Conestoga News
Important Dates to Remember
3/15 - Hybrid Survey Due
3/16 - Forecasting Due
3/16 - CPTO Dine Out @ MOD Pizza
3/17 - Last Day for Library Book Bus
3/22 - 3/26 - NO SCHOOL - Spring Break
CPTO Dine Out @ MOD Pizza! 3/16
Secondary Hybrid Survey
Dear BSD Middle, High and Option Families,
We’re planning to offer all middle, high and option students the opportunity to come back to school for In-Person Hybrid Instruction. Our tentative start date is April 19, the first day of the fourth quarter. Of course, this move is dependent on our continuing to meet the advisory health metrics set by the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) and the Oregon Health Authority (OHA): ≤ 200 positive COVID-19 cases per 100,000 over the previous two-week period in Washington and Multnomah Counties.
In addition, the District is in ongoing negotiations with employee associations regarding working conditions; finalized plans are subject to legal requirements associated with bargaining outcomes.
Can students stay in Comprehensive Distance Learning?
The District is committed to continuing Comprehensive Distance Learning (CDL) for the remainder of this school year. If you choose CDL, your student’s online day will look just like it has since September. The only difference is that your student’s teachers will be providing live online instruction from school.
What will In-Person Hybrid Instruction look like?
Simply put, teachers would provide live instruction from school to all students. Students who opt for Hybrid would be divided into two attendance groups. They'd spend two full days on campus and three days online at home, as current state-mandated safety protocols don’t allow for all students to be on campus at the same time. In-person and online instruction will occur simultaneously for the first half of each period. During the second half of the period when students engage in applied learning (practice work), teachers would provide in-person support to students in the classroom.
Wednesdays will look just like they do right now in CDL — students working on assignments independently. We also hope to offer more social activities on Wednesdays and after school.
For a full picture of our Hybrid model, please watch this short video (English, Spanish and Somali). You also can read our Return to In-Person Instruction FAQ for secondary students.
Who can participate?
The Hybrid model is open to all middle, high and option school students. However, at our K-8 schools, 6th, 7th and 8th graders will follow the Elementary Hybrid model and schedule. Even so, K-8 families should respond to this survey, as well.
How often will Hybrid students go to school?
Each Hybrid student will be assigned two full days on campus. Families will not be able to choose their attendance groups, but we’ll make every effort to have siblings in the same one, when possible. When Hybrid students are not at school, they’ll be at home learning online.
Will students eat at school?
Yes. Both breakfast and lunch will be provided for free.
Will transportation be provided?
Bus transportation will be provided for students who live more than 1.5 miles from school. We’ll be running buses with fewer students and adhering to all social distancing guidelines.
What kinds of safety protocols will be in place?
All students and staff will be required to wear face coverings all day with the exception of meal times. Students will be spaced six feet apart, as required by Ready Schools Safe Learners guidelines. The District will adhere to all other safety protocols mandated by ODE and OHA.
What are your options?
All parents need to make a choice — will your student stay in CDL for the remainder of the school year or will your student begin hybrid when it’s safe to do so? Remember, your student won’t be allowed to switch once Hybrid begins.
To make your choice, go to our Return to In-Person Instruction webpage and follow the instructions.
All decisions must be made by March 15. If you don’t indicate a choice, your student automatically will remain in CDL. * Please note - Conestoga staff will be calling all families who have not made a choice early next week. If you know your student will remain in CDL and would rather not be called, please take a couple of minutes to fill out the survey indicating your choice.
How can you learn more?
The District will hold two Q&A sessions to answer questions about the Hybrid model:
- For Middle School: Wednesday, March 10 from 7 - 8 p.m.
- For High/Option School: Thursday, March 11 from 7 - 8 p.m.
The Q&A sessions will not be live but recorded and posted on our Return-to-School webpage and on social media with enough time for families to watch before the March 15 deadline.
Five parent/guardian participants will be selected randomly from an online submission process. Four other participants will be invited to represent historically underrepresented groups. One student also will be invited. The participant group will be kept small to allow for more in-depth conversation.
If you’re interested in participating, please complete the Return to In-Person Instruction Community Q&A Form by March 8.
Health & Safety Protocols During Hybrid
Update Your Emergency Contact Information
As we move toward In-person Hybrid Instruction, it’s very important for all schools to have up-to-date emergency contact information for their students.
You can update student information online through ParentVUE. After logging in, click on the Family Updates and New Student Enrollment button located in the top right of your screen.
To learn more, watch this tutorial video or visit our Online Verification webpage.
CNMS Student Virtual Wellness Page
What is the Wellness Center?
The Virtual Wellness Center is a virtual space for students to access resources and supports to address mental health and emotional wellness. This includes educational material on mental health topics, space away from people and situations, conversations about emotional regulation, and practice on building those emotional regulation skills.
Specifically on this page, there is a check in google sheet for scheduling a check in with a counselor or social worker. Students can also access, on their own, mindful breathing/movement tools, games, and digital coloring to help regulate their emotions throughout the day, as well as resources.