03/26/2020
From smsd.org
With the announcement by Governor Laura Kelly that school buildings in Kansas are closed for the remainder of the school year, we have to plan for how to adapt to this new reality. What does learning look like going forward?
Learning will continue, with a shift to digital solutions and other strategies that will be shared through different platforms and updates.
Our goal is to keep students, staff and community safe. The statewide shut-down of school facilities is only effective if we all adhere to social distancing rules, regularly wash hands, and take other precautions as directed by health professionals.
The planning process, which started several weeks ago in the event school might be disrupted, has the following five phases:
Phase 1: CONTINGENCY PLANNING
Three weeks ago, we began working in the background to address “What if?” scenarios. This behavior is consistent with our “Study, Plan, Act” approach to problem solving. That preparation has allowed us to gear up quickly for implementation of an SMSD plan. We’ve conducted daily virtual planning meetings throughout Spring Break to formulate and finalize action steps.
Phase 2: DEEP CLEAN BUILDINGS
This week custodial and maintenance staff have been deep cleaning buildings. We want to thank them for the great work they are doing in keeping all of us safe
Phase 3: MEET BASIC NEEDS
Free breakfast and lunches will be provided to all children ages 1-18 beginning Tuesday, March 24, 2020 at four school sites. Click here for more information.
School nurses are now staffing the Johnson County Community COVID-19 Hotline to answer questions from the public. Johnson County Department of Health and Environment number is 913-715-2819 starting March 18, 2020, and is available 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday
Phase 4: PLANNING FOR LEARNING AND SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL NEEDS
Learning will be designed by certified staff. The Leadership and Learning team, with support from all other departments, has been working during Spring Break to provide a framework from which to start. The framework includes guidance to all staff as they virtually return to work the week of March 23.
Social/emotional supports will be provided as conditions allow.
Community needs will be addressed in collaboration with public and private partners when possible.
Phase 5: IMPLEMENTATION AND REVISION
Implementation will be subject to on-going adjustments and communication as we learn how to best support our students in a distance-learning environment. We will keep our end goal to provide a safe, secure learning and work environment in mind.
You are invited to join the conversation by sending any questions to [email protected]
