Dear CSUS Parents and Caregivers,
We hope you enjoyed the sunshine and kept warm
this weekend. This week we are sharing a lot of scheduling updates -
both our recent updates to increase live learning time and our continued
progress toward the transition to a hybrid learning model.
Recent schedule updates
In the January 8 Sunday Rundown, we shared that
The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
announced additional amendments to the Student Learning Time (SLT)
regulations. The amendments establish new minimum levels for live,
synchronous instruction that districts are required to meet during
remote learning.
To meet these requirements in the middle of a
semester, we chose to add additional live class opportunities with the
goal of providing support for existing Flex Time assignments. These
additional meeting times did not require additional work from scholars,
but were designed to support them in completing work that was already
assigned, and catching up on any missed work prior to the end of the
semester. This was a challenging adjustment for some scholars; we know
they have gotten into a “rhythm,” and some scholars have become used to
working off screen and independently. Other scholars reported that they
used this time effectively to check in with teachers, work with peers,
and complete missing or late assignments. We also offered scholars a
degree of choice when selecting which additional classes to attend,
which included a combination of classes and virtual Meets that offered
additional support with assignments, enrichment, and/or opportunities
for social connection.
We know that these changes ‘worked’ for some
scholars, and were frustrating for others. Some scholars liked being
able to make choices, and others found the process confusing. When we
transition to our Semester 2 schedule, much of this additional
synchronous learning time will be built more fluidly into our day by
adding minutes to our existing courses. We also invited scholars to
complete a survey to provide feedback about what class offerings and
choices would be most useful to them. Any caregivers that would like to
offer ideas or suggestions for use of instructional time as we move into
Semester 2 are welcome to complete this survey or email Assistant Principal Christen Sohn.
Transition to in-person/hybrid learning
As many of you may have read in Dr. Salim’s
recent email, CPS is moving forward with plans to provide expanded
in-person learning opportunities beginning on March 1. Here are some
important dates and relevant next steps
- Monday, January 25:
Families will be notified of their scholar’s enrollment status based on
information from the January 8-15 family survey. You will receive an
additional update from the District later this week, with important
information that must be reviewed and forms that must be completed. This
will include information about safety protocols, transportation/bus
information, and information about student COVID-19 testing.
- Wednesday, January 27 and Wednesday, February 3: District-wide professional development days for important school-based staff planning and preparation. There will be NO SCHOOL for scholars on those days. Scholar Flex Time assignments will be adjusted to accommodate the shorter school week.
- Families interested in changing their scholar’s learning model may request a change to a student’s instruction mode (in-person or remote learning) through the existing COVID-19 Hardship Appeal process.
In
the coming weeks, our staff will continue working hard to prepare for
an in-person learning model that is safe, welcoming, and engaging. We
will also be reflecting on the first half of the year and sharing best
practices around how to continue to grow in our ability to provide
thoughtful and engaging remote teaching and learning experiences for our
scholars that will continue to attend school remotely. We are
incredibly fortunate in our talented, dedicated staff who are working
hard to provide quality interactive instruction using a variety of tools
to reach scholars through screens!
We continue to appreciate your patience and
collaboration as we navigate these changes; if you have questions, we
encourage you to connect with us. Thank you for entrusting us with your
scholar’s learning in this unprecedented year. We understand that you
have choices regarding your child’s education, and we appreciate you
choosing CSUS.
Peace,
Manuel and Christen