Lexingon, SC (Paul Kirby) - On Sunday afternoon, Governor Henry McMaster ordered that all South Carolina schools close for the rest of the month due to the coronavirus. In a short time, Lexington District One announced their plans to deal with the impact of the closing due to the fast spreading virus.
In an e-mail from Superintendent Dr. Greg Little, he said, “This means that the district not only cancels school but also cancels all district programs, athletic practices or events, adult education classes, other school or district-related meetings, events, or extra-curricular activities scheduled for day or evening are canceled. However, we will hold a modified board meeting on Tuesday, March 17, at 7 p.m.”
Little went on to say, “I want to give you some more information about what else this means to Lexington District One. Even though we are closed, that does not mean that teaching and learning will stop in our district. However, it will take us a few days to get our staff and students ready for distance learning.”
On Monday, all Central Services employees, school administrators, instructional coaches, and digital learning coaches will work to finalize packets of instructional materials for elementary students and an e-Learning plan for students in Grades 6–12. It is their intent to launch those learning initiatives by Thursday”.
Little also said, “If any student did not remember to bring medications, digital devices (Grades 6–12), or other important personal items home, they can pick them up on Monday through Wednesday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.”
He also asked parents for their help by saying, “Parents, we need your help. We ask that the parents of students in Grades 6 through 12 immediately complete a short form. The information you provide will help us know which families currently do not have access to the internet and a computer at home, something they will need as we continue teaching and learning.”
Little said that the information they gather on the form will help them help you. They need this information no later than the end of the day, Monday, March 16. You can use this link to that form. LINK
On Tuesday and Wednesday, their instructional coaches, Information Technology staff, digital learning coaches and subject-specific coordinators will prepare their Grade 6–12 teachers and administrators to use e-Learning effectively. They will also help elementary teachers use that time to prepare paper lessons for their students. Principals will contact teachers to let them know their e-Learning professional development opportunities.
On Thursday, staff and students will begin teaching and learning through e-Learning. Principals will let students know where you can come if you encounter any problems with lesson development or delivery and need help.
Little said, “We know that many of our students rely on school breakfasts and lunches. We feel that it is our obligation to continue doing that during this break. We will continue to feed students during this closure by serving breakfast and lunch on weekdays starting this week. We will send out further information about the pick-up locations, etc. soon.”
Little said he was sure that this will not be the last time he communicates with parents and guardians as we, the District, is committed to providing accurate information.
Also, remember that they have created a webpage specifically for this purpose. This site includes links to information from the CDC and other agencies/organizations that you might find helpful. Because of problems going straight to the page on a telephone, please go to their website at www.lexington1.net and click on the “Questions about COVID-19?” banner at the top.
