Meridian Re-Opening Plan
Meridian Community:
Last night the Board gave unanimous support to the plan that is attached below. This plan is over 25 pages and still does not adequately capture all of the complexities and logistical decisions that need to be made in the coming weeks. So, we will need your continued attention throughout this very unusual summer.
As we move forward it is vitally important that you take this, approximately 1 minute, mandatory enrollment form. The plan as articulated below is contingent upon the selections for REMOTE LEARNING being relatively consistent with the previous survey results. We are asking that you as parents commit to remote or in-person learning at this time. The plan will articulate all of the specifics you should need to make your decision – and if it does not, please call (815-980-0310) or email ([email protected]) and I will gladly walk you through any questions.
For convenience, I will place an Executive summary of the plan in the body of the email for quick reference below. That said, it is extremely important that you read the document to understand what next school year will look like.
If we do not have results from you on the mandatory enrollment form by Monday, July 13th staff will begin to call you in order to secure your answer. We apologize in advance for this intrusive behavior, but we must know within the next ten days the total number of remote learners versus in-person learners so we can (attempt to) create a logistical base that will allow us to operate safely and successfully.
In closing, again - thank you for the support and your continued attention and passion on this topic. We have heard your voice and believe we have constructed a plan that recognizes the input we have received.
Executive Summary of the Re-Opening Plan
The district’s survey of our community has indicated that our parents desire a choice in whether or not they send their students to school in-person this Fall. Given that, we have agreed that the below plan is our first choice in attempting to reopen schools this Fall. It is of the utmost importance, however, that we communicate that this plan ONLY works if there are a significant amount of students who opt for remote learning in the fall.
IF . . . 25% or more of our students opt for Remote Learning our plan would look as follows:
- All students
- Will wear masks unless outside or eating
- Refusal to wear a mask in the building will lead to the student being placed into the Remote Learning program
- We will socially distance to the greatest extent possible meaning dramatically different student groupings, etc.
- Supplies will be limited to only one person using them as possible
- PE will take place, but while adhering to the same guidelines listed above and without use of locker rooms at the Junior High and High School
- There are many more details throughout this document, but the above are the most important and help to articulate what the ‘new normal’ will look like.
- Pre-Kindergarten classes - WILL NOT BE OFFERED THIS YEAR
- Kindergarten through 5th grade
- If you opt for in-person instruction the student will receive their education with all of the stipulations above
- If you opt for remote instruction the following will take place:
- A teacher dedicated to Remote Learning ONLY will serve as your instructor.
- There may be a limited amount of exposure to ‘Specials’ (Art, music, PE)
- 6th through 8th grade
- If you opt for in-person instruction the student will receive their education with all of the stipulations above
- JH students will remain in one class as teachers rotate to meet with them to limit their exposure
- Band and Choir will look significantly different as we attempt to adhere to guidance.
- If you opt for remote instruction the following will take place:
- You will be given a schedule to follow and attendance in each class is expected at the appointed time.
- 9th through 12th grade
- If you opt for in-person instruction the student will receive their education with all of the stipulations above
- Band and Choir will look significantly different as we attempt to adhere to guidance.
- If you opt for remote instruction you will be video conferencing with a course that is in session at a given time. You will have the ability to interact with your teacher and other students.
- Special populations
- Any student needing English language learner or special education services will have those services provided to the best ability of the school district regardless of which option is selected
Any student who opts in to Remote Learning will stay in Remote Learning for the entirety of the First Quarter. First quarter ends October 16th.
Thank you and make it a great day,
PJ
Meridian Re-Opening Plan