Dear Oakers,

It is with a heavy heart that I have to announce that the increasing trend of Douglas County Covid-19 cases has placed us in the red zone for all grades to move to CDL.  This will take effect next week, Monday, November 23.  This Thursday, November 19 will be the last day for in person learning. In order to come back to on site K-6 we would need to be back in the green or yellow zone.  At this point we will target Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2020 as our return to in person school for grades K-6 IF Douglas County meets the metrics.  Remember the state does not report the data until Monday late afternoon.

Oakland Elementary School has mostly been in person for the entire school year thus far so we will have some professional development so they can have their CANVAS dashboard and lessons ready.  We will do some learning packets and check ins with students and families next Monday and Tuesday.  The rest of those days will be spent in PD and preparation for having all in place on CANVAS.  Students will be online fully Monday, November 30.  We will work hard to get organized with Chromebook checkouts for those students needing them and you should be hearing about that later this week.  Lincoln Middle School and Oakland High School have spent the school year on line with CANVAS so this should continue. Conferences will continue as planned this week.  Extra-curricular activities are on hold during this time.

For those students and families who have expressed that they wish to continue with distance learning despite school being open to in person learning I want to clarify that once that decision is made we need to stick with that through the year.  With limited teaching staff it is impossible for us to do in person teaching and online teaching simultaneously.  Be thoughtful, ask lots of question as you talk with your building administrator to determine what is best for your student.

I know this is not the news any student, parent, or district staff wants to hear or see.  With Thanksgiving around the corner let’s all try to have hearts and attitudes of gratitude.

Patti