Community Update – August 3rd

(This email was sent to Saline Area Schools families and staff on August 3rd. Building leaders will be hosting “Zoom” meetings on August 6th & 7th for staff and families.)

August 3rd, 2020

Saline Area Schools Community, 

As many of you know, we have been working to determine the most effective approach to providing safe, high quality instruction for the coming school year and this is no small task. I am thankful for the efforts of the faculty and staff, community members, public health agencies, and educational leaders from around the country involved in helping us plan.

The SAS Connected Learning Plan that is being finalized outlines and describes the various instructional models in response to the 6 phases of the MI Safe Start Plan, including an all-virtual option and a gradual in-person option. Within this document, the following areas will be outlined for your reference: student learning pathways, communication structure, safety and hygiene, social and emotional wellness, special populations, transportation, food service, technology, childcare and other considerations. The SAS Connected Learning Plan will be published to the community shortly after approval at the upcoming Board of Education meeting.

The details of the proposed timeline for opening school this fall are as follows:

Notes: 

*Please know that the option you select will represent a commitment for the first trimester of school. We will allow for parents to revisit the current situation regarding COVID-19 at the end of the first trimester. 

*All hybrid and in person instruction is contingent on local health conditions and still being in Phase 4 (or higher) of the Governor’s Road Map.

Based on the information provided above, we are going to ask families to take a Connected Learning Plan survey that will ask you your instructional model preferences, technology and transportation needs. The timing for the development, distribution and communication of the plan is extremely condensed and evolves frequently. This week’s timeline, for your reference: 

• Monday, August 3rd: SAS administration held all-staff virtual meetings to discuss the Connected Learning Plan to receive feedback and answer questions. 
• Wednesday, August 5th: The Board of Education will hold a Special Meeting at 6:00 p.m. via Zoom. There will be a presentation of the Connected Learning Plan and this meeting is open to the public. Meeting information is linked here under “District News.” 
• Thursday, August 6th: The Connected Learning Plan survey will be sent via email to all SAS families. 
• Thursday, August 6th & Friday, August 7th: Community Webinars hosted by individual schools – please look for an email from your building administrator(s). 
• Sunday, August 9th: The Connected Learning Plan survey closes. 
• Tuesday, August 11th: SAS Board of Education conducts final vote on the Connected Learning Plan.  

We understand that you have many questions. The Let’s Talk platform is available to communicate quickly with our team. Please continue to look for more information throughout this week and thank you for your continued patience and support. 

Sincerely, 
 

Scot A. Graden

Superintendent