Dear Sandite Families,
As we prepare to embark on our Distance Learning Plan, I wanted to give you a few updates as we begin a week of preparation with our teachers. We are incredibly proud of our Sandite staff as it is crystal clear how much they care about your children. Of course information will be updated as we get closer to the end of the week.
As we launch on April 6, the best connection for you will be your child’s teacher(s). The best way to connect with teachers is through their Sandite email. We ask staff to answer email within 24 hours; however, please have patience as the number of emails will likely be compounded during this time. Continue to check your own email, district text messages, district social media sites and our website www.sandites.org for updates. To simplify contacting your child’s teacher, teacher webpages are a work in progress and will be available on April 6. No doubt this is a learning experience for all of us. We are finding new ways to meet and collaborate, and in that process, have stretched ourselves far beyond our imagination. Here are some essential guidelines for you to know:
Your child’s teacher will be contacting them regarding online learning.
We will not be taking attendance.
Grades can go up, but can not go down from where your students were as of March 12.
Please work with your child’s teacher with any questions regarding grades.
Final grade reports will be issued to all students and transcripted as normal. We will make sure our high school students are not hindered in any way as they prepare for post-secondary options.
We are working on a plan for device checkout for online learning access.
The purchase of hot spots is an obstacle for the District due to a shortage from vendors at this time.
We are asking for your patience regarding this process as we work through the details this week.
We will have work packets available, potentially through the mail, for students who struggle with access to a device or the internet.
If you are so inclined and these services are available in your area, please take advantage of the options for internet service through Cox, AT&T or some other provider. Some are free for the next two months. This information can be found through the COVID-19 link on our Sandite website.
The next few weeks are about keeping your children connected to learning while providing engaging activities and enrichment. We want to partner with you in guiding your child’s learning. Allow us to be helpful while not adding stress to this difficult and unprecedented situation.
We also know many of you may be eager to pick up your student’s personal belongings. The COVID-19 link on the Sandite district website is still active and continually changing. The recommended guidance for social distancing and building occupancy is updated continuously as the COVID-19 situation changes. Picking up belongings may be delayed. If there are critical items you need now, contact your site administrator to arrange an appointment. It is best to arrange this through an email rather than a phone call.
Our Child Nutrition Department will continue to serve breakfast and lunch each day, Monday through Friday. We will serve all children, ages 18 and under, whether they are a current Sand Springs Public Schools student or not. Please continue to spread the word that these are available to all students.
Please remember the overall goal of this abrupt change is maintaining public health and preventing the spread of COVID-19. Please, please, please continue to practice CDC recommendations with social distancing and hand washing. We appreciate your patience in this time of uncertainty. It is an incredible honor to serve the students in Sand Springs and we will always strive to provide a quality program with a high degree of integrity.
Best to everyone and stay healthy!
Sherry Durkee, Superintendent
Sand Springs Public Schools