Educational challenges continue

While some parents and students are adjusting well to the new adapted learning plan Hot Springs County School District #1 is using during this school closure, others are having a rough time with how everything works.

The district’s adaptive learning plan was approved by the state in late March and went into effect April 3.

The main instruction mode for those students in Kindergarten through fourth grade include using digital, online learning methods as well as instructional packets. For grades five through eight, they will use the same method and depending on the content area, will use both virtual and non-virtual learning.

The same methods apply to high school students, again, depending on the content area.

Each grade level and subject area will use a unique combination of tools depending on the age group and the design of the course.

Homes will be contacted to determine what their access is to technology and given assistance in that area if needed. If there is no internet access, learning packets are available on a weekly basis.

Those students who live in rural areas and are offline learners will have their learning packets delivered by the transportation department using their normal bus routes.

One of the big questions has been how they are going to track attendance for students in all grades.

Time that students spend online is tracked by a learning management system to track participation in the course. Teachers will also be tracking student work time to track participation in a course.

Teacher and student communication is another way to track time spent on work and eLearning Logs have been created to assist monitoring of specialized learning for IEP and IELP students.

The district is communicating in a number of ways with district-wide messaging, messages on the district’s website, social media, letters and memos.

It is up to parents to keep an eye on the messages and request more information if they feel it necessary.

The district expects some students will not respond to any of the different communications, but Superintendent Dustin Hunt has said participation so far has been good.

The counseling team will reach out to students to make sure they’re taking care of things and are available to chat with students who may be feeling overwhelmed.

Additionally, interventions will remain the same to ensure students are staying on track.

The district will be moving forward with pacing plans and anticipates being very close to normal.

The district’s biggest concern with pacing is in regard to K-3 literacy, which they will be prepared to offer possible intervention during the summer as well as at the beginning of next school year if needed. 

When it comes to the seniors and their upcoming graduation from school, the district is closely monitoring the 48 seniors on a weekly basis. Any student at risk of not completing requirements will have an immediate student improvement team meeting that will include the student, teacher and parents with a plan for on time completion.

Parents are encouraged to have contact with their student’s teachers to ensure they have everything they need to complete their work.

Working on assignments and engaging in classes is crucial to maintaining the number of days needed in order to keep from having to make days up during the summer months.

Chromebooks have been distributed to students, but there is always the chance there could be issues with them working, so the tech office is open from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., Monday through Friday for repairs.

The tech office can be found in the administration building, downstairs, next to the high school band room. Tech questions may also be emailed to :hscsd1@hotsprings1.org.

There has been a change in the food pick-up options that went into effect this week.

Going forward there will be pick-up available not only at Ralph Witters Elementary, but at the middle school bus loop and at the Owl Creek road parking area.

Pick-up times will be on Mondays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for breakfast and lunch to cover Monday and Tuesday.

Wednesdays will be at the same time, but will include breakfast and lunch for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.