Remote Learning in the SDMA

Remote Learning in the SDMA
Posted on 02/21/2023

Dear SDMA Families and Staff,

Even if the weather reports for this week are off a bit, it is looking like schools will probably be closed on Thursday. Depending on timing, winds, and plowing capacity, it is possible that there could be additional closings or delays on Wednesday and Friday as well.

While the make-up day scheduled for April 10 gives the district a little cushion with the required hours of instruction prescribed by the state, the high school could be in jeopardy of not meeting the required hours threshold if schools are closed for more than a day this spring and additional make up time is not scheduled.

Therefore, the SDMA will be piloting remote learning days for any full days of classes that are cancelled this week. Remote learning activities will be required at the high school level and left as optional at the middle school and elementary school levels. SDMA teachers participating in this pilot program will be sharing remote learning plans with students that are asynchronous. This means that students will be provided learning activities that do not require internet access for real time interaction with their teacher.

It is very likely that remote learning days will be used in the SDMA next year when less cushion is built into the district calendar, so teachers at all levels have been encouraged to use this pilot opportunity to see how it works. Feedback about the district's remote learning guidance will be solicited next week so adjustments can be made for the future as needed.

Thank you, and please stay safe during the impending winter storm.

Joe Zydowsky