BY CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
The Hays USD 489 school board approved its continuous learning plan for the state at its meeting Monday night.
Superintendent Ron Wilson said the district did not want to overwhelm students, parents or teachers and would focus on the theme "less is more."
The high school will launch its online learning plan Wednesday with the other district schools to follow. Families should be contacted about learning plans no later than the end of this week.
SEE RELATED STORY: Hays High releases learning plan for remainder of 2020
Use of technology
The school district already has a one-to-one technology policy. Most middle and high school students should already have their iPads or laptop computers.
iPads will be distributed to elementary students this week, Shanna Dinkel, assistant superintendent, said.
"In times like this, you can learn to choose to be grateful instead of focusing on the negative," she said. "Where we are with technology as a district and the devices we have available gives us a head start with a lot of this."
Teachers will be using programs children are already used to including Canvas and SeeSaw. Some teachers may also be using Zoom, an online meeting app, for instruction.
Zoom has been preloaded on all district devices.
The district has an IT ticketing system for staff and an IT hotline will be available for students and families. That phone number will be posted on the district's resource pages.
Any family that does not have internet access should have received information about applying for reduced internet service from Nex-Tech or Eagle Broadband.
SEE RELATED STORY: Nex-Tech, Eagle helping families with internet for education
"One of the things we have focused on," Dinkel said, "is that it is not a time to learn new programs. ... We have a lot of good programs in place — Canvas, SeeSaw, Bloomz. We had a lot of good ways we were reaching out and communicating with parents.
"We have a lot of online resources already at our finger tips that students know their logins and know how they work. Less is more is really a theme we have really given teachers."
Dinkel said teachers' focuses are on what essential skills students need to learn yet in the school year.
To not overwhelm parents, schools are going to try to focus on weekly contact with parents.
"We ask that we give grace and patience to not only our families but to one another," Dinkel said.
The district sent surveys to families asking what needs they had for their individual students, and Dinkel said the district received much positive feedback.
Special populations
"The purpose for continuous learning is to provide opportunities for all students," Dinkel said. "We have a high SPED population. We have English Language Learners. We have Title [reading students]. We have migrant [students]. All of those people have been on board and will reach out to those students."
Districts will be required to amend individual education plans for special education students for continuous learning, Dinkel said.
Chris Hipp, director of the special education co-op, told the board via remote access that all special education would be done remotely in light of the governor's stay-at-home order.
The plan also includes stipulations for how the district will provide for the social and emotional well-being of its students.
Social workers, counselors and school psychologists will continue to reach out to students and families, Dinkel said.
HMS has a mental health liaison who came on board just this school year.
Pay for hourly employees
The continuous learning plan waiver the district has to file with the state includes an agreement the school district continue to pay its hourly employees through the end of the school year.
"That is another huge thing we have been grateful for," Dinkel said, "is that we have been able to keep people employed. That has been a huge relief to not have to be laying people off."
The district also had to agree to enroll new students if they move to the district and to maintain the health and safety of staff and students.
Seniors
Board member Craig Pallister asked about the number of credits required for graduation. The district requires 25, but the state only requires 21.
Wilson said HHS Principal Martin Straub indicated 99 percent of enrolled seniors are on track for graduation. However, he said credit hours needed for graduation would be revisited if it was deemed necessary.
"Our goal will be for this not to impact any senior in a negative way," Wilson said.
Dinkel said the Learning Center already offers a 21-credit graduation option.
Graduation ceremony
Board member Lance Bickle asked if a graduation ceremony would be rescheduled when it was safe to do so. It emphasized the importance of gradation as a life event for many students.
Dinkel said graduation has been postponed and not canceled.
Wilson said, "We will definitely recognize our seniors at some point in some way once we have a definite on what we can do and when we can do it.
"We do understand that is a lifetime experience that has been ripped away from a lot of kids. We will do everything we can to make that possible."
Care for teachers, staff
Pallister also expressed concern about the district's teachers and staff during this stressful time.
"Our teachers — this is a big struggle," he said. "I worry about the emotional (effects) and if they have outlets. I know counselors help students, but if we have teachers or staff who are struggling, who should they call?"
Dinkel said the district would make resources available online and administrators will be checking in regularly on staff and teachers.
Dinkel concluded by saying this is not about turning in assignments.
"[It's about] making sure we stay in touch and connected and providing opportunities," she said.