Students receive coursework online as spring break ends but schools still closed

Students in the Weiser School District did not return to the brick and motar classrooms on Wednesday as an extended spring break came to a close.
 Instead, until at least April 20, which is the date the statewide “soft closure” due to coronavirus is scheduled to end, they will receive all coursework online.
 School district administrators and trustees have worked to put together a plan to deliver education to students at home during what all agree are unprecedented circumstances brought on by the coronavirus.
 Superintendent Wade Wilson said the school board held two special meetings to discuss coronavirus planning.
 The district’s administrative team and board member representative also met throughout the week last week to plan for the return of teachers and students. The school board approved that general plan at a meeting on Sunday.
 There are currently two precautionary measures in place to try to limit the spread of COVID-19 in Idaho.
 On March 23, the State Board of Education closed all schools until April 20. On March 25 the governor issued a 21-day stay-home order that is effective through April 15.
 During the “soft closure” schools are required to continue to provide services to students, including coursework and food service.
 An outline of the proposed remote learning model developed by the Weiser School District was sent to parents of students on March 28.
 Teachers made it a priority to contact the parents of students on Monday and Tuesday with details of how they will assign coursework.
 Students at the high school, middle school and Park Intermediate School have Google accounts. Teachers at Pioneer Elementary School would email or telephone parents.
 On Wednesday, April 1, teachers in the Weiser School District started assigning students schoolwork for each course. Students will have about four hours of work assigned each day.
 Teachers will come up with a way to take daily attendance. Students will have to set aside part of their day to complete their daily work.
 Teachers will be available from 8:20 a.m. to 4 p.m. to provide assistance. Teachers will inform students how they will communicate.
 The district will try to provide a chromebook to any student who needs one to work at home. The devices can be checked out by appointment at Weiser High School.
 Students who don’t have wi-fi at home can access the internet from the parking lot at each Weiser school during the closure. No password will be needed to access wi-fi.
 Officials ask that social distancing practices be followed.
 Many internet providers are offering free installation or discounted plans for families who need connectivity at this time. A list of providers has been posted on the school district website.
 Food service in the district started on Monday, March 30. Any child between the ages of 1 and 18 is eligible to participate and can receive a free “grab and go” lunch provided at Weiser Middle School.      Lunch will be available for pickup in the bus lane at Weiser Middle School from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. District officials encourage all children to take advantage of the opportunity.