AHSTW Community School District,
We continue to plan for the end of our 2019-2020 school year even though we will not be meeting face-to-face with our students anymore. Our planning sessions allow us to reflect upon all items facing us at this time and at this time we would share the following information around classes, grading, technology, lunch services, and more.
Q & A:
When will our 2019-2020 School Year end?
● The AHSTW Community School District will end the school year on Friday, May 22, 2020. This date is the last date on our 2019-2020 school calendar. I believe our staff members have done a terrific job sharing activities for our students during this voluntary learning time, and we are so appreciative of their efforts. We know they will be working hard to continue providing services through the duration of our 2019-2020 learning experiences. We encourage all students to continue to engage in the opportunities, as we will return next fall and want all students to be as prepared as possible for their next steps on their educational journey.
What will be my student’s grade at the conclusion of the school year?
● High school students will receive credit for their 2nd Semester courses at the letter grade they had achieved when classes ended at the conclusion of 3rd quarter. Students will be allowed to submit any missing assignments or complete corrections on past assignments prior to May 8, 2020. This would be corrected and used to adjust grades at the conclusion of our school year.
● Eighth grade students enrolled in HS Algebra will be able to (1) accept their current grade, (2) work to improve their grade by submitting any missing assignments or completing corrections on past assignments prior to May 8, 2020, or (3) retake the course as a freshman.
● In grades PK-8, students will receive grades earned at the conclusion of 3rd quarter, as well. No 4th quarter report cards will be issued.
Will my student move on to the next grade in 2020-2021?
● Students will move on to their next grade in beginning with the 2020-2021 school year. The only exception to this would be if our staff members have previously spoken with you about concerns for the upcoming year.
How will we be able to collect my student’s personal belongings?
● We are currently working on a process for families to pick-up student materials or personal belongings. Please be watching for information to be shared by your student’s building principal.
How will we address our summer technology needs?
● Students who have checked out devices during our extended leave time will be allowed to keep their devices over the course of the summer. The devices were shared during our extended leave to help students stay in touch with the learning opportunities shared by our staff members. Over the summer, students will be able to use the computers to gain access to the educational websites shared by staff. However, our staff members will not be developing lessons for you to view or complete over the summer.
● Acceptable use policies will remain in effect throughout the summer, as will content filters and student monitoring systems.
● Technology maintenance and repair services will not be available throughout the summer.
How will we return items to the school? [Library books, technology, and etc.]
● We do ask that library books be returned to the school when you visit to pick-up your students' belongings. Books can be placed in a return box during your assigned time.
● Chromebooks will need to be returned with the students on the first day of school in the fall.
What if we are moving out of the school district prior to the beginning of the 2020-2021 school year?
● If families are moving out of the district this summer, they will need to return school property when they move.
How does the closure affect our 2020 Senior Class?
● The Governor recently allowed certain graduation requirements to be waived. However, each student must have been on track to graduate at the beginning of the year and or semester in order to be eligible to graduate. This means a student who was credit deficient must have recovered the appropriate number of credits to become eligible for graduation in order to graduate. Students in the senior class who were in a credit recovery program are allowed to complete the courses during this time of absence.
● If a student has fallen into this category after the beginning of the year, our High School Principal will be in touch with you to discuss this topic with you individually.
● Students in the Class of 2020 are also required to complete CPR certifications and a Government course prior to graduation. Those expectations have been waived at this time, if the student has not completed the work up to this point.
How does the closure affect graduation?
● Graduation has been postponed to at least June 7, 2020. We are also discussing future options, as we want to provide seniors with the event they have rightfully earned. Mr. Sauvain will be in touch with our seniors and senior parents to identify potential later dates. If we are unable to host graduation on June 7, 2020 the alternate date will be July 12, 2020.
How does the closure affect prom and summer sports?
● Prom was previously delayed to June 13, 2020. At this time, we are hoping this will occur, but we are discussing other options. If June 13, 2020 does not work, we will prioritize graduation and most likely cancel prom.
● Summer sports are still being planned for and guidance will be shared by both the boy’s and girl’s athletic associations. At this time, summer sports are eligible to start on June 1, 2020.
How will my student schedule classes for the 2020-2021 school year?
● Registration for students entering grades 9-12 will begin as soon as we are able to meet with students. This means registration may occur at some point during the summer or later this year.
● Specific plans for grades will be shared at a later time.
● Mrs. Birks has already met with students regarding next year’s college courses and has this part of registration completed.
● PK-8 classes will be developed in their usual manner. Classes for the 2020-2021 school year will be shared as they always have.
Will meal delivery continue throughout the summer?
● The meal program that was put in place on March 20, 2020 will run as long as the federal program allows. Since AHSTW was not a participant of the Summer Food Program in the past, our program is set to expire at the conclusion of the school year or May 22, 2020. We hope the meal program will be extended, if not, we unfortunately will be unable to continue the service.
What will the 2020-2021 school year look like?
● Iowa school districts will be developing Return to Learn plans. These plans are due to the State Department of Education on July 1, 2020. We are awaiting guidance on this plan to assist us in knowing what types of activities will be allowed. However, we are planning for the future and discussing potential possibilities. We will develop options and share our plan at the appropriate time.
● Guidance will be shared with our school district in hopefully 2 weeks.
We are thankful for all of your efforts during this time. It has been terrific to see how everyone has come together to make this best out of a difficult situation.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact us and we will get back in touch with you!
We Are AHSTW,
Mr. Darin Jones
Superintendent of Schools
AHSTW Community School District
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