Dear KCSD families,

Patience and grace. This is our mantra as our district and school communities continue to adjust in these unprecedented times.

We all returned from spring break Monday, prepared for four weeks of supplemental education through the anticipated April 28 school closure. These lessons involved review and enrichment, a way to prevent “learning backslide” during the long break, not new content. This was based on guidance from the state.
But the Oregon Department of Education this week issued new guidelines that pivoted sharply from that plan. Districts are now developing and implementing plans to provide distance education for all students that includes new learning as well as graded and credit-bearing content.

This may seem daunting, but as a district we are in a good position to move forward. While this is new for some, we have many teachers who are highly experienced in this medium for delivery of instruction. Know that our teams are meeting to determine the next steps to help everyone deliver the best education possible for our students.

Many of you may have already received a phone call from your student’s teacher, and others should expect a call by the end of the week. The purpose of these calls are two-fold: to reconnect with parents and students, and to survey families about their access to technology and internet as well as other needs.

Until we are ready to roll out distance learning, we will continue to provide our KCSD & Me supplemental learning packets to all students. Elementary, secondary, and special education packets will be in the mail on Thursday, and families should receive them by Monday, April 6.

Here is what we know:

Distance learning: The district will choose a districtwide distance-learning platform that will allow teachers to deliver assignments, quizzes and tests as well as receive and grade assignments and communicate with students. A team is working on providing internet access and hot spots in parking lots of school buildings and other locations throughout the county. The district plans to provide Chromebooks to students as needed. Our goal is to start rolling out distance learning by April 13.

Free Grab-and-Go Meals: As of Monday, April 6, the meal program will deliver on Tuesdays and Fridays only. Meals will include breakfast and lunch items for three days. The program is for students ages 18 years and younger. Meal pick up will be available at many school buildings and school buses will provide meals at drop-off sites throughout the county. Students may go to any location to get their meal. Please check our website later this week for updated times and locations.

School supplies: The district will provide basic school supplies – pencils, paper, erasers, crayons, and pencil sharpeners -- as needed at meal pick-up sites.

Seniors and graduation: The ODE has not yet determined whether the state will adjust graduation requirements for seniors. Graduation ceremonies have not yet been canceled. If they are, the district will consider innovative approaches to celebrating its seniors. 

Dual credits: The district is working with Klamath Community College and Oregon Tech to deliver dual credit and online classes. If a high school student would like to take courses at KCC spring term, they should contact Student Success Advisor Shane Jones at joness@klamathcc.edu; 541-880-2260. 

Special education: Special education students will receive level-appropriate education learning packets, and case managers will be contacting parents. Specialized services such as speech, language and occupational therapy services cannot be provided at this time under the supplemental and distance education guidelines.

Access to buildings: We are aware students may still have needed personal items such as eyeglasses and band instruments in school buildings. Building principals will let you know how to recover these items. If your student has medication at school, one of our nurses will contact you to make arrangements.

Day care: Following guidance from the state, the district is ready to provide daycare services for 5- to 12-year-olds of essential personnel. This includes first responders and health care workers. Those who qualify and want to request daycare should call the central COVID19 day care network at 211.

As we move forward, you can help us by communicating your issues and concerns. Please send suggestions to kcsd_covid19@kcsd.k12.or.us. You may also leave a message for us on our hotline at 541-851-8744.

Many of you have expressed gratitude to our teachers and staff, and those positive comments are greatly appreciated. We know this is a challenging time for our families, and we are here for you.
 
Sincerely,
Glen Szymoniak
Superintendent, Klamath County School District