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SCHOOL NEWS
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STUDENTS TO RECEIVE CHROMEBOOKS FOR UPCOMING SCHOOL YEAR
Greenwood Public Schools
Greenwood High School and Freshman Center will go One-toOne next year. is means that every student in grades 9-12 will receive a Chromebook to use for the 2020-21 school year.
e plan is to give these Chromebooks to students during the rst week of school, and students will be able to take them home every night to complete their work in Google Classroom. is is in an e ort to reduce paper usage and to minimize the need to sanitize shared technology.
Students should practice proper 28 resource management with these devices (i.e. care, charging, password management, etc.). Students will be able to keep these devices with them, both at school and at home, and should come to school with them fully charged each day.
At the end of the year, students will simply return the Chromebooks to their advisor. Greenwood Public Schools is excited to o er this free technology to students.
SCHOOL NEWS
SCHOOL SUPPLIES Required • Zipper Binder/Backpack • Blue/Black Ink Pens & Pencils • Post-it Notes • Pocket Folders (any color with pockets & prongs) • Notebook Paper • 2” Binder • Index Cards
FREE AND REDUCED PRICE MEALS AVAILABLE
Greenwood School District meals for their children. Only announces its policy for one application should be providing free and reduced price submitted for each household. meals for children served under Applications are also available the National School Lunch at the principal’s office in Program and School Breakfast each school. To apply for Program. Each school and/ free or reduced price meals, or the central office has a copy households must complete of the policy, which may be the application and return it reviewed by any interested party. to the school. Applications The policy is also available in the cannot be approved unless it current Student Handbook. The contains complete information price charged for a paid student as described in the instructions breakfast is $1.25; the price provided with the application. charged for a paid student lunch Applications may be submitted is $1.90 (PK-6) and $2.25 / $2.50 at any time during the school (7-12). year as circumstances change. used to determine eligibility for The information households HOUSEHOLD APPLICATIONS provide on the application The household size and income of determining eligibility and criteria identified below will be verification of data. will be used for the purpose free and reduced price benefits Applications may be subject to for SY 2020-2021. Children verification at any time during from households whose income the school year by school is at or below the levels shown officials. are eligible for free or reduced PUBLIC RELEASE –SY 2020-2021 price meals. CATEGORICAL ELIGIBILITY FOR FREE AND REDUCED PRICE MEALS
Greenwood School District announces its policy for providing free and reduced price meals for children served under the Household application forms Children who are members National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program. Each school and/or the central office has a copy of the policy, are being distributed by the which may be reviewed by any interested party. charged for a paid student breakfast is $1.25 of a Supplemental Nutrition The policy is also available in the current Student Handbook. The price ; the price charged for a paid student lunch is $1.90 (PK-6) and school with a letter informing $2.25 / $2.50 (7-12). Assistance Program (SNAP),
households of the availability HOUSEHOLD APPLICATIONS formerly food stamps,
of free and reduced price household are categorically The household size and income criteria identified below will be used to determine eligibility for free and reduced price benefits for SY 2020-2021. Children from households whose income is at or below the levels shown are eligible for free or reduced price meals.
FREE MEALS –130% REDUCED PRICE MEALS –185%
Household Size
Federal Poverty Guidelines Annual Monthly Twice per Every Two Month Weeks Weekly Annual Monthly
Twice Every Two per Month Weeks Weekly
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Each add'l person add 12,760 16,588 1,383 692 638 319 23,606 1,968 984 908 454
17,240 22,412 1,868 934 862 431 31,894 2,658 1,329 1,227 614
21,720 28,236 2,353 1,177 1,086 543 40,182 3,349 1,675 1,546 773
26,200 34,060 2,839 1,420 1,310 655 48,470 4,040 2,020 1,865 933
30,680 39,884 3,324 1,662 1,534 767 56,758 4,730 2,365 2,183 1,092
35,160 45,708 3,809 1,905 1,758 879 65,046 5,421 2,711 2,502 1,251
39,640 51,532 4,295 2,148 1,982 991 73,334 6,112 3,056 2,821 1,411
44,120 57,356 4,780 2,390 2,206 1,103 81,622 6,802 3,401 3,140 1,570
4,480 5,824 486 243 224 112 8,288 691 346 319 160
eligible for free meals. School officials will determine eligibility for free meals based on documentation obtained directly from the SNAP office. School officials will notify households of their eligibility. Households who are notified of their eligibility but who do not want their children to receive free meals must contact the school. SNAP households should complete an application if they are not notified of their eligibility by September 4, 2020.
Households with children who are members of currently approved Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, formerly food stamps, may submit an application with abbreviated information as described in the application instructions. Children certified as migrant, homeless or runaway by the district are categorically eligible for free meals. Contact Homeless Liaison, Suzy Wilson at 479-996-4142 or Migrant Coordinator, Monica Pruitt at 479-996-8884 with questions regarding migrant, homeless or runaway meal benefits. Foster children who are the legal responsibility of a welfare agency or court are also eligible for benefits regardless of the income of the household with whom they reside. Eligibility for the foster child is based on the child being the legal responsibility of welfare agency or court. An application for a household that non-foster must be completed for eligibility to be determined for the non-foster children. Contact Teresa Rose at 479-996-4142 with questions regarding foster children.
Children in households that receive WIC may be eligible for benefits. An application must be completed for determination of eligibility.
If a household member becomes unemployed during the school year, the household may be eligible for free or reduced price meals PROVIDED that the loss of income causes the household income to be within the eligibility criteria. An application should be completed for determination of eligibility
benefits. Greenwood Life includes both foster children and
Under the provisions of the free and reduced price meal policy the Food Service Director will review applications and determine eligibility. Teresa Rose 479-996-4142
Parents or guardians dissatisfied with the ruling of the determining official may wish to discuss the decision with the determining official on an informal basis. Parents wishing to make a formal appeal for a hearing on the decision may make a request either to: John Ciesla, Superintendent at 479- 996-4142.
A household may SUBMIT an application ANYTIME DURING | WWW.GREENWOODARLIFE.COM | AUGUST 2020 THE SCHOOL YEAR. 2 9
GREENWOOD PUBLIC SCHOOLS RE-ENTRY PLAN
Health & Safety
• Parents should use current
ADH Guidance to screen each student prior to sending the student to school.
• Water fountains will be replaced with touchless bottle fill stations. Students are encouraged to bring a refillable water bottle.
• Hand sanitizing stations will be placed throughout campus, including all building entrances/exits.
• Signage to encourage social distancing, hand sanitizing, etc. will be posted throughout campus.
• Custodial crews will distribute cleaning supplies to staff members to utilize throughout the day.
• Due to social distancing guidelines, we will not have any large group assemblies during the school day.
Nurse Protocol
• Our nurse’s office will have clearly designated areas for treating students with minor needs versus treating students who are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19. • Students will be screened by the school nurse before being placed in designated areas.
• Students sent home for illness will be checked out by the nurse and these students will need to be picked up in the designated parking lot outside the PE Gym.
• Students with a temperature over ADH guidance (100.4) will be sent home and will need to be fever free (without medication) for 48 hours before returning to school.
Transportation
• Parents should use current
ADH Guidance to screen their student(s) prior to boarding the bus.
• Students in grades K-12 are required to wear a face covering at all times while on the bus.
• Each bus will be disinfected after the morning and afternoon route.
• Parents are encouraged to transport their children. This will lighten bus loads for those students who do not have the option of being driven to school by a parent. This will assist with bus safety for our students and drivers.
Academics
• Both face-to-face courses and virtual courses will deliver new content. • Rigor will be maintained across the curriculum, with firm deadlines and earned grades.
• In the event all students must return to remote instruction, new learning will continue, utilizing the Google
Classroom platform and a variety of online delivery resources and assessments.
• Student progress will be closely monitored to determine if additional remediation may be required. If skills are identified as missing, the advisory period may be used to help students master missing skills.
Arrival to Campus & Before School Procedures
Bus Riders • Upon arrival to campus, students will either report to the Student Union for breakfast or to the GHS
Arena. Social distancing in both locations will be followed to the best of our ability. • At the 8:00 AM bell, students will then report to advisory to begin the school day. Car Riders & Student Drivers • Car riders and student drivers are not expected to report to campus until the start of 1st period (8:45 AM) • If these students arrive on campus before the start of 1st period, students are not allowed to congregate on campus. They must eat breakfast in the Student
Union or report directly to advisory.
• Teachers will make every effort to maximize social distancing within the classroom and other instructional spaces throughout campus.
• Each student will be provided one district issued washable face covering.
However, students may wear other forms of face coverings as long as they meet district requirements.
• Instructional spaces will be sanitized throughout the
school day.
Greenwood Life
Social Distancing Efforts: Passing Periods
• Students will not be allowed to congregate in hallways, restrooms, or other locations throughout campus.
• Movement from one location to the next should be quick and efficient. | WWW.GREENWOODARLIFE.COM | AUGUST 2020 3 0
• Face coverings will be required during passing periods and students should strive to maintain social distancing when possible.
• To reduce the amount of traffic and congregating in hallways, lockers will not be utilized. Social Distancing Efforts: Breakfast & Lunch • Menu modifications will be made in order to facilitate quicker meal serving times. • Multiple contact meal PIN keypads will be replaced with barcode scanners.
Barcodes will be placed on the backside of student ID cards. • Students who bring their lunch will report directly to the Arena. • While students are waiting in line, face coverings will be required and students should strive to maintain social distancing. • Spacing between chairs and tables in the Union will be increased and seating will be on a first come basis. • Once seating in the Union is full, additional students will take their food to the Arena where social distancing can be maintained. • After eating, students will be expected to wear a face covering. Departure from Campus & End of Day Procedures Bus Riders their 7th period classroom until buses arrive.
Car Riders & Student Drivers
• Car riders/drivers and students who are being picked up by a parent will be dismissed at the 3:05
bell. • Preferred student pick up locations are in front of the flagpole, behind the
Career Center, and behind the GMAC. Parents should avoid driving on the bus road.
Visitor Guidelines
• Visitors will be limited to scheduled appointments and will check in with the front office upon arrival.
• All visitors that enter the building beyond the rotunda will be screened using ADH guidance.
Professional Development
• Training for teachers is ongoing and will continue to be updated throughout the school year.
• The school calendar has been adjusted to allow for additional training prior to the start of school.
Specific training has been emphasized in the following areas: • Blended Instruction
• Remote Instruction
• ADH Guidelines
• Updated policies and procedures
• 3 1
Bus riders will remain in
WWW.GREENWOODARLIFE.COM | AUGUST 2020 | Greenwood Life
BULLDOG ONLINE LEARNING FAQ’S
What is Bulldog Online Learning? Bulldog Online Learning is an online curriculum platform developed and delivered by Greenwood teachers. This platform will provide a quality education covering the Arkansas state curriculum standards with the rigor and excellence of Greenwood Schools. The student will not attend any onsite classes, must be supported by a parent or guardian at home, and must have adequate access to internet service. Who is eligible for the Bulldog Online Learning program? All students in grades K-12 are eligible to participate in Bulldog Online Learning. However, Bulldog Online Learning is not the best fit for all students. Research shows that face to face interaction with a teacher, as well as the socialization that takes place in a traditional classroom setting is best for the majority of students. However, some students will thrive in an online setting with good work ethics and a strong parent/guardian coach in the home. In addition, parents who have medical concerns regarding COVID-19 may elect the online learning module for health reasons. What will my child’s day look like if enrolled in Bulldog Online Learning? Your child’s day will be flexible as they will work at their own pace. They will also have interaction with their teacher facilitator to assist with difficult concepts, interventions, feedback, and assessment. It is up to the student and parent to cover the materials provided and stay on track with the assignments. the usual school supplies you Will my student still be part of Greenwood Public Schools if would normally provide for your child. enrolled in Online Learning? If I sign up for Bulldog Online All students enrolled in online learning are Greenwood students as long as they live in Learning and it doesn’t work out for my child, can I move to face to face instruction? the Greenwood School District It is important that students or have been approved for who begin online learning school choice for the 2020-21 allow a reasonable amount of school year. All records and time to adequately adjust to transcripts will identify them the system before dropping. as a Greenwood student. However, we realize this type Can my child participate in extracurricular activities while in Bulldog Online Learning? At this time, the primary consideration for enrolling in Bulldog Online Learning is the concern of COVID-19. Therefore, students who choose online learning due to “medical issues” or concern of COVID-19 are not allowed to participate in extracurriculars of learning is not best for everyone and will work with families to move students back to the face to face classroom as needed. We strongly discourage moving back and forth between online and face to face without a valid reason. When do I need to decide between Bulldog Online Learning or traditional classroom? as these activities will present Although we are not setting a the same medical concerns as hard deadline for enrollment face to face instruction in class. in Bulldog Online Learning, Will Bulldog Online Learning follow the same school calendar? Yes, the online learning program will follow the same school calendar, but students are welcome to work from home whenever they choose. There will be no new instruction or scheduled teacher meetings during designated teacher noncontract days on the school calendar. we ask that if you want your child to start online learning with the first day of school, you should declare by August 7th. Any enrollees after August 7th may be delayed in their start of online classes. I want to see how social distancing and masks are handled at the start of the school year, so If I change my mind and want to move to online learning, what is the process? Greenwood Life | WWW.GREENWOODARLIFE.COM | AUGUST 2020 3 2 What materials will I need to purchase for my child with Bulldog Online Learning? Your child will need internet access and an electronic device. The school will assist with electronic devices if needed. There will be a materials list for each grade level typical of Parents can move their student to online learning upon request by contacting their school principal and onlinelearning@ greenwoodk12.com at any time in the school year. There may be a short wait time while the onboarding process is completed.
GREENWOOD SCHOOL DISTRICT 2020-2021 Calendar
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL...................................MONDAY, AUG. 24 LABOR DAY..........................................................MONDAY, SEPT. 7 PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES..........THURSDAY, OCT. 29 FALL BREAK...........................................................FRIDAY, OCT. 30 THANKSGIVING BREAK....WEDNESDAY- FRIDAY, NOV. 25-27 END OF 1ST SEMESTER.......................................FRIDAY, DEC. 18 CHRISTMAS BREAK...............................................DEC. 21- JAN. 1 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT.......................MONDAY, JAN. 4 START OF 2ND SEMESTER................................TUESDAY, JAN. 5
MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY.............................MONDAY, JAN. 18 PARENT/ TEACHER CONFERENCES..........THURSDAY, FEB. 18 WINTER BREAK......................................................FRIDAY, FEB. 19 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT.....................MONDAY, FEB. 22 SPRING BREAK.....................MONDAY-FRIDAY, MARCH 22-26 GOOD FRIDAY........................................................FRIDAY, APRIL 2 MEMORIAL DAY..................................................MONDAY, MAY 31 LAST DAY OF SCHOOL (NO SNOW)...........THURSDAY, JUNE 3 LAST DAY (WITH FIVE SNOW DAYS)........THURSDAY, JUNE 11
Greenwood Life
