Return to Learn e-Newsletter
July 22, 2020
DRAFT Return to Learn Plan
As you recall, each school district in Iowa was required to put together a plan that outlined three models: Required Continuous Learning, Traditional On-Site, and Hybrid Learning. This was to ensure that all Iowa school districts would be ready to implement any of the three models in response to changes in public health. The Iowa Department of Education has indicated school districts will receive guidance around the metrics to be used in decision-making about when to move from one model to another. They estimate this guidance will be released the first full week of August. Due to the current public health conditions in Polk County and our staff and parents' need to plan, we are recommending Ankeny Schools begin the 2020-2021 school year in the hybrid model. This comprehensive Return to Learn plan and our recommendation for starting school will be on the July 27 Ankeny Board of Education meeting.
Learning Model Recommendation
In making our recommendation, we considered our mission of preparing all learners for a lifetime personal success and our commitment to prioritize the health and safety of our students AND staff.
Additionally, we understand the importance of making a decision in a timeframe that allows families to plan for the fall. Thanks to the work of all stakeholders over the summer, we were able to complete this work earlier than anticipated.
As a result, the learning model that will be recommended to the Ankeny Board of Education on July 27 is a Hybrid Model.
Hybrid Model: In order to mitigate the risk for students and staff still attending onsite, we believe the Hybrid Model would be the best for our students and staff. For students, this allows them to meet their teacher and start the year face-to-face to engage in learning the routines, procedures, and structures related to their classroom learning and safety - at lunch, recess, in the hallways, entering/exiting the building, etc. For teachers, this allows them to focus on building relationships with their students face-to-face and teaching all the routines, procedures, and structures the students need to support their learning and safety. This model is in better alignment with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). A link to the Hybrid Model can be found on page 8 of the Return to Learn plan.
Again, the Return to Learn plan and the learning model recommendation will be on the July 27 Special Board Meeting agenda for a decision. The agenda with the meeting log-in information will be available here on Friday, July 24.
Remote Learning Option
In addition to our Return to Learn plan, we are also pleased to be able to offer our families a remote learning option. Each semester for the 2020-2021 school year, families may choose a fully remote learning model for their child(ren). Please view an overview document detailing the remote learning option here. To request your child(ren) receive remote learning through Ankeny Community Schools, please complete this form by 5 p.m. July 31, 2020. A link to the Remote Learning (Required Continuous Learning) Model can be found on page 8 of the Return to Learn plan.