March 21, 2020
Dear LSR7 Families:
We’d like to extend to you profound thanks for your patience and understanding as district leaders have strived to make swift preparations to navigate a new reality.
We are committed to sharing information with you as quickly as we can. To that end, we’d like to share an overview of our plans for virtual instruction and other services during our March 23-April 3, 2020 school closures and emphasize that we will continue to provide additional information regularly moving forward.
Virtual instruction
While virtual instruction cannot replace time in the classroom, we will stay connected to our students and continue to provide learning opportunities to the best of our ability. We plan to provide structure and normalcy for our school community by setting clear expectations regarding how students and staff should engage in virtual learning each day, while offering a level of flexibility and autonomy appropriate for the situation we find ourselves in. Students and teachers will be using the Schoology app to engage in virtual learning. Please refer to the district FAQ at lsr7.org/coronavirus or view a PDF for more details, and utilize the resources below:
Nutrition
Nutrition Services has released information about its plan to provide meals throughout closure to families who rely on the district for meals. Any student 18 and under can receive a breakfast and a lunch Monday through Friday. Buses will deliver meals to:
Ashbrooke Apartments, Sage Crossing Apartments, Knollbrook Street, NE Ridgeview Drive & NE Swann Rd, and Crossroads of Lee’s Summit Apartments on Town Centre, 11:00-11:30 a.m.
Westvale Crossroads, Oxford Place, 11:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
“Drive through” sites will be located at the Lee’s Summit North, Trailridge and Prairie View parking lots from 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Parents can drive up and request the number of meals they need.
Events
During the closure of school buildings, all extracurricular activities, athletics and school-related events, as well as student and staff travel and Before and After School Services, are cancelled. Please refer to the FAQ for more specifics about events, testing and elections. Right now, the district is working with building leaders to communicate impacts closures and other executive orders will have on proms and graduations.
Technology
The district’s technology department is actively addressing how to meet connectivity and Internet accessibility needs for students and staff, and building leaders and teachers will be communicating directly with families who indicated they have Internet/technology challenges in our recent survey. Teachers will leave assignments on their voicemails for students with Internet challenges.
It is critical that students take care of their computer batteries during this time of closure.
Next Week
The district will hold a staff-only virtual instructional planning day on Monday, March 23. Students will begin accessing virtual lessons starting on Tuesday, March 24, 2020.
Again, we want to thank you for your flexibility and willingness to support the district during this rapidly-evolving time. We will be in constant communication as we navigate this challenge together.
Best,
Katy Bergen
Executive Director of Public Relations
