Per Dr. Hearne’s Update Email #5
The School Board and Administration of RCS have decided that, in light of the ongoing spread of the COVID-19 virus, we are taking a proactive approach and closing the school campus from March 18th - April 10th
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The third week, April 6th-10th, is our Spring Break which will remain as scheduled. There will be no virtual classes during this time. Monday, April 13th is the proposed return date and will be confirmed as soon as possible.
All classes will be held as usual on Monday, March 16th.
Classes on Monday will be used to help train students regarding how their online distance learning will work and allow students to bring home necessary materials (please bring a backpack or large tote bag on Monday). Campuses will be closed to students after Monday, March 16th.
Eagles Care (EC) will be open on Monday, March 16th, but will be closed from Tuesday, March 17 until school is back in session.
To be clear, we have not had any cases of COVID-19 reported among anyone in our school community. We believe it is in the best interest of our students and staff to allow the students to be at home and continue their education while we take the time for a precautionary, complete, and deep cleaning of our campus.
Announcing Online Distance Learning
RCS understands that the move to online distance learning will be new, but we also know it will showcase the 21st century skills our students have been learning. Our faculty is prepared for this transition! We also understand the logistical challenge for some parents, yet we hope you take this unprecedented opportunity to spend quality time with your child(ren).
Specific information from your teacher(s), including online class times, will be emailed Tuesday afternoon, March 17th. The master schedule and details can be referenced on our Online Distance Learning website:
www.rcs.edu/distance-learning
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Starting March 18th
(for approximately 2.5 weeks), RCS will be educating all students through Online Distance Learning. Our Elementary campus will be using Class Dojo, Zoom Video Conferencing, and the Benchmark website. Our Middle School and High School campus will be using Schoology, Zoom Video Conferencing, Khan Academy, and Google Drive. Additional class-specific resources may be communicated as needed by your teacher. Source downloads and tutorials can be found on our Online Distance Learning website:
www.rcs.edu/distance-learning
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Ways Families Can Prepare Now for Online Distance Learning
Please set up a work space in your home for both working on assignments and video conferencing. This space should NOT be in a students bedroom or a bathroom.
Please make sure your child is ready to log in to Zoom video conferencing at the designated time, which will be provided by teachers in the afternoon on Tuesday, March 17th. You will need to access Zoom and set up a username and password for the first time. Attendance will be taken and students will be responsible for all assignments and due dates given by their teacher(s). Please note, the RCS Dress Code will be in effect during video conferencing as well.
To help with the containment effort, please limit your child’s activities outside the home. Enrichment activities will also be provided to increase engagement opportunities at home. RCE activities will be emailed and shared in the Eagle Update. MSHS activities will be emailed by PE and Fine Arts teachers.
Regarding the Proposed April 13th Return Date
During the week of Spring Break, the RCS Board of Directors and Administration will be evaluating whether to continue with our Online Distance Learning program or to have the students return to campus the following Monday. Our decision will be based on the latest information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Alameda County Public Health Department (ACPHD). We will continue to monitor the latest developments and provide them to you as we receive them.
