Dear Parent/Guardian:
As we begin the 2020 - 2021 school year we understand that you have many concerns and questions. We are all faced with many challenges as we are introduced to circumstances we have not seen before. Please know that we are here to answer any questions you may have. Our goal is to form a community with parents and guardians, staff, and students to make this a successful academic year for everyone. Per the request of Governor Andy Beshear, our school year will begin with all students on remote learning until September 28th.
Parents/guardians were given a difficult decision of deciding whether or not to do a hybrid schedule and send your child to school two days a week with three days of remote learning, or do five days of remote learning. If you chose the hybrid schedule your child will complete their work through Google Classroom, IXL, and teacher led activities. Teachers will be available to students between the hours of 8:00 AM and 3:30 PM. Students should check Google Classroom and their emails several times during the course of the school day. This will be how we communicate with our students and how they will communicate with their teachers. Our goal is to have students back on the hybrid schedule of A/B on September 28th.
The option of five days of remote learning will include computer programs that are monitored weekly by staff. We will be using EdGenuity, a computer program that will follow along with the same content as if they were in person. We recommend that students are on the computer during school hours so that teachers can be available to answer questions during the school day. Teachers and students will correspond through email. If questions arise after school hours they will be answered the next day.
While students are on remote learning we have expectations we ask them to follow. All students will be respectful to staff and students, whether it be through Google Hangouts or chatting through text on those Hangouts. Students will be prepared to work from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM based on the schedule teachers will share with them through Google classroom. Teachers will be in the building every day during those hours, but we ask that you please be mindful of that time to correspond with your teachers. We ask that students are working from a desk or table, not their bed. We want to establish a routine for when in-class instruction begins.
Please be patient with us as we are all learning how best to meet the needs of our students and keep them safe. If you have any questions please feel free to call or email at (606) 723-5136 or andrea.williams@estill.kyschools.us.
Andrea Williams
Estill County Middle School Principal