May 29, 2020 1 p.m.

Each week, we take more steps toward creating a better version of the Continuous Learning model that we've been using. During the Community Forum on Wednesday this week, I heard that parents would prefer a weekly summary of what students can expect to see for the week (we'll call this a "weekly drop") and that having a single online platform (rather than several separate programs) would be helpful. Our team has settled on the use of Class Dojo as the central "home base" for instruction for K-3 and Google Classroom for 4-12. We'll be using Zoom as our platform for group meetings and also be providing video lessons that students can view. Everything will be accessed through the "Home base" (Dojo or Google Classroom).

Our goal is to create a system that is easily managed by students and places less and less reliance on parents for support as we move along. We're also planning to provide support for parent learning with these platforms so that parents can more easily interact.

Many of us are planning to engage in professional development through the summer in order to be ready to support children and families in the Fall in whatever way is necessary. We're imagining that we'll be in a system that includes some face-to-face with protocols for safety and some online interaction. Depending upon circumstances, we may be prevented from having face-to-face interaction, so we want to be able to provide high-quality instruction at a distance. Our motto is "prepared, not scared", so whatever circumstances come our way, we want to be prepared.

Lewis County is in phase 2 of the Governor's reopening plan, however that plan does not address school operations. We are still precluded from using our facilities to provide any recreational, social or educational services under the Governor's proclamation 20-08. I've asked for clarification from the State that that is their intent and I'm hoping to hear back next week or during the Governor's next briefing. In the meantime, TSD may not use our gyms, fields and other venues for any activities.

We've heard that most parents are looking forward to their children coming back into the school building and picking up their studies. We've also heard concern about disinfecting and protocols for safety. Our team is working right now on establishing our protocols guided by the experts at the CDC and the Department of Health. We're preparing our order for PPE and sanitizing supplies as well as creating our plans for adapting our buildings to our new circumstances. As these are created, we'll keep you informed.