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The Nampa School District would like to express appreciation for the work of the “Stay Open” committee that met three times over the course of the last week and a half to determine the best metrics for moving to online or hybrid in the red category. These parents and teachers on both sides of the issue approached their task with a willingness to listen and learn from each other. They demonstrated that the art of civic debate is not lost. They listened, questioned, and sought the information they needed to make a recommendation.
Their conclusion was that the virus’s effect on infrastructure was a larger factor than student case count on the district’s ability to effectively continue in-person instruction. They determined that the district’s ability to continue in the hybrid model was severely compromised when 15% or more of staff was absent, and when five or more buildings were moved to remote status over a week’s time. Substitute teacher and bus driver availability also was considered.
Based on this recommendation, the Board of Trustees met today and decided to move all NSD schools to fully remote learning through at least January 13, 2021. Students will return virtually from the Christmas break on January 5, and our plan is to consider the possibility of returning to hybrid instruction on Jan. 14. The Board of Trustees will convene in early January to consider next steps.
Teachers will connect with students virtually on Monday and Tuesday (November 30 and December 1). The purpose of this time is to set expectations for online learning and make sure students have what they need to make this transition. Full remote instruction will begin on Thursday, December 3. We will return to the schedules that were implemented during our wholly online time in August. (The secondary schedule is attached. Elementary schools will share their schedules with parents).
During this time, attendance will continue to be taken and assignments and work will count toward grades. If students are struggling in any way, please connect with your school or teacher. All campuses have plans to support students in multiple ways. On Wednesday of each week, teachers will connect with their mentees as an additional way to support students.
Schools also will connect with parents and students to make appointments on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 to secure devices, medication or other specific items that may have been left at school. All school offices can be accessed by making an appointment.
There may be some exceptions to the fully online instruction on a case-by-case basis. Exceptions could include students with IEPs, IDLPs, or CTE course procedures that cannot be completed fully online. Any exceptions will include a plan for appropriate social distancing.
Mental health counseling and services will continue to be offered throughout this time, either through telehealth or by making individual appointments on a specific campus.
Athletics and activities
The Board of trustees met today and voted to follow the recommendations of SWDH, medical professionals and district high school administrators and athletic directors to postpone youth sports and extracurricular activities until at least Dec. 16, 2020 effective at midnight Nov. 29. Practices will be allowed to continue following Stage 2 protocols. The board will convene on Dec. 16 to consider next steps.
Food
While our buildings are serving students online, free lunches for any child (including breakfast for the following day) will be available for curbside pickup at Iowa, Willow Creek, Reagan, Sherman, Endeavor and West. Lunch service is from 11:15-11:45 a.m. We also will run a bus route to deliver meals to the following stops spread throughout the community:
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11:25-11:30 a.m. 13TH AVE N @ 7TH ST N (POOL AREA)
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11:38-11:43 a.m. BIRCH LN @ WATERCRESS AVE
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11:50-11:55 a.m. 807 N FRANKLIN BLVD/MASON CREEK RV PARK
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12:01-12:06 p.m. 1ST AVE N @ N GATEWAY ST (GATEWAY APTS)
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12:11-12:16 p.m. 9TH AVE N @ 6TH ST N (CHURCH OF ROCK)
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12:25-12:30 p.m. NAMPA CIVIC CENTER
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12:35-12:40 p.m. 12TH ST S @ 12TH AVE S (CURB BY NEW GROCERY OUTLET)
Childcare
There is limited childcare available through the Boys and Girls Club programs located at several NSD school sites. Preference will be given to parents who work in the medical field or are first responders. These sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis and have a minimal fee associated with them. If you are interested, please begin by filling out this form. https://form.jotform.com/202197567734161
Help Desk
If you need assistance with technology issues, our Help Desk technicians are available from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call 208-468-4777.
Community Resource Needs
Family Community Resource Centers will remain open and can assist families throughout the community with nutritional and other needs. You can find contact information for each of our center coordinators online at https://www.nsd131.org/apps/pages/FCRC.
Call to Action
Despite the precautions in place, COVID is affecting our campuses because of the significant spread in our communities. As we move to remote learning, we ask students and parents to continue to follow CDC guidelines so that we can return to face-to-face instruction as soon as possible. Limit gatherings outside of your immediate family, use face coverings, avoid crowds, wash your hands often, physically distance, etc.
We are committed to working with our students and families during this difficult time. Please reach out with your specific needs and we will work toward solutions.