Area school districts are beginning to roll out their plans for some form of continuing education following Gov. Kim Reynolds’ announcement last week that K-12 closures would continue through April 30. The Iowa Department of Education has given schools three options moving forward. Ar-We-Va Principal, Chris Petersen, explains.
He adds the third choice is for schools to not do either, which would require them to make up any instructional time missed from April 13 to April 30. Ar-We-Va, East Sac County and Glidden-Ralston have already indicated they they will be pursuing the voluntary option due to concerns regarding equitable access to technology and internet during this period. In a video message on Friday, ESC Elementary Principal, Sara Pibal, encouraged families to be patient while teachers and administrators implement this new style of learning.
Audubon, Carroll, Coon Rapids-Bayard, IKM-Manning, Kuemper Catholic and South Central Calhoun have communicated they are in the process of developing their strategies for this unprecedented shift in learning. Districts have until Friday, April 10 to file their education plans with the state. Carroll Superintendent, Dr. Casey Berlau, said Friday that he is optimistic they will be able to release more information on what they are planning in the coming days.
Petersen says districts face challenging decisions, but the existing and new partnerships being created have proven to be invaluable.
Communication between districts and families will play a key role in the success of this distance learning programs. Parents and guardians are strongly encouraged to check their emails and their respective school’s website and social media accounts regularly for important updates.
