Important Message from Dr. Cain
April 6, 2020 ~ To all WSD Families
Good Evening,
We hope this finds you well and that you and your family are managing these uncertain times as best as possible. Please know we are thinking of you. We are also trying to balance providing you with information without overwhelming you. Included in this message are important updates related to grades, meals, and calendar.
Teaching & Learning Update
This week, we begin a transition from our continued learning plans to our virtual learning plans. Continued learning plans were a short-term opportunity for students to engage in learning activities that would help review previous concepts learned. Virtual learning plans are a longer-term approach to ongoing learning, with a combination of new learning and a review of previously learned concepts. We have asked teachers to make a slow transition this week so in some cases, your child may be continuing with previously assigned activities. If you are having any trouble connecting with your child’s teachers, please contact them via email.
To support our students during this time, we have developed a Grading & Assessment document that outlines a variety of topics including grading during virtual instruction, state assessment changes, and much more. Please use the link below to review these updates. It can also be found on our COVID-19 HUB, where you can access essential information during our extended school closure.
- Extended School Closure: Grading & Assessment *College Credit Courses, Dual Credit/Enrollment Courses, Early College will follow the university’s guidelines regarding grading and assessment. This will be communicated by your child’s teacher.
- It’s very important to us that your child is supported and engaged in ongoing learning during our extended school closure. In addition, we realize that it is important to maintain a balance with schoolwork and the many other activities that occur at home daily. If you have concerns regarding the amount of time your child is engaged in learning, please contact your child’s teacher(s).
- *College Credit Courses, Dual Credit/Enrollment Courses, Early College, AP Courses:
If your child is enrolled in a college-level course, teachers will adhere to the university’s guidance on time allotment for instruction and assignments. AP courses will continue to prepare students for AP exams and as a result, may include more time spent on assignments and participation in instruction with the teacher.
Calendar Update
Friday, April 10 was a scheduled day off and will still be observed as such. Teachers have been asked not to schedule meetings or assignments for this day. The April late starts have been canceled.
Meals Update
If you would like to pick up meals NEXT WEEK for your children (Monday, April 13 and Thursday, April 16) please fill out this form and choose the pickup location that is closest to your home. (Here is the Spanish version.) If you receive weekend food through Operation Backpack, that is being distributed at the same locations on Thursdays only and we ask that you also choose a pickup location by filling out the form. The deadline to fill out the form is the end of the day Wednesday for the following week (this is a change from previous communication so our child nutrition staff can prepare for Thursday meal distribution).
Thank you everyone for your continued patience and support. Circumstances and guidance continue to change weekly, daily, and even hourly and we are working with our staff to best assist you and our students. Our website will continue to be updated with the latest information and we will continue to work with you to get through this challenging time together.
Sincerely,
Curtis Cain, Ph.D.
Superintendent