Dear PCSD1 Students and Families,
As directed by Governor Polis, PCSD1 is transitioning to a remote learning model starting March 31st. We will use Monday, March 30th as a teacher planning day as well as a day to test our ability to remotely communicate with our students. Remote learning will happen March 31 - April 17, at a minimum.
Continuing Education for PCSD1 Students
Depending on the school and level, teachers will be providing learning remotely for the next several weeks, following spring break, in various formats: older students will utilize technology while younger children will in most cases work through packets. Each teacher will design learning experiences for their students, and will contact individual students to make sure they are able to access material. In many cases, teachers will provide "face-to-face" time virtually. Once teachers have completed planning, building administrators will email a list of teacher hours and contact information to all families.
We anticipate providing packets for those students who do not have Internet capabilities. Each school location will indicate specific directions for the distribution of these packets. In some cases, we may provide materials via the USPS.
For students who are already taking online courses, our expectation is that these students will continue to follow their "normal" schedule and will ask for exam passwords via email.
We know this is not a perfect system and expect to adjust as we go. Thank you for being understanding as we navigate these uncharted waters regarding how to best provide remote learning. Should you or our students have questions, simply email the teacher(s) directly. All teachers have been directed to provide virtual "office hours" for students on every school day. If you have trouble contacting a teacher, please contact the principal of each specific school in order to help facilitate contact.
Competency-Based Model
We will be working with CDE, the Colorado Department of Education, to assess and report attendance. In our remote learning model, we will be moving to a competency-based model. In this model, students will be asked to do one or both of the following:
1) Specific task completion for a given time period, “...students complete a series of regularly scheduled tasks on a daily or weekly basis. If the student completes all of the required tasks during a specified amount of time, he or she is considered in attendance.”
2) Minimum lesson/unit completion requirements, “...student attendance is directly tied to what the student accomplishes and/or produces over a given period of time. The assignments completed essentially become the evidence that a student has been in attendance, and if no work is produced, then a student is not considered to be in attendance.”
Your child’s teacher(s) will provide information on how to turn in assignments so that attendance is accurate. Depending on the grade level and internet access, some assignments might not be collected until students return to school.
Throughout this period of time, district leadership will work with state and local health experts to assess the situation. We will keep families informed regarding our planned “return to school” date of April 20th.
Student Support
If a student works with a counselor or social worker in one of our schools, or simply needs some extra emotional support over the next few weeks, emails can be accessed from our website (listed below) or from the direct links found below. You may choose to schedule a virtual or phone session for your student during the period of school closure (other than during Spring Break):
In closing, I know that there is an increased level of anxiety during these uncertain times. Please know that we will continue to work to improve our services to the students of our District, and will strive to make the best out of a less-than-ideal environment.
Please reach out to me with any questions. We will continue to use all social media outlets as well as our internal communication system to keep you updated.
Sincerely,
Mike Schmidt
PCSD1 Superintendent
