Apple Valley District 196 Distance Learning Reminder, Updates

Press release from Independent School District 196:

April 30, 2020

The district continues to provide grab-and-go meals for all children every school day, no eligibility requirements or questions asked. We are also providing transportation and child care for more than 100 children of health care and other essential workers. Click here for more information about food distribution and child care.

No Distance Learning May 1 and 4, Meals Still Provided
A reminder that there is no distance learning for students Friday, May 1 and Monday, May 4. The state designated these as days for planning and professional development for teachers to prepare for the final six weeks of distance learning. Free meals will still be available at school sites both days, as well as the neighborhood drop-off sites on Monday, May 4. Enjoy the long weekend.

Flexible Fridays Added At Elementary Level
In recognition of the added stress on students, teachers and parents, all 19 District 196 elementary schools are implementing “Flexible Fridays” beginning May 8 and every Friday through the rest of the school year. Students and families have the option to use these days to catch up on earlier assignments or participate in fun online enrichment activities provided by the district. Attendance will be taken, but no new assignments will be given on these days. Elementary schools will share more information about Flexible Fridays next week. Our middle schools and high schools have implemented school-specific strategies to give students opportunities to catch up on work.

Students To Keep Devices This Summer
Students will be allowed to keep their district-owned iPads and Chromebooks, as well as hotspots, over the summer. This will keep the district positioned to continue distance learning for summer school and in the fall, if necessary. Seniors and students who will not be enrolled in the district next year will be required to return their device after the school year ends. Information on collection of devices from these students will be shared later.

THANK YOU, Teachers and Nurses
I continue to be amazed with the care, commitment and creativity of our district employees in meeting the challenges the COVID-19 pandemic has presented. This is especially true of our teachers and school nurses. Next week, May 1-4, is Teacher and School Nurse Appreciation Week in District 196. Please join me in recognizing the outstanding efforts of our teachers and nurses next week and throughout the year. This crisis has certainly shown us how important they are to our children and families.

This press release was produced by Independent School District 196. The views expressed here are the author’s own.