July 30, 2020

Dear Thea Bowman Leadership Academy Families,

We appreciate your continued support of our school and your patience as we have worked to develop our reopening plan. As we continue to plan for the upcoming school, please know that we are taking every precaution possible to ensure the safety of our families and staff. Throughout the planning process we have been in constant communication with our school board, Phalen Leadership Academies, Trine University, local and state health agencies, as well as monitoring the number of COVID-19 cases in Lake County. We truly appreciate their guidance in assisting with our plan.

During our school board meeting on Wednesday, July 29, 2020, the board approved our scholars starting school virtually for the first six weeks and then we’ll transition into a hybrid model. Parents will have the option for scholars to continue attending 100% virtual after the 6 week period. We will continue to monitor the current conditions weekly. In the event that there is not a decline of positive cases in the next month, we may have to add additional virtual weeks.

During the six week period, teachers will provide scholars with high-quality virtual instruction using Blackboard, our learning management system. We will distribute information packets, iPads and Chromebooks on August 12-14, 2020. Attached is an outline of the six-week plan along with additional information and expectations. Our staff will be onsite daily during regular school hours to deliver virtual instruction. Parents are encouraged to contact teachers during their office hours for additional support. Office hours will be provided by each teacher.

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact the school. As always thank you for making Thea Bowman Leadership Academy your school of choice. Please continue to be safe during this time.

Educationally yours,

Marisa Simmons

• Students are expected to attend class daily at the designated time.

• Attendance will be based on a variety of factors including but not limited to participation in live lessons, completion of daily activities, email or phone check-ins, etc.

• Teachers will record attendance in Infinite Campus daily.