Back-to-School Guide 2020

KEY COMMUNICATOR

SPECIAL EDITION – AUGUST 16, 2020

BACK-TO-SCHOOL GUIDE 2020

VIRTUAL LEARNING FOR ALL BEGINS AUG. 17

Jackson Public Schools will start school Monday, August 17, implementing an all-virtual instructional model for all students for the entire first semester of the 2020-2021 school year.

As a resource for JPS families, we have established a dedicated section on our website for the Virtual Learning Plan where we will be posting more information as it becomes available.

TECHNOLOGY DISTRIBUTION

JPS is excited to move toward a 1:1 model to ensure that each scholar has a dedicated technology device to support their learning. JPS families with no device in the home and other prioritized groups such as students with special needs will receive first priority. Devices will be distributed to scholars from their home schools. Schools will contact parents/guardians to inform them of the date, time and procedures for distribution. Parents/guardians should be prepared to show identification when they pick up the devices and sign all required forms. Devices will only be issued to scholars that have completed registration.

ACCESS TO CLEVER

Clever is an easy way for JPS scholars to sign-on to all of the programs used by his or her teacher and the district. It is the gateway to the Learning Management Systems your scholars will use–Google Classroom for elementary and Canvas for middle and high schools.

Your schools will support your use of Clever. However, there are two ways to access Canvas from the JPS website. Go to our Virtual Learning section and click Learning Applications or from our EdLinks page via the For Scholars link at the bottom of the District homepage.

NUTRITION ON THE GO

The Jackson Public Schools Office of Child Nutrition and the Transportation Department are joining forces to expand the food service program for our scholars. Beginning on the first day of school, August 17, breakfast and lunch meals will be provided at 13 school sites and at neighborhood bus stops throughout the virtual learning period. Families will be able to pick up meals at school sites from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and at bus stops at the following times: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (elementary/middle schools) and 12:30-1:30 p.m. (high schools).

Get more details about Nutrition On the Go.

HELPFUL RESOURCES

As students engage in virtual learning, the same rules and expectations apply as if they were in the classroom regarding class participation, completing assignments, respect and appropriate dress. Details are in the Code of Student Conduct and Handbook.

The Jackson Public Schools Virtual Learning Plan delineates the plan of instruction for parents regardless of their virtual experience. The 25-page document is available in English & Spanish and covers the learning applications, communications, schedules and more.

The JPS Department of Instructional Technology, a division of the Office of Teaching & Learning, maintains resources to support teachers, parents and students on their JPS EdTech Google site. On the Parent Support for Virtual Learning page, you will find answers to frequently asked questions as well as helps for Clever, Google Apps and more.

Virtual Parent Engagement Presentation (Elementary School Division)

VIRTUAL PARENT ENGAGEMENT PRESENTATIONS

JPS held online meetings for families of elementary, middle school and high school students to provide an increased understanding of virtual learning and the expectations regarding grading, attendance, digital learning platforms, supports for scholars, and schedules.

Resource Links:

ATHLETICS MEETING TO SUPPORT FALL SPORTS

The Office of Athletics will host a meeting with JPS parents, coaches, and students at 6 p.m. Thursday, August 20. Participants will learn how JPS will support athletics and activities in the fall semester.

To participate, please follow the steps below:

Call 1-312-626-6799.
Submit the Meeting ID: 858-7762-5143.
Enter the Password: jpssports.
OR Join the Athletics Zoom Meeting at www.jackson.k12.ms.us/AthleticsZoom.