July 28, 2020 3:35 p.m.
Roseburg Public Schools will start the year with Comprehensive Remote Learning.
An RPS release said officials learned Tuesday from the Oregon Department of Education that counties will need to meet certain parameters related to COVID-19 cases before school districts will be allowed to reopen for in-classroom learning. The release said Douglas County does not meet those criteria at this time, as the case level is too high.
The release said “The district agrees that this is the best decision for keeping our students, staff and families safe. Starting off the school year in this manner provides an exciting learning opportunity to focus on building relationships with our students”.
The release said the district will be able to strengthen its online learning systems and ensure they are “robust and effective” while giving the district additional time to prepare for the return of students to classrooms. It said “This strong start to online learning centered on equity will serve as a stepping stone to the implementation of the hybrid and in-class learning models that we have been preparing and will continue to improve upon”.
Superintendent Jared Cordon said the district will “…continue to do everything possible to maintain the safety and health of our community while supporting all of our students”. He said he believes the delayed start to in-classroom learning will “…ensure our families, students, teachers and staff can provide the high-quality learning opportunities that will be necessary to ensure our students can get back on track and stay on track”.
The release said initial plans include:
*The start of the school year will be August 31st. At that point meal delivery via school bus and grab “n” go meal availability at school sites will begin. At that point, a process of parent support opportunities and staff professional development intended to prepare everyone for an online learning platform will begin.
*The district will begin reaching out to families soon to assess technology and device needs and create plans for device distribution prior to the start of the school year.
*The district will implement the Canvas Learning Management System that will make the online experience more manageable and more effective.
*The district is considering how best to provide support and resources to parents and staff prior to the first day of school.