LR remote learning plan in place, just in case

If students had to return to remote learning because in person learning was made impractical, it would make sense to have a plan in place.

A remote learning procedure plan was released by Grand Coulee Dam School District Superintendent Paul Turner on Monday. 

“I hope we won’t need to use it, but the way things are going right now, there is a good possibility that we will,” Turner said in an email including the plan that was sent out to various people to be shared with staff and parents. 

“The 2021/22 school year was expected to be back to normal,” the document containing the plan begins. “As we all know, it has begun as anything but normal.”

“Both teachers and students have been excited to be back to in person instruction which is

the best way for students to learn and is being mandated by the state,” the document continues. “Our goal at GCDSD is to do everything we can to continue to make this happen. With that said, reality may make keeping in-person learning an impossibility.”

Turner said the district has handled coronavirus issues since the start of the school year, averaging about 20 students testing positive for COVID-19 but about 80 students absent due to covid protocols to reduce the spread of the disease.

“Currently we have been able to mitigate any COVID issues that have come our way. Since the beginning of the school year, we have been averaging around 20 students positive with COVID.  This is a 3% positive incident rate. Likewise, we have been averaging around 80 students absent because of COVID related issues (mainly quarantine because of exposure).”

“So far, positive cases have resulted from outside exposure, not in-school exposure. We have put a very stringent protocol in place that has helped with this success,” Turner wrote.

“Our major concern going forward is the potential lack of staff in order to run school. We currently have a full teaching staff, but are short on Para pros, bus drivers and substitutes.”

The document outlines a plan to implement if it becomes necessary to teach remotely.

The points of the plan are: 

1. High incident rates will spur a decision to go remote. We will decide first thing in the morning.

2. Maintain current school day, begin remote learning on the following day.

a. Notifications will be sent out.

b. Chromebooks will be sent home.

3. Remote learning will be maintained for a minimum of 5 days. This will ensure at least one

weekend in the process. School principals will communicate the details of school days schedules for zooms. 

4. In-person learning will resume as soon as possible after the fifth day.  (Pending availability of

staffing.)

5. Staff will be expected to work from the school if possible.

6. We are currently seeking a waiver for food service. If approved, breakfast and lunch will

continue with distribution mirroring current bus routes. Delivery times will be posted on the

district website.

7. Athletics:

a. If there are high incident rates amongst staff, athletics will continue, assuming coaches are not affected.

b. If there are high incident rates amongst students, there will be no athletics.

c. Transportation will be available to and from practice.

8. SHARP kids will continue, assuming staff are available. They will use the same transportation as athletics.