SJCSD

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Thank you for your support and understanding as we have navigated this school year. We understand the COVID-19 virus has impacted our lives in ways we could not have predicted. As we progress into the school year, it has become evident that consistency in each class is imperative. We have allowed considerable movement between brick and mortar and school-based distance learning classes up to this point.

Now that we are past the first interim reporting period, we will no longer move students to school-based distance learning unless there is a unique high-risk health factor for a student. Prior to the end of the first grading period we will survey parents of distance learning students on their intent to return to the brick and mortar setting.

The high mobility of students this year has negatively impacted both the brick and mortar and school-based distance learning instruction. We asked for all parents to decide by July 17th which instructional learning model their child would use, though we have allowed continual movement through the first five weeks of school. At this time, we can no longer support movement to school-based distance learning. We will always accept the return of students to campus for brick and mortar instruction although it may take some time to transition them back. In addition, students who enrolled in St. Johns Virtual School are expected to remain in this option at least until the semester ends in January.

As we move forward, students who are quarantined under the direction of the St. Johns County Health Department may be given academic assignments either through Schoology access or by some other communication from the teacher.

The demand on the classroom teacher is far greater than should be expected. The teachers are doing amazing work, but it is increasingly more difficult to manage both platforms throughout the entire day. To provide the best instructional experience for your child, we need more consistency and fewer changes.

Finally, I want to thank you for supporting your child’s academic progress and school this year. We understand the impact of the COVID-19 virus extends well beyond the school, and we appreciate your commitment to ensuring a safe school for all students.

Sincerely,

Tim Forson
Superintendent of Schools
St. Johns County School District

Dear Parents and Guardians,

I hope that the first week of school was a positive experience for your child.  This has been the most challenging start to a school year that we have ever faced.  Our teachers and staff have worked countless hours to prepare for an educational model that is complex and very demanding.  I am very proud of the work of our schools and know that we are continuously refining and streamlining the processes and learning platforms we are using.

Many of our teachers are teaching students in a classroom while also simultaneously delivering instruction to students at home.  While we are committed to keeping all children on pace and focused on the same high standards, the way in which learning occurs will vary from the classroom to the distance learning setting.   Your child’s teacher is tasked with preparing variations in lessons because students are on two platforms.  Teachers need time to adjust to the demands of dual platforms and develop the most effective strategies that can be sustained.

To that end, I ask that parents use the same methods of communication that you have used prior to the pandemic.  Teachers cannot respond to parent communication during the school day while teaching.  The Schoology instructional platform is specifically designed as an instructional management system to be used by the teacher and the student.

The mobility of students between brick and mortar and distance learning is also a significant challenge to schools.  We understand that there are times when students move from one platform to the other perhaps due to COVID-19 exposure and extended quarantine, but it is vital that families remain committed to the option that was chosen to begin the school year.

This week is the start of many activities that make the school experience fulfilling for students and families.  High school athletics and extracurricular activities will allow very limited attendance for spectators.   It is imperative to maintain the COVID-19 protocols at all school activities and important to understand that there may be different protocols for events in other school districts.

Lastly, I want to share our thanks to all parents for your patience, suggestions and support as we have navigated this school year.   As we do not know the duration of this pandemic, we are prepared to adapt and modify as needed throughout this school year.  We will continue to provide feedback including the school district COVID-19 data located on our website.

Sincerely,

Tim Forson
Superintendent of Schools
St. Johns County School District