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March 26, 2020
“Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what's going to happen next. Delicious ambiguity.” - Gilda Radner
Kuna Families,
I hope you are healthy and well and have been able to enjoy Spring Break during this unprecedented time.
Next week, we enter a unique time for all of us: an extended school closure.
In case you missed it, the Idaho State Board of Education directed schools to close until April 20 as part of a statewide effort to protect all of us during this pandemic, and Wednesday Gov. Brad Little announced that Idahoans should stay at home through April 15.
What does all this mean for schools?
Our school buildings are closed except for essential services.
The stay-at-home order addressed schools and travel to schools as essential, specifically
“Educational institutions … For the purpose of facilitating distance learning or performing essential functions, provided for social distancing of six-feet per person is maintained to the greatest extent possible.”
“Travel to or from educational institutions for purposes of receiving materials for distance learning, for receiving meals, and other related services.”
What’s next for Kuna?
Changes are happening so quickly we are planning just a week at a time in phases.
These times are stressful and, frankly, a little scary for everyone. Some have lost jobs. Others are suddenly caring for children so others can work. Some are caring for those who are ill. Others may be ill.
Our plan recognizes these realities, and more.
Meals for children
Our free drive thru grab-and-go meals for children age 1-18 continues weekdays from 11 a.m. to noon at Kuna High School, Reed Elementary School and Ross Elementary School. Picking up meals is approved essential travel.
Educational opportunities
This first week (phase 1) looks a little different than we envisioned before Spring Break. It’s a practice week to identify what works and what doesn’t. Here’s what to expect March 30 to April 3:
- Monday
- Administrators will meet virtually to review and update our Extended Closure Expectations.
- Certified staff will work at home checking email and completing work prepared before Spring Break.
- Classified staff are expected to work at home unless otherwise instructed by your supervisor.
Tuesday
School-based certified and classified staff will meet virtually with school administrators to review the expectations during this time.
Families look for a message from principals sharing their plan to distribute one week of optional learning opportunities for students via email or texts from SchoolMessenger.
Wednesday
- Families look for a communication from your child’s teacher(s) about how to access these resources from your child’s school.
- Families may pick up or download materials. Picking up materials at school is approved travel.
- Families will identify what activities their students may do from a “menu” of optional learning opportunities which will not be graded.
Monday to Friday - District and school staff will identify how to meet the needs of our special education and limited English learners. Parents with children on Individualized Education Plans (IEP) will be contacted separately with more information.
Technology supports
Not everyone is equipped with computers and reliable online access to support distance learning or working from home. We have a small supply of devices we can provide to those in need. To help us identify how to allocate these limited resources to those most in need, could you please take this survey by 5 p.m. Sunday, March 29. Here’s the link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PJDV73X
Week of April 6-10
The first week back is practice for all of us as we evolve from our in person system to a distance one. We’ll learn and make adjustments for the following week. We will update you on what’s next as a part of our phase 2 plan as soon as we know.
We appreciate your patience, flexibility and understanding.
I began this message with a quote from comedian Glida Radner. Her quote reminded me that our attitude toward adversity and the unknown is key to a life well lived. In this unprecedented time in our history, we find so much ambiguity in our lives. While this ambiguity is challenging, I see every day how each one of us is turning this ambiguity into action. We are learning to work in new ways, we are being reminded of what is really important in our lives, and in all of this ambiguity, our community has come together to help one another.
I am honored to serve you.
Wendy Johnson
Superintendent
26 de marzo de 2020
“La vida es acerca de no saber, tener que cambiar, tomando el momento y hacer lo mejor de ella, sin saber lo que va a ocurrir a continuación. Ambigüedad deliciosa.” - Gilda Radner
Familias de Kuna,
Espero que se encuentren sanos y saludables y que hayan podido disfrutar de las vacaciones de primavera durante estas circunstancias tan complejas.
La próxima semana, entramos en un momento único para todos nosotros: un cierre prolongado de la escuela.
En caso de que no se hayan dado cuenta, la Junta de Educación del Estado de Idaho ordenó el cierre de las escuelas hasta el 20 de abril como parte de un esfuerzo estatal para protegernos a todos durante esta pandemia, y el miércoles el gobernador Brad Little anunció que los habitantes de Idaho deberían quedarse en casa stay at home hasta el 15 de abril.
¿Qué significa todo esto para las escuelas?
Nuestras escuelas están cerradas a excepción de los servicios esenciales.
La orden de quedarse en casa se dirigió a las escuelas y las salidas a las escuelas específicamente como esenciales
“Instituciones educativas ... Con el fin de facilitar el aprendizaje a una distancia o realizar funciones esenciales, se mantiene el distanciamiento social de seis pies por persona en la mayor medida posible".
"Salidas hacia o desde las instituciones educativas con el propósito de recibir materiales para el aprendizaje a distancia, para recibir comidas y otros servicios relacionados".
¿Qué va hacer Kuna?
Los cambios están ocurriendo rápidamente que solo estamos planeando las fases una semana al vez.
Estos tiempos son estresantes y, francamente, un poco aprensivo para todos. Algunos han perdido trabajos. Otros de repente están cuidando niños para que otros puedan ir a trabajar. Algunos están cuidando los enfermos. Otros pueden estar enfermos.
Nuestro plan reconoce estas realidades y mucho más.
Comidas para los niños
Nuestros distrito continuará con los alimentos para llevar gratuitos para niños de 1 a 18 años de edad de lunes a viernes de 11 a.m. a mediodía en Kuna High School, Reed Elementary School y Ross Elementary School. Recoger comidas es una salida esencial que es aprobada.
Oportunidades Educativas
Esta primera semana (fase 1) se ve un poco diferente de lo que habíamos imaginado antes de las vacaciones de primavera. Es una semana de práctica para identificar que funciona y que no funciona. Esto es lo que puede esperar del 30 de marzo al 3 de abril:
Lunes
Los administradores se reunirán virtualmente para revisar y actualizar nuestras expectativas de cierre extendido.
El personal certificado trabajará en casa revisando el correo electrónico y completando el trabajo que se preparó antes de las vacaciones de primavera.
Se espera que el personal clasificado trabaje en casa a menos que su supervisor le indique lo contrario.
Martes
El personal certificado y clasificado de la escuela se reunirá virtualmente con los administradores escolares para revisar las expectativas durante este tiempo.
Las familias buscarán el mensaje donde los directores les compartirán su plan para distribuir una semana de oportunidades para el aprendizaje opcional para los estudiantes, por medio de correo electrónico o mensaje de texto de SchoolMessenger.
Miércoles
Las familias buscarán una comunicación de maestro/a de su hijo/a sobre cómo acceder a estos recursos desde la escuela de su hijo/a.
Las familias pueden recoger o descargar materiales. Recoger materiales en la escuela es una salida aprobada.
Las familias identificarán qué actividades pueden hacer sus estudiantes de un "menú" de oportunidades de aprendizaje opcionales que no se les dará una calificación.
Lunes a Viernes - El personal del distrito y la escuela identificarán la forma de satisfacer las necesidades para la educación especial y los estudiantes de inglés como segundo idioma. Padres de familia con estudiantes que tienen un Plan de Estudios Individualizado (IEP) se les contactará por separado para darles más información.
Apoyo en la Tecnología
No todos los estudiantes están equipados con computadoras y acceso a Internet que sea confiable para apoyar el aprendizaje a distancia o trabajando desde casa. Tenemos una pequeña cantidad de dispositivos electrónicos que podemos ofrecer a los necesitados. Para ayudarnos a identificar cómo asignar estos recursos limitados a los más necesitados, por favor responda esta encuesta para el domingo 29 de marzo antes de las 5 p.m. A continuación se encuentra la encuesta, solo oprima en este enlace link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/288HY7Y
Semana del 6 al 10 de abril
La primera semana de regreso será una práctica para todos nosotros a medida que evoluciona nuestro sistema, ya que es diferente el aprendizaje presencial al aprendizaje a distancia. Vamos a aprender y haremos ajustes para la semana siguiente. Le informaremos sobre lo que sigue como parte de nuestro plan de fase 2 tan pronto como tengamos la información.
Les agradecemos su paciencia, flexibilidad y comprensión.
Inicie este mensaje con una cita de la comediante Gilda Radner. Su cita me recordó que nuestra actitud hacia la adversidad y lo desconocido es clave para una vida bien vivida. En este tiempo de circunstancias tan complejas en nuestra historia, encontramos tanta ambigüedad en nuestras vidas. Si bien esta ambigüedad es un desafío, veo todos los días cómo cada uno de nosotros está convirtiendo esta ambigüedad en acción. Estamos aprendiendo a trabajar de nuevas maneras, se nos recuerda lo que es realmente importante en nuestras vidas, y en toda esta ambigüedad, nuestra comunidad se ha unido para ayudarse mutuamente.
Es un honor servirles
Wendy Johnson
Superintendente
Update 3.23.2020
Parents and staff,
Today, the Idaho State Board of Education approved a “soft close” of the state’s schools until April 20. This means Idaho students, including ours in Kuna, will not return to campuses until at least Monday, April 20.
What does that mean for us after Spring Break?
The State Board directed districts to the best of their capacity to provide instructional opportunities during this closure recognizing many districts are currently on Spring Break.
We began planning for a short extended closure during the four days before Spring Break. After break, we will be engaging our staff and will update parents on how instructional opportunities will be provided.
The State Board also took other action today that impacts our students and provides flexibility during this statewide soft closure. Here are some highlights, the Board:
Suspended the senior project graduation requirement for the class of 2020
Suspended the college entrance exam required for the class of 2020 and 2021
Approved seeking a waiver from the U.S. Department of Education for ISAT testing in English Language Arts, Math, and Science
We will continue to monitor the situation. As soon as we know more, we will update you!
Stay Healthy!
In service to children,
Wendy Johnson
Superintendent
Padres y personal,
Hoy, la Junta de Educación del Estado de Idaho aprobó un "cierre temporal" de las escuelas del estado hasta el 20 de abril. Esto significa que los estudiantes de Idaho, incluyendo nuestros estudiantes en Kuna, no regresarán a las escuelas hasta el lunes 20 de abril.
¿Qué significa eso para nosotros después de las vacaciones de primavera?
La Junta Estatal dirigió a los distritos lo mejor posible para que brinden oportunidades de instrucción durante este cierre, reconociendo que muchos distritos se encuentran actualmente en vacaciones de primavera.
Nosotros comenzamos a planificar un cierre prolongado durante los cuatro días previos a las vacaciones de primavera. Después del descanso, contactaremos a nuestro personal y actualizaremos a los padres sobre cómo se brindarán las oportunidades de instrucción
La Junta Estatal también tomó otras medidas hoy que impactan a nuestros estudiantes y brindan flexibilidad durante este cierre temporal en todo el estado. Aquí hay algunos puntos destacados, la Junta:
Suspendió el requisito de graduación del proyecto final para los estudiantes en 12o grado para la clase de 2020
Suspendió el examen de ingreso a la universidad requerido para la clase de 2020 y 2021
Aprobó la solicitud de una exención del Departamento de Educación de los EE. UU. para las pruebas de ISAT en Artes del Lenguaje Inglés, Matemáticas y Ciencias.
Continuaremos monitoreando la situación. ¡Tan pronto como sepamos más información, los mantendremos actualizados!
Update: 3.18.2020
KSD Friends,
In response to Idaho Governor Brad Little and at the recommendation of the Center for Disease Control in implementation of “15 Days to Slow the Spread” the IHSAA office will implement an essential crew.
Beginning March 19 - March 27, KSD school-based personnel will be on spring break. Essential district personnel will continue to work from our office and/or home to answer questions by phone and emails.
The Superintendent and KSD Board of Trustees will continue to monitor and work with public health officials in developments of COVID-19 .
This is a time of uncertainty, we will continue to keep our schools and public cared for and informed.
Stay Healthy!
In service to children,
Wendy Johnson
Superintendent
Kuna School District
Update: 03/16/2020
Kuna School District parents and staff
School districts in Caldwell, Emmett, Kuna, Nampa, and Vallivue will cancel school for students Tuesday, March 17, citing federal direction today that groups of people be limited to 10 or less and that parents educate their children at home as prevention measures.
The districts will continue plans for teachers to use the remaining time to prepare instructional options for a possible extended school closure after spring break.
Parents in Kuna may pick up student medications from school offices at these times:
Elementary - 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.
Secondary - 7:30 to 9:30 a.m.
Please continue to check your email for updates.
Padres y personal del distrito escolar de Kuna
Los distritos escolares en Caldwell, Emmett, Kuna, Nampa y Vallivue cancelarán la escuela para los estudiantes el martes 17 de marzo, citando hoy la dirección federal de que los grupos de personas se limiten a 10 o menos y que los padres ayudan a educar a sus hijos en el hogar como medidas de prevención.
Los distritos continuarán con los planes para que los maestros utilicen el tiempo restante para preparar opciones de instrucción para un posible cierre prolongado de las escuelas después de las vacaciones de primavera.
Los padres en Kuna pueden recoger los medicamentos de los estudiantes en las oficinas de la escuela en estos momentos.
Primaria: 8:30 a 10:30 a.m.
Secundaria - 7:30 a 9:30 a.m.
Continúe revisando su correo electrónico para obtener actualizaciones.
Update:03/15/2020
School will be held Monday and Tuesday in Caldwell, Emmett, Kuna, Mountain Home, Nampa, and Vallivue school districts and Boise Catholic Schools. West Ada will also be in school on Monday and will be monitoring whether or not they will continue through the week.
All athletics and activities will be postponed through March 29.
As always, we honor the right of parents not to send their students to school. Absences on Monday and Tuesday will be excused without consequences.
March 18-20 school will be closed for students; staff will be planning how instruction would be provided should school need to be closed for an extended period after the March 23-30 Spring Break. Custodial staff will support the deep cleaning of facilities and plan for other services that may be needed such as meals, access to internet service, etc.
The decision wasn’t made lightly and reflects hours of discussions and consultations.
“Currently, the risk of exposure to COVID 19 is low in our communities. While we do not recommend school closure at this time as a measure to control the spread of disease, we support our local schools in their decision to close early to allow teachers to prepare for online learning if that should be needed in the coming weeks,” said public health officials from Central District Health and Southwest District Health.
The education leaders made their decision after a conference call with Gov. Brad Little and State Department of Health and Welfare Director Dave Jeppson.
Governor Little told the leaders that the community risk had not risen to a level to justify a closure of school considering the Center for Disease Control’s guidance. State and local health officials shared that the virus had not reached a stage of community spread. No evidence supports closing schools at this point effectively mitigates the spread of COVID-19.
Director Jeppson said the CDC and health officials support keeping schools open at this stage as the science does not support that closing effectively mitigates the spread of COVID-19.
The leaders noted that any decision to close school could adversely impact the ability of community healthcare and service responders to provide the necessary aide that is needed at this time.
Public health authorities say that social distancing is intended for non-essential functions. Examples of non-essential functions include sporting events, concerts, etc. However, essential functions such as workplaces, grocery stores, other retail outlets, schools, and government are functions that should continue based on information provided by the state’s public health officials.
Again, any student or staff member who is sick should stay home.
All districts and schools are continuing to evaluate this situation.
We are in this together as one KSD family. Thank you for being the rock for our children and one another. If I can do anything to help you, please let me know.
In service to children,
Wendy Johnson
Superintendent Kuna School District
03/13/2020
We want to share some key information with you as we work to keep our Kuna School District community updated with the status of our response to this unique situation.
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions (Updated 3.13.2020)
What is the Kuna School District doing to prevent the occurrence or spread of contagious disease such as the novel corona virus (COVID-19) on our campuses?
Prevention with good hygiene:We are reinforcing with all students and staffhand washing and respiratory hygiene. Hand washing hygiene includes frequent hand washing that is thorough and complete (20 seconds is recommended with attention to each finger and nail). Respiratory hygiene includes coughing into your elbow or a tissue followed by washing your hands and avoiding touching your face.
Disinfecting and Cleaning. Our custodial and transportation teams are sanitizing areas daily including high touch areas such as doorknobs. Nutrition staff sanitize between every meal service
Sending sick staff and students home. We are sending staff and students home if they have fevers and are feeling ill and advising staff and students to stay home when sick. They may return when they have gone 24 hours without a fever and without the use of fever reducing medication.
Travel. On March 12, the district canceled all district sponsored out-of-state travel for staff and students until April 30.
Communication and Partnerships. We are in contact with Central District Health Department and city, county and first responders in the area so that we can consistently share information.
What should I tell my child about COVID-19?
The National Association of School Nurses and National Association of School Psychologists have authorize a short guide called "Talking to Children about COVID-19 (Coronavirus).
Click here for English version and en Espanol.
Why not close schools?
On March 13, Idaho Governor Brad Little updated Idaho on the steps being taken to prepare during this time when we have no confirmed cases of COVID-19. Officials are NOT recommending Idaho schools close at this time: “New guidance from the CDC today was actually that schools practice more of hand washing and those practical matters at this time. They are urging schools, rather than close for Idaho, they are urging us and across the nation to just talk to kids about hand washing and hygiene like we are with adults.” The Centers for Disease Control also said: "Closing schools early in the spread of disease for a short time (e.g., 2 weeks) will be unlikely to stem the spread of disease or prevent impact on the health care system, while causing significant disruption for families, schools, and those who may be responding to COVID-19 outbreaks in health care settings. It may also increase impact on older adults who care for grandchildren."
Kuna School District will work with health officials to determine next steps should an outbreak occur in our community. Here's a link to the guidance for schools from the U.S. Center for Disease Control.
Where can I get more information?
About our district, check this website. Our first communication will be to parents and staff through email and text and then our website will be updated.
About Idaho, monitor the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare website at: https://coronavirus.idaho.gov/
The U.S. Center for Disease Control: https://www.cdc.gov/
FACTS ABOUT COVID-19
Coronavirus (also known as COVID-19) spreads through close personal contact with a sick person.
SYMPTOMS
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
Call your healthcare provider if:
- You have symptoms and have been to a country that has experienced an outbreak within the last 2 weeks of your travel.
- You have symptoms and have been in close contact with a person with a confirmed case of COVID-19.
PREVENTION
- Wash your hands often, with soap, for at least 20 seconds each time, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol
- Cover your cough/sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue away.
- Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Avoid close contact with sick people.
- Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces often.
- Stay home when you are sick.
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March 26, 2020
