Snow Day Communication
Launch the media gallery 1 playerOctober 29, 2020
Dear Parents and Guardians,
The Red Oak CSD is taking a different approach to “snow days” during the 2020-2021school year. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we developed a virtual teaching and learning platform that allows us to connect with students in both face-to-face and virtual settings. When inclement weather makes it unsafe to transport students, we will use our virtual teaching and learning platform to provide remote instruction to all students rather than cancel school. This leads to a more effective use of instructional time and prevents the district from having to make up days at the end of the year.
Since some students are participating exclusively in virtual instruction and all students are expected to engage remotely each Wednesday, this change should be less disruptive than emergency cancellations. Remote classes will occur as regularly scheduled unless communicated otherwise. Students should log into their Google Classroom sites at prescribed times for directions regarding the day’s learning activities.
Since we may not have advance warning of winter storms, it will be important that students take their devices and other materials home each day. Elementary teachers will send computers home with younger students. We also will prompt older students when winter weather is imminent, but they should not rely solely on these reminders. Students should get in the routine of taking their computers home on a daily basis. They will be responsible for making up work that is missed because they did not have their materials at home.
We will continue to issue mass communications to families and district employees using the Infinite Campus Messenger system. To receive emergency text messages and emails, you must provide the district with current email addresses and telephone numbers. We will also continue to announce school closures and delays on local and area media outlets, including KCSI-FM Radio (95.3), KMA-FM Radio (99.1), KSOM-FM (96.5), KTPM-TV (Channel 42), WOWT-TV (Channel 6), KMTV-TV (Channel 3), and KETV-TV (Channel 7). We will also post these announcements on our district website.
It is important to note these changes apply only to school closures.We will not attempt to implement remote learning when school is delayed or dismissed early.
In closing, I would reiterate that we will be requiring students to engage in remote learning rather than cancel school due to inclement weather. We hope it is not necessary to implement such measures, but we want to be prepared when winter storms occur. We appreciate your grace and flexibility in this matter.
Respectfully,
Ron Lorenz