Wapello Community Schools

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Eric Small, 2 days ago

The Wapello CSD Board of Directors will meet on Wednesday, April 8, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. in the Wapello High School Auditorium for their regular monthly meeting. To assist with Social Distancing during the COVID-19 Pandemic, the meeting will also be live streamed on the Wapello CSD Facebook Page. The meeting agenda can be found at the following link: https://5il.co/emzq #WeAreWapello #WapelloTribePride view image

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Michael Peterson, 2 days ago

April 3, 2020 Update: After yesterday's announcement by Governor Reynolds, today hasn't had much in the way of new school-related developments. Please take a look at the previous post explaining the differences between "Required" and "Voluntary" continuous learning options. On behalf of the district, I would like to extend a heartfelt "Thank You" to the community for all of the support that has been expressed. We are trying to reconfigure operations on the fly. We will have some successes. We will have some failures. It's all a part of learning something new. Everybody say it with me now... Wash your hands. Cover your cough. Wash your hands. Stay home if you are sick. Wash your hands. Practice social distancing. Wash your hands. I hope everyone is able to enjoy the weekend. Take care. #wearewapello #wapellotribepride

Michael Peterson, 2 days ago

Good afternoon! I wanted to try to provide some clarification on “Required” vs. “Voluntary” continuous learning Yesterday, Governor Reynolds announced that schools would remain schools closed through the month of April. She also announced that if districts do not want to have to make up the additional missed days, they must adopt either the “Required” or the “Voluntary” model for continuous learning. Wapello will be adopting the “Voluntary” model. So, what is the difference between “Required” and “Voluntary” distance learning? If a school is going to go the “Required” route, that means that school is considered to be open for business. Attendance is taken, assignments are given, grades are taken, and credit is assigned. However, in order for a school to use that route, there are equity considerations that have to be taken into consideration. For example, all special education modifications and accommodations must be in place. Students who needs English Language Learner supports must be given those supports. In the era of social distancing, I don’t see how that is even possible. In addition, we cannot guarantee that all students have a reliable source of internet. If a district cannot ensure that all students have an equitable opportunity, “Required” is not the way to go. For those reasons, Wapello is choosing to use the “Voluntary” route provided by the state. Under this model, the district provides resources for kids that are optional activities. Kids are encouraged to engage, but they are not required to engage. No assignments are given. No grades are taken. Under the “Voluntary” model, no student is put at a disadvantage for learning. Our teachers are in the process of establishing digital office hours, where they will be available to answer questions from kids or parents. The intention is to maintain connections with kids and still provide learning opportunities. One of the biggest questions people have had is concerning credits and graduation. School districts have been given the flexibility to assign credit based on work that students already completed before the shutdown. Districts have also been given the flexibility to determine if seniors qualify for a diploma. Districts have been directed to be generous when making these decisions. The goal is to not punish students for circumstances that are completely beyond their control. Students will still advance to the next grade. If you were passing your classes before the shutdown, you will not need to retake them. If you were on track for graduation before the shutdown, you will graduate. Life will be good. I am sure there are more questions that people have, so please do not hesitate to reach out to me. Mike

Eric Small, 3 days ago

Check out one of our students, Kenna Small reading with her cousins the story, Pigs Make Me Sneeze, via Zoom today. If you notice, everyone is wearing blue, in honor of World Autism Awareness Day! Enjoy! https://youtu.be/mtQ8uEJpUJs #WeAreWapello #WapelloTribePride

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