Distance Learning Day Scheduled For Jefferson County Schools on August 28, 2020

In a statement released by Dr. Shane Johnston, Director of Schools

“We have now completed two full weeks of school and I want to thank everyone for all the different ways that groups have been supportive as we reopen school buildings.

Families need to be aware that we are going to be implementing Distance Learning Days in our district where all students remain at home and become distance learners for a day. The first Distance Learning Day will be next Friday, August 28, 2020.

There are basically three reasons to implement these days.

  1. Distance Learning days will align with the weekend or other breaks to allow additional time between student interaction.
  2. Secondly, teachers and employees will still report to work on these days and this time will be dedicated to lesson development by teachers and ongoing professional development to assist all staff members with both full time distance learners and in-person learners.
  3. Thirdly, these days will serve as practice days where everyone in the district will gain valuable experience through distance learning. Should we experience an extended building closure at some point in the year, these days will help identify areas that administrators, teachers, and families need additional support.

The distance learning days are considered school days. I will have additional information next week but wanted to go ahead and let you know this afternoon, so families have time to plan for next Friday’s distance learning day which is August 28, 2020. The next schedule distance learning date is in September and I will provide an update next week.

I would like to share a word about distance learning. This is year one of such a massive undertaking and there is a learning curve for all involved. We will experience some issues along the way, but I am confident that we all will be able to continue to work together to help provide a high-quality educational experience. While nothing replaces the impact and work of an in-person experience with a highly qualified teacher, all our students matter to us and the success of both in-person and distance learners is important.

Finally, never has there been a time where teachers and staff have been asked to do so much. In addition to the normal demands on teachers, they are being asked to take on additional tasks involving distance learning and sometimes duties due to health and safety requirements. Please take the time to thank a teacher and school employee.

I will provide an update no later than mid-week next week. Thank you for everyone’s support.”