By Ellen Fike, Cowboy State Daily
Cheyenne schools are preparing a contingency plan in case the coronavirus pandemic causes schools to be closed beyond April 3.
“While this remote learning plan could proceed through the end of the year, we will consider it a bonus if we can get our students back in schools sooner,” Boyd Brown, superintendent of Laramie County School District No. 1 said in a news release on the district’s Facebook page. “Know that the district’s administration, teachers and staff members miss having contact with our students.”
This week, teachers will reach to families using the Remind app. Students will be invited to refresh their learning, beginning with lessons they were working on prior to the school closures.
Pre-kindergarten through sixth grade students will focus on English/Language Arts and math. Teachers will weave other disciplines into lessons when possible.
Prioritized standards will be streamlined for students in seventh through 12 grades. Electives will be taught in a “creative” manner.
If the closure remains in effect, students will begin remote learning April 6. At that time, new material will be taught.
Remote learning will occcur in a variety communication methods. This will include learning packets, online instruction, phone calls, mailings and more. Paper copy packets will be provided to families without access to certain technology. District officials are working with administrators at the Transportation Department to develop a method of delivering and receiving the work from students and parents.
Beginning April 6, students will be engaged in lessons for each scheduled class. All lessons will include a learning target, an instructional component, student practice and a demonstration of learning. Resource teachers and case managers will ensure IEP students receive all assigned work and will work with parents for accommodations.
“Without a doubt, this is a very challenging experience for all,” Brown said. “Together, we can work to keep our community safe while allowing our students to progress academically. We are going to get through this together.”