Superintendent's Message
August 19, 2020
Dear Coos Bay School District Families,
I want to start by saying thank you to our parents, staff, and community for supporting students. With your help, we continue to make a difficult situation the best we possibly can.
Recently, Governor Kate Brown and the Oregon Department of Education have released information that affects how and when school districts across the state can safely reopen. Based on the metrics outlined by the state (https://govstatus.egov.com/OR-OHA-COVID-19), we are currently unable to return all students to our buildings in a Hybrid Learning model as previously announced. Therefore, our District will open on September 14th in a combination of Comprehensive Distance Learning (CDL) instruction (4-12 grade) and in-person Hybrid Learning (K-3rd grade). Students who have registered for Full-time Online Learning will remain in Comprehensive Distinct Learning. Operational Blueprints for each school can be found under the COVID-19 Resources tab at www.cbd9.net.
Beginning of the Year Dates
· 9/14 – 7th -12th grade and Full-Time Online Only students will begin Online Comprehensive Distance Learning instruction
· 9/14 - 9/18 - K-6th grade kick-off week for teacher/parent communication and orientation
· 9/21 – K – 3rd grade will begin in-person Hybrid Learning (AM/PM Cohorts; Mon-Thurs)
· 9/21 - 4th – 6th grade will begin Comprehensive Distance Learning instruction
Transitioning
The District will continue to monitor state and county metrics weekly and hope to return all students to in-person Hybrid Learning soon. When possible, we will begin to notify families three to four weeks prior to transitioning from Comprehensive Distance Learning to in-person Hybrid Learning or vice versa, to give families and staff time to prepare. There is a chance we would transition faster if there were an outbreak on a school-to-school basis.
While this news is challenging and we understand it will create hardship for many families, it is a scenario we have been planning for. Our fall Comprehensive Distance Learning approach will be significantly different from what was offered in the spring.
Comprehensive Distance Learning (CDL)
The state has issued clear expectations for schools operating in Comprehensive Distance Learning (CDL). Students engaging in CDL will have access to standards-based, grade level-or-beyond educational materials. They will interact in an ongoing manner with one or more teachers who skillfully guide your student’s full educational experience. Individual Education Programs (IEP) will be reviewed and developed in a manner to make them resilient to changes in instructional models and students will have access to supports including special education, counseling, and other instructional supports. Under CDL guidelines, schools will offer limited in-person instruction that is focused on skills that are difficult to teach through distance learning and based on student need (Examples: CTE courses, science labs, clubs, activities, and other student supports as needed).
The state has issued clear expectations for schools operating in Comprehensive Distance Learning (CDL). Students engaging in CDL will have access to standards-based, grade level-or-beyond educational materials. They will interact in an ongoing manner with one or more teachers who skillfully guide your student’s full educational experience. Individual Education Programs (IEP) will be reviewed and developed in a manner to make them resilient to changes in instructional models and students will have access to supports including special education, counseling, and other instructional supports. Under CDL guidelines, schools will offer limited in-person instruction that is focused on skills that are difficult to teach through distance learning and based on student need (Examples: CTE courses, science labs, clubs, activities, and other student supports as needed).
Registration
Registration packets have been sent out and need to be returned to your child’s school via curbside registration August 26 or 27 as indicated in the packet. If you have not received a packet by August 21, please call your child’s school to verify enrollment. Parents who have enrolled in full-time learning are also asked to return their packets to maintain up-to-date student information. To enroll a new student, please contact your school secretary after August 24.
Chromebook Distribution
Families requesting a Chromebook need to visit the district website (www.cbd9.net) under the COVID-19 Resources tab to request a Chromebook (The Chromebook Checkout Request Form will be posted soon) or by calling your child’s school starting August 24. Chromebooks will be issued based on need and availability.
ParentVUE
We have updated our ParentVUE database and parents will need to reinstall their ParentVUE app, please reinstall it by visiting https://or-coosbay.edupoint.com/PXP2_Login.aspx. ParentVUE is an important tool for monitoring your student’s progress, attendance, and grades. Please contact your school secretary starting August 24 for an activation code if you do not have an account.
Continued Connection
We will continue to keep you informed of planning efforts, options for students, and strategies for scenarios of returning to in-person learning. Additionally, we have a FAQ page about reopening schools under the COVID-19 Resources tab at www.CBD9.net. Here, you will also find the Operational Blueprints for each school for the 2020-2021 school year.
More specific details regarding the beginning of the year, Comprehensive Distance Learning, transportation (K-3), and access to meals will be communicated in the first two weeks of September. If you have questions, please contact your child’s school beginning August 24. Please continue to check our website at CBD9.net for the Latest News or tune into KMHS Radio (91.3FM) at 7am on Monday mornings. As more information becomes available, I will communicate it to all of you.
Stay Safe,
Bryan Trendell
Superintendent
Coos Bay Public Schools