Wildcat Thursday Thread
Dr. Keith White 12/17/20
Christmas Break Starts Next Week!
Have a wonderful Christmas Break and come back second semester ready to BE THE CHANGE!
Dr. Keith White, Superintendent
Alternative Methods of Instruction (AMI) days for Inclement Weather Closings
Diamond R-IV Students, Staff, & Families,
As we are stating to deal with winter weather, I wanted to remind you with some information that DESE is allowing this year regarding potential inclement weather days and are planned in our district calendar.
2020-21 AMI Information
We are excited to share that Diamond R-IV School District has been granted approval to offer “Alternative Methods of Instruction” or AMI days during the 2020-2021 school year for inclement weather. This plan allows the opportunity for all Diamond R-IV students to be engaged in meaningful learning on inclement weather days or emergency days when conditions prevent district schools from being in session. Parents will be informed when an AMI day has been scheduled utilizing our Lumen Parent Portal and other district communication tools (Facebook, Website, and local news agencies).
WHAT DOES ALTERNATIVE METHODS OF INSTRUCTION (AMI) MEAN?
AMI simply allows for the continuation of learning when students miss days of regular instruction due to district closure for inclement weather. Students will have the opportunity for skill reinforcement, remediation and enrichment through electronic or conventional paper lessons. The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has granted the Diamond R-IV School District five days (36 hours) this school year to be built into our calendar on which students will be expected to continue learning off-site (home, etc.). Some benefits of an AMI day include assisting in eliminating gaps in learning by providing learning activities and reducing the need for days to be added at the end of the school calendar.
How Will AMI Days Work?
- We will continue to communicate a snow day as we have in the past, however on certain days, it will be announced that we are not having school due to weather but we are having an AMI Day. It will be announced as AMI Day 1, 2, 3, etc.
- Teachers will use online resources (Google Classroom like our AMI-X Mondays) or AMI packets depending upon the grade level containing lessons to be completed on AMI days.
- Instructions and information will be provided by your child’s teachers, and students are expected to complete their Google Classroom assignments on the AMI day and submit printed learning activities within two (2) days of returning to school. If you have questions about learning activities, please do not hesitate to contact your child's school or teacher through email as teachers will be monitoring their emails during regular school hours.
IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER FOR AMI DAYS AT DIAMOND R-IV SCHOOLS
- Students and Diamond R-IV district staff will NOT attend school on an AMI inclement weather day. All students will have instructional activities to be completed at home on AMI days.
- AMI days count as instructional days and do not have to be made up at the end of the school year if students and staff complete assigned work.
- Students who do not complete and submit AMI online assignments (Google Classroom), or printed packets within two days of returning to school, will be marked absent for the related AMI day.
- The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has allowed five AMI days (36 hours) for the 20-21 school year.
- As we implement this new method, we anticipate that we will learn lessons along the way and make necessary adjustments to improve our AMI plan to best meet the needs of our students. If you have further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to phone or email your child’s school.
- AMI days will only be used for inclement weather or other emergency situations. Any necessary COVID related virtual learning that is needed will fall under our AMI-X (Extended) Plan which we utilize on our AMI-X Mondays and for all school closures (phases) related to COVID.
Dr. Keith White, Superintendent
COVID-19 Dashbaord
Elementary Para Position, Substitute Teachers, Bus Drivers, & Custodians needed!
Diamond Elementary is currently seeking an individual who loves kids and wants to make a difference in their lives as an Educational Paraprofessional. If you or you know of someone who has at least 60 hours college credit and would be a great team member for the DES team please complete an application online at diamondwildcats.org, click on the JOB OPENINGS tab, and contact the DES office at 417-325-5189.
Do you know someone interested in becoming a substitute teacher and do not have 60 hours of college courses yet? No problem as DESE has modified the requirements due to COVID https://dese.mo.gov/educator-quality/certification/substitute-teachers. If you are interested in daily making a positive difference in our schools for students go to diamondwildcats.org and click on the JOB OPENINGS tab. Follow the instructions and fill out an application for SUBSTITUTE TEACHER. You will be able to attach your sub certificate from DESE to the application. Once the application is complete, well will send the applicant an employment packet and once returned, they will be added to the district sub list.
If you are interested in being a bus driver or custodian for the Diamond R-IV School District, please follow this link: https://diamond.tedk12.com/hire/index.aspx.
Wildcat Spotlights!
Junior High Lady Wildcats Finish Season Undefeated Conference and Tournament Champions!
Lady Wildcats are 5-1 to start the season and finished in second place in our Gem City Classic Tournament!
Wildcats are 2-5 to start the season and finished in fourth place in our Gem City Classic Tournament!
Our Wildcat Cheerleaders are head and shoulders above the rest!
Mrs. Gollhofer's photography class has their amazing pictures on display in the Administration Building!
The Diamond Christmas Parade was a great success!
Diamond Board of Education Member Chris Macy won the FLW Phoenix Bass Fishing League!
The Middle School signs were updated and the fencing by the football field and retention pond is completed!
Telemedicine Machines Delivered!
Dr. Keith White
Email: kwhite@diamondwildcats.org
Website: https://www.diamondwildcats.org/
Location: 401 South Main Street, Diamond, MO, USA
Phone: 417-325-5186
Facebook: facebook.com/DiamondWildcats
Twitter: @DiamondSchoolD1