Dear Jefferson Families,

As you know, today would normally be the first day back from Spring Break and students would be sharing stories about their time away, and reconnecting with their teachers and friends. It feels so strange to not have children and staff in schools today! 

This is new territory for us all and I appreciate your patience as we put our plans in place and seek ongoing guidance from the state related to certain details related to school closure. 

COMMUNICATION ABOUT SCHOOL: From today onward, please expect that the majority of communication about schooling will come from your child’s school - mostly from teachers. Teachers will be reaching out to your child/children in the coming days to check on them and see how they are holding up. They will be checking to see who has access to computers and WIFI and who does not. Teachers will also be developing supplemental, enrichment activities for your child. These will be optional activities and not necessary to complete. No letter grades will be awarded. Attendance will not be taken. Having said that, students are encouraged to set aside time each day to engage in these activities. The more routine you can provide around enrichment learning, the better. 

LEARNING RESOURCES: We are in the process of putting links to free learning resources on our website. We have developed a resource page for parents on the Homepage of our website, titled, Resources and Updates regarding COVID-19. Please check this page throughout the week to see more updates and resources as they are developed. This page also provides links to articles to support the mental health of students during this time. 

(Please see the attached article titled: Homeschooling is NOT the Same as Crisis Schooling: advice during coronavirus COVID -19 shutdowns)

https://www.heatheranneworld.com/post/homeschooling-is-not-the-same-as-crisis-schooling-advice-during-coronavirus-covid-19-shut-downs

CHILDCARE FOR EMERGENCY WORKERS AND ESSENTIAL EMPLOYEES: We are in communication with the state and seeking their guidance about creating a childcare center for essential employees and First Responders. Should we move forward with establishing a childcare center, we will communicate this out through our website. We should have more complete information this week.  

TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT: Currently, our technology department is posting videos on how to access Google Classroom and other helpful tips. Also, as the week unfolds, and we have a better understanding of who needs a computer, we will be putting together instructions on how to borrow a Chromebook. Staff will be following up with individual families who have indicated they can utilize a Chromebook and make arrangements for pick up.  

FOOD SERVICE - NUTRITION SERVICES: We are running several food pick up locations and are looking to see how we can increase our locations. Please check our website for further updates. 

SCHOOL CREDITS/GRADUATION:  Currently, we will be using the grades most recently earned by students as their 3rd quarter grade. If a student received a C or below, they will have the ability to make up that work to improve their grade. In this way, students will not be learning new material. They will have the opportunity to bring up their grade. Students can relax that the work they have completed to date will count. If your student has questions or wishes to bring up their grade, please have them reach out to their teacher. 

Is graduation canceled? What about prom and other school events? Spring sports?

As of today, all events through the end of the closure date (April 28th) are canceled. Events occurring beyond that date may be impacted by the extended closure, but we have no information about specific events at this time.

We know many are concerned about graduation in particular. We are awaiting guidance from the Department of Education before we can make a decision on whether or not that event will be canceled or postponed.

OTHER: 

Do we know for sure this time that students will be able to return to school after April 28th?

No, we don’t know that for certain at this time. As this is situation continues to evolve, it may be that the Governor extends the mandatory closure. There’s simply no way to know that yet. At this time we’re operating under the assumption that the school year will continue as planned beginning Wednesday, April 29th.

Do students have homework during this closure?

Students in college classes at Jefferson High School may have homework during this time – that will be communicated through the appropriate teacher.

All other students may have suggested activities from schools or teachers, but they do not have mandated work during the closure. This is subject to change as the closure goes on, but we will update this page and send out communication before that occurs.

Are students going to have to make up all this time with school in July?

We have not yet received any guidance on this issue from the Oregon Department of Education. We expect to know more in the coming days and weeks.

Thank you again for your patience and understanding as we create a new way of schooling! We will continue to provide further updates as we learn more and receive more guidance.

Brad 

Brad Capener

Superintendent

Jefferson School District

Dear Jefferson Families,

Thank you for your patience as we build and adjust our plans for moving forward in these new and challenging times. As you can imagine, guidance is coming at us from the Oregon Department of Education very quickly and continually evolving.

Here is what we know currently and will be putting forth in early April:

Emergency School Closures - The standard operating procedure for Jefferson School District: When school is closed, all school related activities are cancelled unless otherwise publicized.