The following is the email sent to parents on Friday, July 24, 2020.
Lake Families,
Prior to the governor’s press conference last Friday, we had been planning a safe in-person return to school on September 2, 2020. Unfortunately, as long as Glenn County remains on the monitoring list for COVID-19, we are not allowed to open our campus for in-person learning.
Understanding the parameters of the current guidelines, we have been working to develop educational opportunities for all of our families. While we are hoping that our September 2 start date will provide more time for Glenn County to be removed from the monitoring list, we cannot hold out hope for that to occur. And while it is our goal to return to in-person classes as soon as we are able, we also understand that some of our families may not wish to return to in-person instruction.
Feedback from our parent community in June, along with the Glenn County Public Health guidelines, has led our planning team to develop enrollment options for all of our 2020-21 Lake Families.
Option 1: Distance Learning - Distance Learning is where the student remains in the classroom-based program and participates in both live and virtual instruction, as well as self-paced learning that occurs at home. Students will be accessing teacher-directed curriculum and content. Attendance and grading will be based on participation in online lessons and completing assignments. (Clarification: Grading will be the same as a regular school year for both Options 1 and 2. After I read this last sentence, I realize it was vague. - Mrs. Baker)
When we can resume in-person instruction, we will be required to follow state-mandated requirements. At this time those requirements include physical distancing, sanitation practices, such as frequent hand-washing, and the current requirement of masks for all students in grades 3-8 and all staff members. Keep in mind that requirements and guidelines from the State of California are subject to change, and we will continue to give you information as it is presented to us.
Option 2: Long-Term Independent Study - Long-Term Independent Study is an option for parents who want to work directly with their child daily and connect with a credentialed teacher on a more flexible schedule. This option is a separate program from the classroom-based distance learning program described in Option 1. Attendance is calculated on the amount of reasonable work completed as assigned by the teacher. If in-person instruction resumes, you may choose to re-enroll your child in the classroom-based program at the beginning of the next trimester or stay in the long-term independent study program. Enrollment for the classroom-based program will open at the beginning of each trimester.
Option 3 - Not Returning This Year - The Board of Trustees has agreed that any current Lake Elementary student who attends a different school for the 2020-2021 school year may return to Lake for the 2021-2022 school year without penalty; meaning, their “spot” in Lake will not be filled and there will be room for your child to return in 2021-2022. This leave of absence accommodation is only valid for this 2020-2021 school year with the return of your student for 2021-2022. We acknowledge that this is an unprecedented time and that you may need to choose a different school program that suits your needs for 2020-2021.
We will be following up with a phone call should you select Option 2 or Option 3.
Should you select either Option 1 or 2, the start date for students will remain September 2, 2020. Both Options 1 and 2 will include the use of a Lake Elementary chromebook. While we are working on the specific details, distribution of these devices and other school supplies will take place September 2, 3, and 4.
Please email me (nbaker@lakeschool.org) with any questions you may have regarding the aforementioned options. I want to ensure you have all your questions answered before making a selection.
We are still working on the Enrollment Registration Form you will use to select one of the three options described above. I plan to send it via email on Monday, July 27.
Responses must be submitted no later than Thursday, July 30.
A non-response will indicate to us that you are choosing Option 1.
One form must be submitted for each child who attends Lake. For example, if you have three students at Lake, you will need to complete the form three times.
It is important to note that this form is NOT a survey, it is a selection of your child's education for the 2020-21 school year. Selecting now will allow us to properly plan for Options 1 and 2. Please use this time to consider the options that best fits the needs of your child and your family.
In closing, our hearts ache that we are not allowed the opportunity to meet in-person for school. We are continuing to advocate for in-person learning for small schools. Consider reaching out to our legislators and let them know your position. While we are proud of the options we are able to provide our students, many of us are saddened that one of them is not in-person learning with safety protocols in place.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Baker