SCSD families,

As the start of the school year quickly approaches, I want to share some important information with you. Last evening, the Board of Education approved our reentry plan which includes specific information regarding in-person and virtual instruction.  The Board also approved moving the start date of school to August 27, 2020.  

Since the sharing of our reentry plan (full SCSD Reentry Plan & SCSD Reentry Plan Highlights page), there have been many questions regarding specifics of both in-person and virtual learning. We have answered many questions via email/phone communication and have also set up a FAQ list on our website. However, here is the rundown of our most updated information regarding our reentry process for both learning options and next steps to be taken.

In-person learning will now begin on August 27th. All schools have sent out (via email) building specific reentry plans that can also be accessed on the District website page, SCSD 2020-21 Building Reentry Plans. At this time, we feel confident in our plans to provide safe, in-person learning this year. 

Please click on this link, SCSD All Access Virtual Learning, for all of the specific information regarding the District’s virtual programming for students. SCSD All Access gives every student access to classroom instruction. This programming is only possible through the hard work and dedication of our teaching and technology staff. Virtual learning also starts on August 27th.

Thank you for completing the survey in July regarding your preference for in-person or virtual instruction. That information allowed us to finalize District plans for reentry.  Preliminary survey data shows that approximately 30% of our students will attend in a virtual format and 70% of families will send their children to school for in-person instruction. Since our teachers will have a combined class roster of both in-person and virtual students, this should allow for better social distancing for our in-person classrooms while also maintaining consistent learning expectations for both in-person and virtual learning formats.  This format also allows us to be flexible in responding to COVID-19 related issues.

We need you to finalize your choice of learning for the 2020-21 school year by 4pm on Wednesday, August 12th. This e-form also includes questions related to technology needs, transportation (eligible, in-person students) and food service (virtual). Please utilize the parent portal in SISK12 to do so. Once logged in, please look for the yellow highlighted e-form and submit your final choice. (For families with multiple parents that have SISK12 portal access, once the final selection has been submitted by one parent, the yellow highlighted e-form notification will no longer be active. So, you may wish to discuss this before making a final selection.) It’s important that you submit a choice for each of your children enrolled in the school district. Please note, if you haven’t registered your child to attend school yet, please do so immediately. Also, make sure all of your contact information (phone numbers, email, etc.) are up to date to ensure you continue to receive timely communication from the District. 

I want to continue to stress that the pandemic situation and the District’s plans are fluid. We all need to keep in mind that things can change quickly (as they did last spring) and be prepared to adjust as needed. We have created our reentry plan to give the Board of Education the ability to make decisions that best suit the ever changing status of the COVID-19 pandemic. We will continue to communicate with you clearly and consistently as we move towards starting school on August 27th. We remain dedicated to keeping our students and staff safe while providing the best educational process possible. We encourage families to do everything they can to keep yourselves and our community safe. Each one of us plays an essential role in making sure our school year is productive and conducive for student learning to occur at the highest levels. Now is the time to stay together in trust and support as we move forward in these unprecedented times. 

United Together,
Dr. Jason Sefrit
Superintendent of Schools