Welcome to the first edition of
District Updates
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I want to welcome you to the first edition of
District Updates
, our new monthly communication. This online newsletter will complement our quarterly newsletter,
UpDate
, which is mailed directly to your homes.
I want to also thank you for the support that you have given all of us as we navigate our way through this Covid-19 Crisis. We have been working hard to create a Continuity of Learning Plan that will best serve our students, families, and staff.
We miss seeing everyone but we know that by working together we will get through this unprecedented time.
I hope this communication will allow you to see all the work that is occurring in the District as we move through the months ahead. I have broken out the information into the four main areas of the organization - Business Services, Curriculum & Instruction, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, and Human Resources.
If you have any questions, please email them to info@fpsk12.net and we will get the answers that you are seeking.
Sincerely,
Robert Herrera
Superintendent
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A major focus over the next four months will be the amendment of the 2019-2020 budget.
Work will also continue on the 2020-2021 budget parameters and assumptions to modify them based upon our current circumstance.
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Since the Bond passed on March 10, 2020, we are working on the issuance of the first series of the 2020 bonds. We are developing the plan for the bond projects that will take place out of the first series of bonds. The Board of Education approved the sale of the bonds at their April 7 Board meeting.
Part of our work in this area will also be to negotiate new contracts with the Owner's Representative, Architect, and Construction Manager.
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- We continue to evaluate the custodial services contract as we assess the needs to improve service in this area. Information regarding the proposals that we are evaluating will be brought to the Board of Education at their May 5 Board Meeting.
- Hand sanitizers have been purchased and installed in every building in the District.
- All buildings have been deep cleaned and sanitized.
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Nutrition Services continues to provide seven breakfasts and lunches to all children under the age of 18 and those with disabilities under the age of 26 on Wednesdays of each week at both East Middle School and North Farmington High School. To date, we have served 58,596 meals.
We are grateful for those who make this happen for our families.
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Continuity of Learning Plan
Since the Governor's announcement on school closures for the rest of the 2019-2020 school year, the intensity of the work of the Curriculum and Instruction Department has been the development of the Continuity of Learning Plan (CLP). This work was guided by resources shared by various educational leadership groups within and outside of the state including the Michigan Department of Education (MDE). To carryout this work, it was imperative, despite the work's accelerated pace to ensure multiple voices were brought into the Plan. Eleven action teams were developed with approximately 125 members to complete the work. In addition, comment groups were utilized to bring clarity and perspective to the Plan. The CLP started with students on Thursday, April 16.
Separate work groups were developed to focus on Secondary Grading Practices and a Plan for Graduating Seniors.
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Planning for 2020-2021 School Year
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Curriculum & Instruction is also continuing the core work of building the foundation for curriculum, instruction, and assessment in the following areas:
- Defining instructional and curriculum focuses
- Proposing professional development for the year
- Reviewing/Refining assessment plans and conceptualizing data dashboards
- Mapping elementary and secondary instructional supports (MTSS)
- Establishing a 2020-21 coaching model including progress monitoring the work and impact
- Collaborating with schools and Human Resources regarding elementary and secondary schedules
- Collaborating on 2020-21 budgets
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Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
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This section of the organization covers the areas of Special Education, Safety and Security, State and Federal Programs, and Social Emotional Supports. This group has been integral in helping to develop and support the Continuity of Learning Plan.
In addition to the work on the CLP, the following work is being addressed:
- Summer School Planning
- Plans to create two new classes at Farmington Central High School (FCHS)
- Work on Title Implications as a result of the school closure
- Addressing any security and safety concerns during this time
- Farewell and Transition Planning per grade band
- High school scheduling for the 2020-2021 school year
- Figuring out plans for staff access to school buildings during this time to pick up essential tools to do their work
- Social Emotional Learning websites have been created for both staff and families
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Our IT Department has done a phenomenal job in setting up the distribution of Chromebooks to our families so that our students have access to online learning. To date, more than 3,000 devices have been distributed to families!
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Human Resources/Talent Development
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The main focus of the Human Resources/Talent Development Department is to support our teachers and staff, along with the Instructional Department and administrators, with the Continuity of Learning Plan. In addition, we are supporting other implications of the Governor's Executive Order, which includes Covid-19 related decision making and communication regarding employee health, safety, and privacy concerns.
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Calendar for 2020-2021 school year
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A big priority is working with our Employee Associations to develop a calendar for the 2020-21 school year. We are mutually committed to provide as much stability as possible for our students, families, and staff. The development of a thoughtful calendar takes time and can be complex in order to truly maximize instructional time and quality practices. There are many considerations in developing the calendar:
- the Oakland County Common Calendar
- changes in State guidelines for instructional time and professional development
- considerations of families and community
- patterns of attendance
- holidays and community demographics
- standardized assessments
- teacher assessment structures to guide instruction for students
- professional development time for teachers to maximize quality instruction and positive outcomes for students
They are hoping to complete this work as soon as possible and once it is finalized it will be shared with both staff and families and posted on the District's website.
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Our staffing process for the 2020-2021 school year continues, and we continue to bring talent to the District Level as well, with the appointment of our new Director of Facilities, Felicia Venable, and continued progress towards hiring an Assistant Superintendent of Innovation and Strategic Initiatives.
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Virtual Board of Education Meeting
Tuesday, April 21
6 p.m.
The School Board meetings will begin at 6 p.m. School Board members and presenters will be using the WebEx meeting platform.
Please email any public comments you have to
info@fpsk12.net
or call into 248.426.5000. We will be accepting public comments until approximately 6:10 pm that evening. Your comments will be shared with the public and full Board by the Board President during the meeting under the Public Comment portion of the agenda.
Anyone needing special accommodations to participate should call Diane Bauman, Director, School/Community Relations, at 248.426.5000 and arrangements will be made.
Other Meetings: May 5, May 19, June 2, June 16
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www.farmington.k12.mi.us
info@fpsk12.net
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