Start of School Information

Dear Families and Students,

First and foremost, we recognize that this is a stressful and trying time for all. We have all experienced so many changes in our lives this year, especially in our schools. Our schools are part of our community, and we never go it alone. We seek feedback, make it a priority to listen to concerns and embrace new ideas. For this coming school year and beyond, the health and safety of our students and staff members are the top priority. We will work together as a community to put the education of our students first, as we never quit until we achieve academic excellence for every child.

Previously, we shared with you our plans to start the school year in our “re-entry” status which calls for face-to-face instruction and all students attending school daily. Feedback we received from our community and staff, as well as rapidly evolving public health guidelines, have resulted in a need to allow for family choice for an option that is in person as well as a remote option. Additionally, a start of school plan was presented on August 4 and the LCSD Board of Education approved the following:

1. A vote to support a delayed start to school to by two weeks (start date of Aug. 31, 2020).
2. A vote to support two pathways of learning, the initial color band model (online, hybrid, in person) and a virtual learning model.
3. A vote to support the opening of school in a yellow/hybrid model for the first four weeks of school for all students K-12 (while thresholds are developed and health practices are implemented).

What this means for families:

• The first day of school will be Aug. 31st
• You will have two choices of learning with LCSD

1. Enrolling your child/children to attend his/her school in-person (color phases which may include in-person, online or hybrid models)
2. Enrolling your child in virtual learning for first semester/year (fully online provided by Lake County School District)

• Orientation conferences for students in K-12,  set for August 10 and 11 will now be August 24–27. This extension allows for one hour meetings with the teachers and families.  Schools will be sharing your crew leader information and a link to sign up for a new conference once we have more information. Please watch for more information in a future communication. 
• Daily meals will continue through the 28th of August for families.
• We need to hear from you with your choice of pathway by Sunday Aug. 9th. Your choice will help us plan the needs for each pathway. Please click here to complete a form by Sunday, August 9  to tell us your plan for your child’s education this fall – whether you will be choosing one of the three options: 

1. enrolling your child/children to attend his/her school in-person (color phases as outlined in district plans, which may include in-person, online or hybrid models)
2. enrolling your child in virtual learning for first semester (fully online provided by Lake County School District)
3. enrolling your child in a program outside of Lake County School District (therefore unenrolling from our district) 

The academic learning plans will be shared tonight at the Town Hall hosted by Lake County Public Health on Wednesday, August 5 from 6:00 to 7:30 pm. Please join that discussion here:      https://zoom.us/j/93264409303 or call-in at 1-669-900-6833, Meeting ID: 932 6440 9303. You can submit your questions ahead of time at bit.ly/LCPHATownHall The LCSD staff  will  be speaking about their academic learning plans as listed below. For those of you who can’t join, we will be posting a recorded version to our website afterward and will send it out to families.

As you review the learning plans below, please be aware that public health circumstances are rapidly evolving and we will be adaptable to ensure we are complying with local, state, and national public health guidelines. We will be in touch frequently over the next few weeks with more information including health and safety precautions that will be in place in our schools. 

Academic Learning Plan Overview

Color Band Model

• The Center (PK)

Classes are being reduced to serve 10 students and an additional 6 students from each class will learn from home with instructional plans provided by Center staff. There will be an online component supported and parent guided learning.   

• West Park Elementary (K-2) & Lake County Intermediate School (3-6)

Students assigned to Group A will attend school each Monday and Wednesday (Friday if no school on Monday), and students assigned to Group B will attend school each Tuesday and Thursday. A/B group assignments will be communicated to you by your school. During the first three weeks, we will increase the amount of at-home activities according to age-appropriate levels.  Devices  will be provided for each student – iPads for K-1 and Chromebooks for 2-6  students. Attendance will be taken daily, and staff will work onsite daily.

• We are continuing to explore options for the days students are not at school and will keep you informed of updates.

• Lake County High School (7-8)

Students assigned to Group A will attend school each Monday and Wednesday (Friday if no school on Monday), and students assigned to Group B will attend school each Tuesday and Thursday. A/B group assignments will be communicated to you by your school. In-classroom instruction will be combined with an online experience. Devices will be provided for each student. Students who need assistance in the school – during their online day – will be accommodated. Attendance will be taken each day, and staff will work onsite daily.

• Lake County High School (9-12)

Students assigned to Group A will attend school each Monday and Wednesday (Friday if no school on Monday), and students assigned to Group B will attend school each Tuesday and Thursday. A/B group assignments will be communicated to you by your school. In-classroom instruction will be combined with an online experience. Devices will be provided for each student. Students who need assistance in the school – during their online day – will be accommodated. Attendance will be taken each day, and staff will work onsite daily.

• Cloud City High School (formerly DOOR Program) (9-12)

One-third of the students will attend school each day, and students are assigned to a set cohort. Cohorts will rotate one in-classroom day with two online learning days (Tuesdays-Thursdays). Mondays will be days where students can engage in their communities completing service learning projects as well as synchronous meetings with Cloud City staff scheduled individually.  Internship opportunities will be scheduled on non-classroom instructional days pending local public health guidance. Attendance will be taken each day. 

Virtual Learning Option provided by LCSD

• K-8
  • Virtual instruction will include four core instructional classes and one elective instructional class.
  • The online experience will follow a phased-in approach with two core classes in the first two weeks to acclimate students to the online experience before other classes are added.
  • Crew teacher will be assigned and support each student including weekly check-ins
  • Special education and social emotional services will be delivered virtually
  • Programming will keep students on track for the next grade level
• 9-12
  • Virtual instruction will including programming aligned with graduation pathway plans
  • Crew teacher will be assigned and support each student including weekly check-ins
  • Special education and social emotional services will be delivered virtually

We would like to take this opportunity to emphasize the value we place on relationships with our families – and our love and care for all students and staff. Moving forward, in what will no doubt be a very challenging year, we are reminded that our schools are part of a community that thrives when we all work together. When times get tough, it is even more important that we make it a priority to listen to concerns and embrace new ideas whenever we can. Please reach out to the principal of your students’ school at any time. 

Lake County School District