Attached is the tentative calendar for the second trimester. We thought this may be valuable information as you complete your 2nd trimester survey. We also have prepared some notes based on questions from both parents and staff and hope they will add some clarity.
ATTENDANCE:
We want to remind families that our attendance policy has not changed. Whether you are registered for in-person or distance learning, if you are absent because of an illness or a doctor’s appointment, that is counted as an excused absence. If you are absent due to travel, that is counted as an unexcused absence.
However, if your student is slated for in-person learning and must be marked absent, they are invited to participate in their classroom via Zoom. While we cannot count them as present, we will add a comment that they participated in distance learning (DL). We hope this will prevent them from falling behind due to any absence.
The state regulates that if a student is absent 20 or more days in a trimester, the school cannot post / release grades for them.
QUARANTINING
How does quarantining factor into attendance? If you are self-quarantining to follow the advised protocol because you have traveled or are welcoming house guests, that will count as an unexcused absence. If you are quarantining because the health department has notified you that you have potentially been in contact with a positive case or you have received a positive result yourself, your quarantine will be counted as excused (documentation must be provided to the school). We encourage your child to still participate via distance learning.
PREPARING FOR THE 2ND TRIMESTER
The commitment to in-person or distance learning is important on many levels. Our teachers must plan their lessons, small groups, and one-on-one work based on who they believe will be in the classroom and online. Planning has taken on a whole new level of complexity, and our teachers are very dedicated to bringing their best to your students every day.
We completely understand that your decisions for in-person vs. distance learning are personal. We do ask that you consider all factors, including the stability and consistency of your child’s learning environment.
As previously stated, your commitment to distance or in-person learning is a commitment for the full trimester (2nd trimester is November 16 – February 26). We cannot allow students to move in and out of formats.
Ms. Pini is always happy to work with families with specific circumstances. Please reach out anytime.
