Caldwell School District Update

From Superintendent N. Shalene French

March 12, 2021

In this newsletter:

Preparing for four days in person starting March 29
Options for families with concerns about returning to more in person learning
What to expect when students return after spring break
Looking for applicants for open school board position

Preparing for four days in person starting March 29

Caldwell Parents & Families

A year ago, COVID changed our world and disrupted our education system. At this time last March, we had closed our schools and we didn't know what would happen -- and the pandemic unfolded.

During the past year, our teachers, administrators, staff, and students have done an amazing job adapting to different instructional models: remote, hybrid, and now our 4 days in person, 1 day remote through the end of the year.

We are preparing and excited that after spring break our students will return to four days of in-person learning starting Monday, March 29 with Wednesdays remaining an e-day with students learning at home.

We are celebrating!

While, we are closer to normal, it may be tempting to relax our precautions, but we need to stay vigilant while our community becomes fully vaccinated. We also need to remember that a vaccine is not yet available for children.

Thank you for your support of our staff, schools, and students.

Dr. N. Shalene French

Caldwell School District Superintendent

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Options for families with concerns about returning to more in person learning

Online options for school are available if a significant health risk exists for students or immediate family members. Please contact Karen Cameron, kcameron@caldwellschools.org or 208-455-3304, ext. 2113 – by March 18.

Elementary students (K-5) will receive live instruction, intervention and assignments from highly qualified Caldwell teachers through Caldwell Online Academy.

Middle school students (6-8) This is an online only program, similar to the Idaho Digital Learning Alliance (IDLA), and students will not have face-to-face meetings with their teacher or live instruction. The work will be completed independently on a schedule provided by the teacher. Highly qualified Caldwell teachers will hold office hours for tutoring.

High school students (9-12) This is an online only program, similar to IDLA, and students will not have face-to-face meetings with their teacher or live instruction. The work will be completed independently on a schedule provided by the teacher. Highly qualified Caldwell teachers will hold office hours for tutoring.

In addition, all high school students will be able to take credit recovery or original credit courses through our online option if needed. Failing a course or not completing a course results in not being on track to graduate. We want all of our students ready to graduate and prepared to pursue their personal goals.

What to expect when students return after spring break

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Mask wearing

Our students and staff are doing a terrific job wearing masks. Masks will continue to be required. We appreciate the support of our medical community - for their knowledge and support of continuing to wear masks while the vaccines are distributed.

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Physical distancing will be a challenge

Masks will be especially important as keeping individuals 6 feet apart will not be possible when all students return to in person learning. This is especially true in our secondary schools. Our elementary schools will implement "podding" or grouping students together in small groups to help reduce exposure should an individual be COVID positive. Students will be gathering for meals.