Weekly Hot News Podcast, April 13, 2020

On Wednesday, April 8th, Gov. Kate Brown held a press conference to announce that physical schools across Oregon will be closed for the remainder of the academic year, in response to coronavirus concerns. But that doesn’t mean “school’s out for the summer!” Students will continue to learn through our Distance Learning for All plan - a plan that will allow students to further their knowledge of content and standards through the rest of this school year. Students will be provided instruction in three areas: teacher-led learning, learning and supplemental activities, and nutrition and wellness. Teacher-led learning will vary by grade level, with students in grades K-1 receiving 30-45 minutes per day; grades 2-3 receiving 45-60 minutes/day; grades 4-6 receiving 60-90 minutes per day; grades 7-8 receiving 20-30 minutes per course, per teacher (3 hour maximum per day); and grades 9-12 receiving 30-45 minutes per course, per teacher (3 hour maximum per day, based on alternating A/B block schedule). Expectations for students are that they follow the District’s Distance Learning User Agreement and use proper Distance Learning Etiquette, participate, or “attend,” regularly, and have regular contact with school personnel. Aside from delivering instruction, the expectation for teachers is that they also hold an open “office hour” each day, and connect with each of their students and families once per week. Additional information will be shared with students by their teacher(s). HSD’s Distance Learning website can be accessed at bit.ly/hsddistancelearning.