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October 13, 2020
Dear LMASD Families,
It goes without saying that these are unprecedented times for families and school districts. Our administrators, teachers, and staff have been hard at work implementing the procedures set in place this summer. However, since the inception of our plan, information about COVID has evolved, and the incidences of COVID continue to rise in our county and state. These factors have precipitated the need to revise our plan in order to respond to updated information and refine our approach so that we can continue to operate in as safe a manner as possible to keep our schools open.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has reiterated the importance of having students physically present in our buildings if safety measures are implemented. The AAP states the following: The importance of in-person learning is well-documented, and there is already evidence of the negative impacts on children because of school closures in the spring of 2020. Lengthy-time away from school and associated interruption of supportive services often result in social isolation, making it difficult for schools to identify and address important learning deficits as well as child and adolescent physical or sexual abuse, substance use, depression, and suicidal ideation. https://services.aap.org/en/pages/2019-novel-coronavirus-covid-19- infections/clinical-guidance/covid-19-planning-considerations-return-to-in-person-educationin-schools/
Because the trajectory of COVID-19 outbreak changes weekly, our plans will continue to be fluid and flexible to adjust to sudden changes in the Jefferson County metrics. Our plan is focused on providing parents with the choice of face-to-face instruction five days a week or a virtual option. Please know that our face-to-face plans center around the following areas:
- Safety
- Academic and Social-emotional support
- Transportation
- Food Service
- Cleaning Protocols
- Plexiglass barriers and signage
- Class sizes
- Social Distancing
- Face coverings
- Additional training for staff
- Before and After School Child Care Program
LMASD offers a full virtual option to parents as a choice for their family. The virtual learning plan for the 2020-2021 school year differs from the virtual learning that students participated in last spring based on the feedback we received from the survey this past summer.
Please note that as our information is updated, our plans will be updated. We were able to begin the 2020-21 school year with students engaged in face-to-face and virtual learning. However, we may continue to see periodic shifts to the virtual format throughout the school year due to the need to quarantine. Our goal is to be ready for any scenario and flexible enough to adapt to the situations that are presented to us.
Timeline:
- July 20th | Board Workshop to review Reopening Plan
- July 27th | Special Board Meeting to approve Reopening Plan
- August 1st-9th | Online Student Registration
- September 1st | First Day of School
- October 12th | Regular Board Meeting to approve L-Cat Pandemic Plan (Reopening Plan revisions)
As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Dr. Tonya L. Olson
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