To: Parents/Guardians
From: Ed Walsh, Associate Director (Programs and Human Resources)
Subject: Pro-active Covid Preparation
Date: December 10, 2020

In recent weeks, we have all become acutely aware of how quickly the Covid-19 virus can impact a school community. We also know the upcoming holidays could find any school in a situation where new, localized cases create the need to alter normal school operations.

To be clear, as of this date, there is no expectation of suspension of in-class instruction in January. However, we must be prepared to switch to online teaching and learning in the coming weeks if the need arises. We are therefore advising that:

• Grades 7-12 students take home resources that may be important for virtual learning should the need occur after the holiday break.
• Grades K-6 students take home school supplies (e.g., pencils, rulers, crayons, notebooks) they might need to engage in virtual learning should the need occur after the holiday break.

Again, there is no expectation of widespread interruption of in-class instruction. This is merely a proactive measure to help facilitate a smooth transition to online teaching and learning if that should be required.

Meanwhile, the District is awaiting delivery of Chromebooks ordered for all Grades 7-12 students. At this point, there will not be enough time to receive, configure and distribute all 30,000 devices prior to the holiday break. Therefore, if you do not have access to the Internet, or your child does not have access to a technology device at home, please advise the school administration team. Every effort will be made to provide you with a device which can be returned after the holiday break. As always, any device provided by the school or school district is the responsibility of the individual to whom it is assigned and should not be left unattended in vehicles, in public places, or anywhere outside the home or school (See Acceptable Use of Technology Policy and Regulations (FIN-500).

Thank you for your patience and understanding. We wish you all a happy holiday season and we will continue to provide updates as necessary.

Our Virtual Christmas Concert was such a success that we are doing it again! It will be rebroadcast on Wednesday, December 16th at 6:00pm. If you would like to watch it again, or see it for the first time, click here to request an invite to the Google Meet.