the 2020-21 school year. The district realizes how important communication, flexibility, and agility will be this school year as we try to navigate this difficult time together.
In addition to getting stakeholder input, the district-level and school-level administrators have been collaborating on a weekly basis since May to address various reopening topics. Our administrators have also been collaborating with local and national individuals and organizations to gain as much insight as possible to prepare for a successful return to school. I have summarized below some of those specific actions. While this collaboration and learning will continue, it is now time to focus on putting a specific plan together to serve Affton staff and families. The next two weeks will involve assembling the best information we have at this time on the various topics involved with reopening schools.
You can find reports on the input we've received so far from families and staff, as well as updates on our reopening plans on our website: http://afftonschools.net/covid19/roadmap_to_reopening
I want to thank you in advance for your patience and understanding as we stick together and look out for one another.
#SaySomething
During the past month, I know many of you have been thinking a lot about how racism and bias impact our Black community. Part of Affton’s school reopening actions that were planned prior to the onset of COVID-19, and the recent spotlight on how racism has impacted the Black community, call for a more intentional approach to culturally responsive teaching. The training that all staff members engage in will encompass many topics, but racism and bias will certainly be included.
If you are like me, you might be thinking about things you can do over the summer that further your ability to support our Black students when they return to school. I want to share an opportunity that I have engaged in during the month of June that will continue throughout July. It is a weekly one-hour session that occurs each Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. called #SaySomething. It is hosted by Dr. Terry Harris, Executive Director of Student Services in the Rockwood School District, and you can register for each session by clicking here. Each session features a different Black leader in our local community. So far each session has drawn well over 500 participants.
Class of 2020 Families: Last Chance for Graduation Photos
LAST CHANCE TO ORDER GRADUATION PHOTOS! Please note that the gallery of images from Affton High School graduation will expire on July 18th. All orders need to be placed prior to expiration.
Here is the link for convenience: https://cindysphoto.shootproof.com/gallery/12142016
Don't Forget Online Registration
PLEASE NOTE: Online registration does not always work well on cell phones; we recommend using a computer or tablet.
Families of RETURNING students: Please log onto the Parent Portal to register returning students for the 2020-2021 school year.
COVID-19 Helpline
Please reach out with your questions or concerns at info@afftonschools.net or by calling the Affton Schools COVID-19 Helpline at 314-633-5911.
About Affton Schools
Email: info@afftonschools.net
Website: http://afftonschools.net
Location: 8701 MacKenzie Road, Affton, MO, USA
Phone: (314) 638-8770
Facebook: facebook.com/AfftonSchoolDistrict
Twitter: @AfftonSchools