March 27, 2020
Dear Vanguard Classical School Families,
In response to Governor Jared Polis’ executive order to discontinue all normal in-person learning in Colorado through April 17th, Vanguard Classical School has closed both campuses. We are shifting to provide remote learning opportunities for students beginning on Tuesday, March 31st. The goal is to provide our students with meaningful lessons and access to teachers and support staff to engage remotely with students in a new type of learning environment.
We recognize this is new and uncharted territory. We ask for your patience, flexibility and support as we launch remote learning. Please know that our focus is on providing the best possible learning opportunities for all of our students during this extended school closure. Remote learning is certainly not a direct substitute for in-person classrooms, but it provides us with an opportunity to support learning while students are at home. Please note: a remote learning plan will not necessarily be a virtual learning plan for all students.
What Does Remote Learning Look Like at VCS?
K-8:
- Students in grades K-8 will not earn grades while remote learning is occurring.
- Each grade level/subject will put together menus focused on reading, writing, and math skills. The options on the menus do not require technology.
- Each grade level/subject will provide a list of online resources for those who choose to work online.
- Each teacher is responsible for creating an atmosphere of connection with students and families by reaching out regularly to every family, virtually or by phone.
- Each teacher will schedule office hours for three hours per day to provide support.
- Office hours will be staggered so families have the ability to contact grade level staff for additional support.
- All information will be posted on classroom webpages, and teachers will reach out to their own students’ families with customized details.
9-12:
- Students in grades 9-12 WILL be graded and will continue progress toward graduation.
- Instruction will focus solely on online learning experiences via the web-based Edgenuity platform where content match exists, and other remote learning experiences for courses not offered through Edgenuity.
- More information and access instructions to courses will be coming soon to these specific students.
English Language Learners
Students currently in the ELD program continue to qualify for services. VCS staff members will be placing weekly phone calls to students in the ELD program for speaking and listening support in English. Phone calls will last approximately 10 minutes and will occur 1 to 3 times per week based on your child's English proficiency level as determined by their 2019 ACCESS scores.
Exceptional Student Services
We will make every effort to provide appropriate special education and related services for students with disabilities. We have been given some flexibility on how to provide these services, so we are thinking about other ways to meet the needs of students.
- Chromebooks will be distributed to students with IEPs who do not have a home device.
- Instructional and related services will be provided through Google classroom instruction, Google hangouts, and by phone.
- Materials will be created by service providers and special education teachers and distributed to students.
- Open initial evaluations and reevaluations will be completed.
- IEP meetings will be held through Google hangouts and by phone.
Technology
VCS is currently able to provide school-issued Chromebooks for families with students in grades 9-12 and students who are receiving special education services. These students are required to have a device which can access technology and the internet (tablet, laptop, computer, chromebook, etc.) in order to meet graduation requirements and/or receive legally mandated special education services as outlined in their IEP. Again, these devices are available only to students in grades 9-12 and students receiving special education services who do not already have a computer at home.
Chromebooks will be distributed on Friday, March 27th from 8:00 am - 12:00 pm at the East Campus and 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm at the West Campus. This will allow families enough time to access WIFI or internet connectivity over the weekend and Monday. If you have questions and need help feel free to contact us at info@vanguardclassical.org.
Reasons VCS currently cannot go to 100% online instruction
- We must create an equitable plan.
- At present, not all VCS families have access to appropriate technology hardware.
- At present, not all VCS families have internet access.
The limited technology we have will go to…
- High School students
- Special Education students
FREE Internet Access
If you do not currently have internet access at home, but live in a Comcast area, you can sign up for 60 days of FREE Internet Essentials service. This is normally available to all qualified households for $9.95/month.
- Comcast is also increasing internet speeds for all existing customers who have Internet Essentials.
- To sign up, visit www.internetessentials.com. The accessible website also includes the option to video chat with customer service agents in American Sign Language. There are also two dedicated phone numbers: 1-855-846-8376 for English and 1-855-765-6995 for Spanish.
Technical Support
For tech support, send an email to info@vanguardclassical.org. A member of the team will respond within 24 hours.
Tips for Families to Support Remote Learning
- Establish a routine or schedule: During any big transition, consistency is key. Try to keep normal meal and bed times, and start learning when school typically starts each day.
- Take time to check in with your child: If possible, pick a specific time each day to check in with your child. Questions you may want to ask include: What are you learning today? Are there materials you need? What did you enjoy about today? What was challenging?
- Provide time for physical activity: Physical activity is important for everyone’s wellbeing.
- Stay updated on communications from your child’s teacher and school: Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have questions or concerns.
Mental Health Supports
If you or your student needs urgent counseling support during the extended Spring Break, call Colorado Crisis Services at 844-493-TALK (8255), or text “Talk” to 38255. This service is available seven days a week, 24 hours a day.
Starting Monday, March 30th, families can contact their campus’s mental health team on weekdays from 8:00 am to 3:30 pm. Additional resources will be added to the VCS website.
Reminder about FREE Meals (Now including Dinner!)
APS is distributing free breakfast, lunch and dinner at 16 locations to ALL children 18 and under. The meals, which include vegetarian options, will be available together for pickup through a grab-and-go system every Monday through Friday throughout the extended school closure. Please visit our website or APS’s website for a complete list of meal distribution locations and times.
Waivers for Instructional Hours
The Colorado Department of Education has waived the minimum number of school days and teacher-pupil instruction hours normally required under state law. Instead, districts must make every effort to provide alternative learning opportunities during this time. For VCS, this means that we are not expected to extend the school year or start early next year to make up for lost in-person instructional time.
Once again, we ask for your patience and flexibility as we navigate this new remote learning opportunity together. Please know that all VCS staff are committed to serving our community and we will continue to engage with you by phone or virtually.
We miss you and look forward next week to re-establishing contact between our dedicated teachers and wonderful students!
Practice social distancing and stay safe!
Sincerely,
Vanguard Classical School Leadership Team
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