Wednesday, November 18, 2020

Important Update for In-Person Learning Families

Peet Families,

As you have heard, the entire Cedar Falls School District will be going virtual for 5 school days, beginning Monday, November 23. The next day of in-person learning will be Thursday, December 3. Students' individual teachers will be providing clarity regarding expectations for their classes, but different from the spring, all learning activities will be required during these 5 days.

Online learning dates:

  • November 23, 24, 30
  • December 1, 2
  • The current plan is for in-person learning to resume on Thursday, December 3.
  • Attendance is mandatory. Please contact the office if your student will be absent from online learning. (319)553-2771
  • Technology Support: (319)553-3003 / homesupport2020@cfschools.org

Here are some helpful tips for your students to be successful:

  • Plan to get up each morning as if students were coming to school. This will help students prepare for the school day and be ready to learn. Making a plan for the school day or using a calendar might help students stay focused on what needs to be accomplished.

  • Try to find a place for your student to work where they are able to focus. Avoid distractions like youtube, tv, or phone.

  • Students should check Schoology daily to learn the tasks needing to be completed for each class. Students will not need to do anything for study hall.

  • Attendance will be taken based on completing the required work, and this work will be factored into student grades.  Students will be required to complete unfinished work when we return to in-person learning.

  • Some work will be done independently, and some teachers will expect students to log in to zoom classes.  Live zoom classes will take place the same time your class takes place in person.

  • Students will feel like they have more down time during a day of virtual learning. This is normal because they will not be traveling between classes and they will be working independently.

Teachers will use today and tomorrow to talk with their students about expectations and make sure students have all the materials they will need. This will include the student chromebook and charger.

Finally, make sure your students treat these 5 days like any other school days.  If students start their day at 8:00am, and finish at 3:00pm there should be no problems with completing all required work.  We want everyone to come back on December 3 all caught up.

Thank you for your support as we continue to provide education for our students.

Sincerely,
Bill Boevers
Peet Junior High Principal

In a joint effort with city and county officials and Waterloo Schools, Cedar Falls Schools will not hold in-person classes the week of Thanksgiving and the Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday following Thanksgiving (November 23-December 2). Classes will be provided virtually during these five (5) days of instruction. At this time our plan is to resume in-person classes for those students currently learning in-person on Thursday, December 3.

Why go virtual for five days?

  • Due to increased staff absences, there are staff shortages in many of our buildings making it difficult to adequately cover all of the in-person classes. Moving to virtual instruction for five days will help alleviate the demands on staff.
  • Despite the request from elected and health officials for Iowans to limit gatherings, families will likely be around others during the holiday week, and going virtual gives students a chance to stay safe at home for an additional six days following Thanksgiving Day.   
  • We are optimistic that we can slow the community spread of COVID-19. We encourage staff, families, and community members to follow health and mitigation strategies during this time.

Secondary parents, please remind your student(s) to bring home their district-issued device and charger so they are prepared to do online instruction beginning the morning of Monday, November 23. 

Elementary parents, additional information will be shared regarding devices.

Attendance will be taken at all levels as the learning is required. Students currently enrolled in our virtual program will continue their online program as scheduled. 

We will also share additional information soon on meal options and daily schedules.