Handbook: Introduction

Dear KLSD Families,

During the time that our schools are closed, KLSD is committed to providing continuity of learning for our students. Given the nature of the challenges our country is currently facing, we think it is important that our students maintain relationships with their teachers, their schools, with one another, and with their families. As always, we are committed to the academic, physical, and mental health of our students.

Our aspiration with distance learning would be consistency with our approach to classroom learning and to the KLSD Learning Commitment, in that teachers will make every effort to provide students with activities that are relevant, authentic, and engaging. It is not our expectation, however, that distance learning can be the same as classroom learning. We ask all our families to understand that this model is new for us, there will be initial glitches, and our skills will grow with time. In light of our commitment to the social emotional wellness of our students, we do not believe in a model that has students in front of screens for the length of a regular school day. Teachers will be in touch with their students on a daily basis, providing learning activities, checking-in, and answering questions.

Distance learning will begin on March 18 and will continue every school day for as long as our schools are closed. Depending on the length of the closure, it is likely that the models our teachers use will evolve. As we continue to think through how best to provide learning for our students in these most unusual times, some of the guidelines in this document may change, too. Be assured that we will communicate with you if and when there are any such changes.

Please remember that nothing is more important than the health and well-being of our students, staff, and the broader community. With that in mind, I encourage all to find time for self and family. Do not let school work, or any single activity, become all-consuming. Seek the healthiest balance in life as we continue to deal with many unknowns.

We hope the following information will be helpful to our students and our families. Please never hesitate to reach out to us with your questions. Our contact information is included later in this document.

Sincerely,

Mary Ford, Asst. Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction                                            

Andrew Selesnick, Superintendent of Schools

For those who may not be familiar, the following commitments are two important drivers when it comes to classroom instruction in KLSD. As noted in the introduction, however, given the nature of distance learning and its newness to our colleagues, we hold these commitments as aspirational for now. Nonetheless, and depending on the length of the current closure, we will be working towards them.