English: https://youtu.be/lRz5XgOsII0

Spanish: https://youtu.be/s90ymAJm7VQ

 

The task forces were comprised of representatives from various departments trying to determine the viability of the many different models given our resources.  They included not only teachers, but custodians, food services, and the Village program.  Because the intent was to determine our capacity as an organization, it was comprised only of staff members - some of whom are parents within the district and who offered their perspectives as parents as well. However, moving forward, we will have additional sub-committees that must include parents in order to develop plans that will meet their needs.  These include plans regarding daily schedules, academic and sociology-emotional support, communication, and grades.

The task force identified both the half-day model and the alternating day model as viable and within the capacity of our organization. For that reason, both were included in the parent survey distributed on July 3, 2020. While the task force made the recommendation for a half-day model, they also recognize the importance of honoring the majority parent preference. The survey window was still open at the time of the presentation which is why results were not included. Should a model be presented to the Board of Education at a future time, survey results would be included for consideration.

The elementary task force considered the alternating, full-day schedule. Of concern was the difficulty of keeping masks on for extended hours with our youngest learners. Add to that recess and lunch that will need to be supervised and, essentially, stationary, the thought was that it would be challenging for children to maintain and adults to enforce. Limiting the hours in the day children would need to keep the mask on and remain in their seats mitigated that concern.

No model is perfect. It will be hard whatever we decide. A model that allows children the opportunity to see their teachers four days each week provides them with greater continuity and structure. At the end, the task force considered the needs of students in terms of our primary function to educate and made their recommendation accordingly.