#KSD Ready & Resilient
Update from Kuna Superintendent Wendy Johnson
4.2.2021
- Preparing for Monday's 4th Quarter change
- No changes needed with new CDC guidance
- Seniors might consider COVID vaccinations to avoid missing graduation ceremonies
- Changing the tools to share information with you
- We need nutrition staff to finish the school year
A treat for spring: Kuna Varsity concert choir
COVID data dashboards
Preparing for Monday's 4th Quarter change
A year ago, we were wrestling with the reality that our students would not be returning to our school buildings for in person learning because of the realities of the pandemic.
We've come so far since last year! On Monday our secondary students can again attend every day in person at Kuna High, Swan Falls High, Fremont Middle and Kuna Middle. (Initial Point remains on its four day in person, one day remote schedule.)
Serving students in three modes (in person, hybrid, and online) at the same time is a big lift for our teachers, and we appreciate your patience as teachers adapt their instruction to meet the needs of students in three different ways.
Teachers have the flexibility to use several methods or strategies to support continuous learning for all students every day so while you should expect differences among your child's teachers, what will be the same is their rigorous focus on student learning of standards.
Please allow for a week to pass so teachers can get all their students in the routine of their teaching model. If you have questions after a week has passed, please reach out to them.
(Also, every one please mark on your calendar: May 3-7 Teacher Appreciation Week. Plan to celebrate by thanking your child(ren)'s teachers. They have done an amazing job pivoting and adapting through out this year!)
Some other quick reminders to prepare for Monday's changes in grades 6-12:
- Pick up & drop offs will likely be busier especially at middle schools where more students are returning to every day in person schedules.
- Buses may be late as they adapt to more riders at the secondary level.
- Fridays are early release K-12.
- Masks are required.
Seniors might consider COVID vaccinations to avoid missing graduation ceremonies
We are planning in person graduation in May -- and we want every graduate to be able to participate in the ceremonies. Students in COVID quarantine or isolation won't be able to participate in the ceremony in person.
Individuals who are fully vaccinated for COVID, however, do not have to quarantine if exposed to a COVID positive individual if not wearing a face covering during exposure.
Central District Health Department announced this week that any one 16 and older can receive a COVID vaccination starting Monday, April 5.
Seniors who sign up early enough can be fully immunized by the end of May.
No changes needed with new CDC guidance
Before spring break, the news broke that the Centers for Disease Control would change the physical distancing requirements from 6 feet to 3 feet in classrooms when students are wearing masks.
CDC officials said of school classrooms: “We don’t really have the evidence that 6 feet is required in order to maintain low spread,.Also, younger children are less likely to get seriously ill from the coronavirus and don’t seem to spread it as much as adults do, and “that allows us that confidence that that 3 feet of physical distance is safe.”
As we reviewed the complex recommendations, we don't see that this update will change what our schools are already able to do with physical distancing. The guidance does continue to reinforce the need for students and staff to wear masks to help reduce exposure and spread of COVID in our schools.
Changing the tools to share information with you
We're moving to a system of connected tools provided by Blackboard this includes:
- Mass messaging - text, emails, and phone calls which will replace SchoolMessenger
- Websites
- New app
You'll start seeing some changes this spring as we begin to use the new mass messaging tools. Websites will follow and at the start of the new school year, we'll ask you to sign up for our new app.
A treat for spring: Kuna Varsity concert choir
Superintendent Wendy Johnson
Email: ksdcommunications@kunaschools.org
Website: www.kunaschools.org
Location: 711 East Porter Street, Kuna, ID, USA
Phone: 208-922-1000
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kuna-Jt-School-District-No-3
Twitter: @Supt_Wendy_J