Dear Yellow Jacket families,
As we rapidly approach the end of first semester, we have begun to prepare for our second semester of learning which begins in January.
While our schools have worked to adjust schedules for students throughout first semester, we are reevaluating and restructuring our learning plan for virtual instruction for Spring 2021 based on teacher, student and parent experiences during the fall semester.
Parents who would like for their student to continue learning virtually or would like to request a transition to virtual learning for the Spring 2021 semester, which begins in January, will need to submit an online request. A link will be emailed to parents this week to complete this request. The deadline for parents to submit a request for their student to continue or begin virtual learning for the Spring 2021 semester is December 11. The request must be completed by the end of day on December 11. Any required documentation must also be returned or submitted at the same time.
Students with an academic average of a C or higher in all courses will automatically be allowed to begin or continue the virtual learning option for the Spring 2021 semester upon request. Parent must complete and submit online request for student to begin or continue virtual learning for the Spring 2021 semester.
Students who are not meeting minimum academic requirements of a C average or higher in all courses must meet the following criteria in order to participate in virtual learning during the Spring 2021 Semester beginning in January. Parent must complete and submit online request for consideration for student to begin or continue virtual learning for the Spring 2021 semester.
GRADES K-12 (Criteria for students who are NOT meeting minimum academic requirements.)
Student must be passing all subjects with no less than a C average.
Student is not currently receiving Tier 3 interventions.
Student has less than 5 absences and satisfactory participation (virtual and/or traditional) during Fall 2020 Semester.
Student must have access to adequate Internet service and a reliable school-issued or personal device.
Student must have a quiet learning environment free from distractions to participate in virtual learning.
Parent/guardian and student have both signed the Internet/Computer Acceptable Use Policy.
Parent/guardian shall transport his/her child to his/her home school for proctored assessments as needed for school and MDE required assessments.
Parent/guardian understands all minimum requirements and expectations for continued participation in virtual learning; parent/guardian also agrees and acknowledges all statements contained in the student handbook and district plan including but not limited to the necessary high-speed, WiFi access, attendance expectations, grading and promotion policies, and expectations regarding synchronous (live) and asynchronous instruction (recorded).
For students in grades 6-12, parent/guardian must provide a doctor’s note with a valid medical concern to their child’s principal for participation in virtual learning. For health concerns related to another family member, parent/guardian must provide written documentation to his/her child’s principal.
Parent/guardian understands that if at any point, the school or district determines virtual learning is not the most effective learning approach for a student due to lack of attendance, participation, or academic growth, a conference will be held with parent/guardian and principal to determine if student participation in the virtual learning option should continue.
GRADES K-6 ONLY (Criteria for students who are NOT meeting minimum academic requirements.)
Adult must be present to supervise students in grades K-6 during instructional time to ensure he/she remains on task and focused during lessons.
At this time, third grade students are required by the state of Mississippi to pass the reading portion of the 3rd Grade MAAP ELA Assessment and pass their classes to be promoted to fourth grade. For this reason, third grade students who do not have a medically diagnosed high-risk health condition are strongly encouraged to participate in traditional learning.
Virtual students who would like to return to face-to-face instruction for the Spring 2021 semester will be allowed to do so. Additional instructions will be shared with parents and students regarding this process within the next few days.
The in-person school schedule for students in grades 8-12 for the Spring 2021 semester may be modified if the number of students who return to face-to-face instruction impacts the District’s ability to provide a safe learning environment for students, teachers and staff according to the latest guidance for schools.
Despite the many challenges of school during a pandemic, our commitment to students and families is unchanged. With a vision of excellence and a mission of helping every child discover their passion, purpose and potential, we strive to create excellent, engaging learning experiences in safe, healthy and secure spaces that best support our students and their social, emotional and academic needs. As parents, you are our most important partners in your child’s education. We appreciate you and we thank you for your continued support.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us or your child’s school principal.
Sincerely,
Supt. Eddie Peasant