As we prepare for a continuity of learning plan, there are both instructional and operational factors that contribute to the design of Fall 2020. Though much of this will be informed by state and county guidelines, below is an outline of areas that decision-making can be controlled and influenced by the district. Inspired by your exemplary response and creativity since mid-March, we will be creating a system that provides flexible pathways for meaningful continuity of instruction.

In all that we do, our commitment to essential focus areas remains. Yesterday, I shared that three focus areas will be part of the decision-making process for Fall planning, designing, and implementation work:

• Well-Being: This focuses on social emotional learning, being “human-informed,” and prioritizing wellness for students, staff, and families.
• Academic: We will continue to provide a strong platform of foundational and academic skills along with student-focused learning opportunities.
• Community: Our district operates in a strong partnership with our community and will protect the health and safety of those who live here.

A colleague recently suggested that we are “built for any challenge with our flexibility.” I think that we are also built on relationships and taking things on together as well. We will never lose our focus on both education and well-being while I am your superintendent. Never have two things gone more hand-in-hand than those two notions.

DIrected by state health and safety guidelines, Clarkston Community Schools will be prepared to operate flexibly among the following Learning Zones.   

One building is in a Blended Learning Zone while another is in an At-Home Learning Zone.Learning Zones are intended to be fluid and flexible to respond to possible intermittent closures. Examples of possible scenarios:

• One building is in a Blended Learning Zone while another is in an At-Home Learning Zone.
• A building moves from Blended to At-Home and back to Blended.

For students and families who elect to remain entirely off campus regardless of Learning Zone status, Clarkston Virtual offers full-time, fully-online learning pathways. Current Clarkston Community Schools students can stay enrolled and transition into virtual learning at any time during the school year. Students can return back to building learning after working in an online setting. This transition would be similar to when a student moved into a school from a different school, but we would have a great deal more information about this student. The teacher could use the data from the virtual platform as well as assessments to evaluate the learning needed to support the individual student.

I believe that a thoughtful “one foot in front of the other” approach is the best way to move forward, and we will do this with both safety and the integrity of our program in mind. I have no doubt that with educators like you we will be successful no matter what. Thanks so much for your continued support.