Letter from Superintendent/Principal Rae Villebrun

Today is the beginning of Week 4 of Distance Learning. We have learned some things along the way and I am guessing you have learned some things, too.  First, we have learned that less is more when it comes to Distance Learning. The staff and I are doing our best to support your children and you through this time. If there is something more or less that we should or could  be doing, please don’t hesitate to share your thoughts with us. Second, we have learned that together, we can accomplish tasks we didn’t think possible. The teachers did an amazing job of putting the Distance Learning plan together and organizing materials and lessons. While this isn’t all that we have learned, we have also learned that the connections we have with students and families are what make schools a great place to be and learn. We miss the students and they miss us.

The grading for this last quarter will look different for most students. The reason I say most is because our K-4th grade students are graded on a standards based report card. The 5th-12th grade students are graded traditionally. For this reason, K-4th students will receive their grade according to the report standards and the 5th-12th grade will receive a Pass or an Incomplete. The Incomplete grade will allow them to make up any work that is missing without consequences. The Pass grade will be given to students who have made adequate progress in the class. Students who have earned an A in the class will be given an A. If you have questions or concerns about this, please connect with your child’s teacher.

Another aspect of grading is how teachers are keeping track of grades. We have always encouraged parents to go to Infinite Campus’ Parent Portal to review grades and assignments. However, Infinite Campus has not been updated as regularly as it has been in the past. Teachers have been altering deadlines to accommodate students. As a result, grades are posted at different times and assignments are not graded as they were previously graded.

I’m sure you are wondering if we are coming back to school this year. I am wondering the same thing. Governor Walz has not given us word as to how the end of the school year will look. I’m not sure what this means for our graduation ceremony or any other end of the year activities we typically have. As soon as I know, I will send information home.

As we continue to move through this system of Distance Learning, please know that if your child needs to take a day off from school work, let them take the day off. If the work is getting stressful or keeping your child on track is stressful, be sure to contact your child’s teacher. Teachers have set office hours and set times they will meet with students, but are all available to meet Monday-Friday throughout the day. Older elementary students and high school students have the capability of connecting with their teachers through Google Meets or through email. I realize the young elementary students will need your assistance to connect, but once they are connected, you should be able to take a break as the teacher will be working with your child. If you think your child needs more support, ask for it. If you think your child needs less support, be sure to let your child’s teacher know.

The school board is meeting April 27th at 6:00 p.m. through Google Meets. A link to join the meeting will be posted on the website and social media. The public is able to attend through the link.

The next round of homework will be sent on April 28th. Work will only be sent home every two weeks. The next two dates of homework delivery will be May 12th and May 26th.

There will be no Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments for students in grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, and 11. These are the grades that are tested each year. However, this year, the students will not be tested.

Students in 6th-11th grade have received an email with information to start the registration process. If you have questions, please contact Ms. Stupke at estupke@isd698.org or 476-2285 ext. 70211.

Virtual Spirit Days are happening right now. Please visit the school Facebook page to see what each day will be celebrating. Take a picture and send it to attendance@isd698.org or post it on the Facebook page. Prizes will be given.

Breakfast and lunch delivery is still an option. Meals are delivered each regular school day. If your child/children are not receiving lunches and you live in the district, please email Deb at dtorvick@isd698.org to be added to the delivery route. There is no charge for meals.

Dr. Rae Villebrun, Superintendent

rvillebrun@isd698.org

Floodwood School: Preparing all students to succeed.