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Dear Commander Community, This past week we had the pleasure of kicking off Hispanic Heritage Month, four weeks to take time to honor and celebrate the contributions of our students and community members who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico, Central America, South America, and Spanish speaking Caribbean countries. (more info found here). Our Hispanic Heritage Month Committee will continue to meet on Fridays to plan mini-lessons and virtual celebrations; and, if you are interested in sharing ideas for celebrations or mini-lessons, please send to me, Tiffany Almon, and I will send them to the Hispanic Heritage Committee. Be sure to share Google permissions with me, otherwise I will not be able to access your material. We are excited to launch our Fall Welcome Week, our remote version of Back to School Night, beginning on Monday and throughout the week. See our website and Schoology for video introductions from our Staff and Teachers. Important message about returning to in person learning: Over the past week we have received updated guidance from district leadership on how we can safely provide in-person schooling for middle schools and high schools when the second quarter begins on Oct. 21. I want to provide you with an update on how that guidance is shaping our plans for the start of in-person schooling. Also, please remember that all families have the option to choose the Virtual Program if you prefer 100% remote learning for your student. The virtual option will be similar to what all students are experiencing right now, with a slight schedule change. Students will keep their current courses and teachers regardless of their choice. Students who choose the virtual option will still have the opportunity to participate in sports and other after school activities and events planned. Also, please note that the district has extended the deadline for middle and high school families to make or change their decision on in-person schooling or the virtual program. That deadline is now the end of the day on Wednesday, Sept. 23. The overriding priority in the plans for in-person schooling continues to be the health and safety of students and staff. And it’s important to understand that the guidance from Denver Health creates significant limitations on in-person learning for middle schools and high schools, primarily due to restrictions around how many students and teachers can be part of the same group (“cohort”) to minimize exposure risks for students and staff. As a result, we are working to develop a weekly schedule that includes a mix of in-person and remote learning. In this “hybrid” scheduling model, we want to offer students at least 10 hours of in-person learning each week -- with the goal of more time if possible. Also, prioritized students in secondary special-education center programs will return to full time in-person learning, in group sizes that align with health regulations. Please be assured that we are working now to prioritize schedules that provide students with the most enriching and valuable in-person programs and opportunities we can, within the health guidelines. We know how important each minute is in our schools with their teachers, counselors and peers, and we so want to have our hallways and classrooms buzzing with the voices and energy of our students again. |
| With love and gratitude, |
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Tiffany Almon |
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