What can families do to get ready?

Stay positive!

• We are so excited for students to return to our campuses
• Our goal is to do everything we can to make sure our schools don’t have to close because lots of people are sick 
• To help keep school open and keep people safe, we’re taking a lot of prevention measures and that means parts of school will be different than the past -- just like going to Costco or the grocery store is different now than it was before last March 
• What’s staying the same is the commitment of all the teachers, administrators, bus drivers, nutrition staff, and others who care about your child’s learning, their success, and their well being
• Please remember, school won’t be like this forever

Make a Plan A, B, & C for child care 

Parents should plan for possible short-term and long-term times when your child cannot be at school. This includes:

• Your child becomes sick and needs to go home 
• Health officials direct your child to stay home for two to three weeks because of COVID exposure or diagnosis
  • Isolation separates sick people with a contagious disease from people who are not sick. 
  • Quarantine separates and restricts the movement of people who were exposed to a contagious disease to see if they become sick.  
• Schools need to switch to alternative schedules to reduce the number of people in our buildings
• Schools are closed temporarily for all students  
• Schools are closed for an extended time for all students 

Model & practice prevention at home

Our schools are using multiple prevention strategies with a goal to avoid school closures. We recommend you buy a thermometer for home use and you model these prevention behaviors when away from school:

• Frequent hand washing; using sanitizers if soap and water aren’t available
• Practicing physical distancing
• Recommending flu shots for everyone: 6 months or older  
• Covering coughs and sneezes 
• Cleaning and disinfecting
• Monitoring your health & your family’s health and don’t work or go school when sick  
• Requiring the use of face coverings or masks

Model & wear face coverings at home & in the community

• Central District Health is requiring the use of face masks/coverings as an important effective, prevention strategy. To help us with this requirement: 
• Get some washable, reusable face coverings for your child(ren) to use while in school and on the bus. 
• Talk with your child(ren) about how to use the coverings. 
• Resource from the American Academy of Pediatrics gives some great ideas
• Practice wearing face coverings together as a family so that your child(ren) become used to wearing a face-covering prior to the start of school. 

Consider not having your child ride the bus

• Buses are cleaned, sanitized between routes, and every night.
• Given the number of buses in our fleet and the need to get students to and from school on a set schedule, physical distancing isn’t feasible
• If you can, help reduce the number of children on a bus by: 
  • have him/her walk or ride a bike if it is safe to do so or
  • transport your child to school and from school
  • follow the drop off and pick up procedures set by the school to keep kids safe
  • plan for congestion and wait times

Prepare for potential virtual/online learning at home

All students will have a device to use should learning need to shift to home or to an altered schedule. We hope schools won’t have to close, but to prepare we ask parents to:

• Make sure your child’s school has current contact information for your family including email; 
• Learn about the online tools your student will use: Schoology, Google Classroom, & other software--videos will be created to help you
• Plan for how your student would access the internet as needed to complete schoolwork. This would include identifying wifi hotspots near your home or your child’s school. We will have limited mobile hotspots available and hope that the State will be providing more.
• Plan to schedule online access if you have more than one student and/or a parent(s) will be working at home virtually

2020-21 School Calendars?

The 2020-21 School Year Calendar is available here: http://www.kunaschools.org/index.php/parents-students/school-calendars

New to Kuna School District?

Welcome!  Find out what your family needs to know here:  http://www.kunaschools.org/index.php/new-to-kuna-schools

After registering online, you will need to provide an original copy of the following to your child's school:

• An original or certified copy of your child's birth certificate
• Up-to-date immunization record(s)
• Proof of address (such as a phone or utility bill, or rental contract)
• Previous school transcript or most recent report card (if any)
• Custody paperwork (if applicable)

Starting Kindergarten in August 2020?

Please register at this site. 

After registering online, you will need to provide an original copy of the following to your child's school:

• An original or certified copy of your child's birth certificate
• Up-to-date immunization record(s)
• Proof of address (such as a phone or utility bill, or rental contract)
• Previous school transcript or most recent report card (if any)
• Custody paperwork (if applicable)

Immunizations Required for School?

Here is a link to the immunizations that are required for school in 2020-21. There is a new requirement for 12th graders!

Bus Routes?

Our goal is to publish bus routes by Aug 15. To reduce the number of students on our buses and support social distancing requirements, where safely possible we encourage students to walk or ride their bikes to school or for parents to drop children off at school.

Masks/Face Coverings Required?

To combat the spread of the virus, health officials ordered the use of face coverings or masks along with physical distancing, hand washing, etc. in our county. On July 17, we shared that face coverings were required in our schools. On July 28, the Central District Board of Health confirmed that mask requirements apply to our schools. Most individuals can wear cloth face coverings without a problem. Because of the county wide order and the requirement of many businesses, your children likely have been wearing masks already. Here are some helpful hints to help children with wearing masks. 

If you have concerns about your child and face covering please contact your doctor.

For school please plan to send your child with a cloth face covering that can be washed and reused. Images on coverings should follow the district dress code. According to the Center for Disease Control: cloth face covering should: fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face; completely cover the nose and mouth; secured with ties or ear loops; includes multiple layers of fabric; allows for breathing without restriction; can be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape.  

Supply lists?

All students K-12

• Crimson Point Elementary Supply List
• Hubbard Elementary Supply List
• Indian Creek Elementary Supply Lists: Kindergarten; First Grade; Second Grade; Third Grade
• Reed Elementary Supply Lists:
  • English - Kindergarten, First Grade, Second Grade, Third Grade, Fourth Grade, Fifth Grade
  • Espanol - Kindergarten, First Grade, Second Grade, Third Grade, Fourth Grade, Fifth Grade
• Silver Trail Elementary Supply Lists: Kindergarten, First Grade, Second Grade, Third Grade, Fourth Grade, Fifth Grade

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Fremont Middle School Supply List

Kuna Middle School Supply Lists: Sixth Grade; Seventh & Eighth Grades

What is the deadline for this decision?

The deadline is Aug. 3.

Is there a meeting on Aug. 3?

There is no meeting on the 3rd.  All information will be through email or on the district website prior to Aug. 3

Is there a charge to use digital learning option?

No.

Where do they register?

All students will sign up through Tyler. See the instructions above. For secondary students, individual classes will be set with the home school counselor.

When will I hear about my child's schedule?

Student schedules - online and in-person -- will be shared at the same time. Here’s when families can review schedules:  

• High & Middle School: The week of Aug. 17, Emailed to parents.
• Elementary: Aug. 21. Emailed to parents.

Will secondary students be required to attend registration?

Kuna secondary schools are developing a plan for registration to limit crowds and will email information before Aug 12.

Who will teach online classes?

We are partnering with Idaho Digital Learning Alliance for High School and are hiring Kuna teachers to teach grades K-8. All teachers are highly qualified and meet Idaho standards and background checks.

What will a typical day look like?

Similar to the typical on-campus school day, students will be scheduled for:

• Direct instruction led by the teacher (videos to watch and/or class live sessions to participate in) 
• Independent work time to complete assignments and school work.

Time logged in and online: could range from 

• approximately 30 - 90 minutes per day in younger grades, 
• up to 3 hours per course per week in older grades.

Other offline work time could include up to 60 minutes per day, such as: 

• Reading printed materials
• Creating projects
• Finding and counting objects, etc.
• Interviewing others in the family

*Please note, these times are estimates but may differ based on your child’s own needs and proficiency levels.

So will my child have a full day of school?

Probably not. Highly qualified teachers will support your student’s academic learning in an online environment. Parents or other adults will need to be physically present to ensure the student is on task when engaged in online learning activities. The adult present also needs to ensure the student takes regular breaks including time for meals and “recess.”

Will IDLA online learning have instructor-lead curriculum for all classes?

Yes. IDLA courses are instructor led, although some assignments are independent practice, similar to the typical classroom.

In elementary, will they be following the same curriculum as in-person schools?

Yes. Students will use the same curriculum they use at school.

For secondary, will the online curriculum be the same as the curriculum taught in classes held at KHS?

The same standards, yes. The same books, assignments and materials, probably not.

How much actual guidance will there be from a teacher?

Several hours per day. Both through video and written instructions.

Will there be KSD teachers or IDLA teacher?

This could be both / either depending on the number of students who enroll in the online program.

Is the virtual schoolhouse easy to navigate for parents?

Elementary (K-5) will use Google Classroom or Schoology
Secondary (6-12) will use Schoology

For secondary, when the second semester starts, would we have the option to then send her to the physical school?

Yes with a meeting with the principal and counselor.

For elementary, can we switch at the Trimester?

Elementary parents may request a meeting with the principal of the home school and develop a plan to switch between online and in-person.

Secondary Students can switch at the semester, or schedule a meeting with the principal and counselor to develop a plan regarding course credit.

Will online students interact as part of a class when doing the virtual option?

Online students will interact with their online class.

What if we changed our minds before Aug. 3rd and want to attend school at the building?

No problem, just let us know! You are welcome to have your child attend the school they are zoned for. 

Are the laptops/chromebooks available?

The district will provide a device for each student.

When do we pick up the device?

The week of Aug. 24.

Should we purchase the same school supplies as those that are going back to school?

In August, Schools will have designated pick up days, including devices.

Can my child still attend/participate in special programs or co-curricular options?

When possible, teachers involved in those programs / activities will host online.

Not every special program may be possible using distance learning.

Can we do the online option if we are in the Spanish immersion program?

It is not possible to offer the Kuna Spanish Immersion (Dual Language) online.

One of my students is taking some advanced classes, how will this work online?

Your child’s school counselor will ensure each child is enrolled in the appropriate classes for his or her level.

I was wondering if there will be an option for secondary students to attend both online and in-person classes?

Per class, Yes.  

• Students are welcome to attend in person for electives / “hands-on” classes (i.e. Band,  Construction, etc.)
• Students can then complete “core” classes online (Math, ELA, History, etc.)

So my child can do online and still take performance/hands-on class such as band or orchestra?

Online students are welcome to attend any course not offered online by joining an in-person class on school grounds. 

• Students would come to the school building and sign in at the office, walk to the classroom at the time of the class, and then sign out before returning home. 

Online students who do this would be expected to follow the in-school expectations when they are on campus

July 29, 2020

July 29, 2020

Kuna Parents & Staff

Tuesday, I shared with the Kuna Board of Trustees that the spread of the virus in our community has significantly worsened since the end of the school year and we will need to follow the steps in our reopening plan.

Next week, health officials will finalize the metrics or data points used to identify the level of transmission or “spread” of the virus in our community in one of three categories:

• Green Category 1 - No Community Transmission
• Yellow Category 2 -  Minimal to Moderate Community Transmission
• Red Category 3 - Substantial Community Transmission

The level of community transmission is important and will help us determine whether students will attend school every day or whether they will attend some days in person and some days online in a hybrid model. 

You may have seen reports that if schools in Ada County were to open today conditions would be “red,” reflecting the number of people infected, in the hospital, and deaths because of the virus.  

Because we don’t know what the actual level of community spread will be in a month, we will follow our plan to proceed carefully and start school in a hybrid model where students attend in person some days and remote learning on other days. The plan is to remain in the hybrid model through Sept. 30 and continue to monitor the metrics. Ultimately, our goal is to return all students to in person instruction five days a week. 

The hybrid model could look like this:

• Gold schedule - 50% of students would attend school in person Tuesdays and Thursdays.
• Blue  schedule - 50% of students would attend school in person Wednesdays and Fridays.
• Mondays - Digital day at home for all students and “early release” collaboration day for teachers

We will use student last names to create the groups keeping families on the same schedule. Some families have children with different last names and potentially different schedules. We will work with families to keep children in the same household on the same schedule. We will share more details about the specifics of the schedule no later than Aug. 7. 

To help us know what hybrid schedule would work best for you, please take a moment to complete this quick survey by Tuesday, Aug. 4.

To combat the spread of the virus, health officials ordered the use of face coverings or masks along with physical distancing, hand washing, etc. in our county. On July 17, we shared that face coverings were required in our schools. Yesterday, the Central District Board of Health confirmed that mask requirements apply to our schools. Most individuals can wear cloth face coverings without a problem. Because of the county wide order and the requirement of many businesses, your children likely have been wearing masks already. Here are some helpful hints to help children with wearing masks. 

It is our dearest desire that our community embraces the prevention measures our health and medical experts recommend and the level of the virus’ spread drops in August. 

That’s a lot of information. We will share more information next week. 

Please stay safe, 

Wendy Johnson, Superintendent 

July 17, 2020

July 17, 2020 

Kuna families,

I have some updates on face coverings and online learning options, as we prepare for the start of school next month. On Thursday, July 9, Governor Brad Little shared Idaho’s Back to School Framework for 2020. Our district’s reopening plan, approved by the Board of Trustees aligns with Idaho’s plan. In light of the recent surge in cases, the Central District Health Department announced that face coverings are required for everyone in Ada County, when social distancing of at least six feet cannot be maintained indoors or outdoors.  

What does this mean for us?  

We plan to start the 2020-21 school year, Thursday, Aug. 27 implementing the precautions outlined in our reopening plan including the required face covering order. In addition to our school-based instruction, we will offer an online option at each school. 

Face covering requirement

We recognize our families have different opinions about face coverings. School districts must follow health department directions, and we agree face coverings are an important part of prevention so that we are able to.

We ask that before the start of school, families get some washable, reusable face coverings for your child(ren) to use while in school and on the bus. Talk with your child(ren) about how to use the coverings. Practice wearing face coverings together as a family so that your child(ren) become used to wearing a face covering prior to the start of school.

Medical experts say most individuals can wear face coverings safely. There are some exceptions:

• Those with a disability that prevents them from comfortably wearing or removing a face covering;
• Those with certain respiratory conditions or trouble breathing;
• Those who are deaf or hard of hearing and use facial and mouth movements as part of communications; and 
• Those advised by a medical, legal or behavioral health professional that wearing a face covering may pose a risk to that person.

If the spread of the virus cannot be contained, our health and well being are threatened as is our ability to serve your children every day in our schools, to offer sports and extracurricular activities, and more. When working with us to make decisions about whether or not schools will close when positive cases are identified, Central District health will review prevention measures in place, including the use of face coverings. Please take a moment to review the information about school closures on potential closures on pages 2-3 of this document. 

KSD’s online option

We partnered with the online experts in Idaho -- the Idaho Digital learning Alliance -- to provide our families online programs and courses for elementary and secondary. We want to assure you that students choosing online instruction will still be connected to their home school, so should conditions improve they can easily return to their home school.

Principal Deb McGrath will coordinate our online programs and will work closely with each school.  If you have any questions regarding the online option, please contact Deb at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

If you are planning to have your child attend in-person next year, or if you have already communicated with your child’s school of your intent to enroll in our online option, you don’t need to do anything and can consider this letter just informative.

If you would like to change to the online option for your child, please complete the electronic forum through Tyler, our student information system by Aug. 3 so that class lists may be developed in time for the start of school on Aug. 27. To login in to Tyler:

In addition to the resources we have linked to in this document, we have created a parent guide to help you be best prepared for the coming school year. We will be hosting another digital town hall the week of August 3 to address your questions and concerns. Look for more information on this opportunity soon. 

I wish you and your family continued good health as we navigate this challenging time together.

In service to children,

Wendy Johnson, Kuna Superintendent

June 30, 2020

June 30, 2020 Update

Kuna families

Tuesday, June 30, our Kuna Board of Trustees approved the district’s reopening plan. During the next several weeks, school teams will be creating their specific plans to welcome students back Thursday, Aug. 27.

Thank you to the more than 450 individuals and 81 staff who provided feedback and questions on the draft plan. Many of your questions will be answered in your school’s plan.

One change made based on your feedback is that we added a hybrid option for instruction should we reach the “red zone,” where community spread is so significant we need to limit in person activities. In addition to an all online option, conditions may allow for students to attend in person some days and online other days.

Our greatest challenge will not be reopening. Our greatest challenge will be staying open.  

Health officials say these factors will contribute to closures when an individual or a group of individuals test positive for COVID in the school setting:

• Physical distancing strategies are not in place
• Students and staff do not consistently wear cloth face coverings
• Not cleaning and disinfecting appropriately
• Not washing and/or sanitizing hands frequently
• Not limiting the mixing of students
• Holding mass gatherings, especially with attendees outside of your local community
• Sick staff and/or students on campus when symptomatic

Our plan addresses all of these prevention strategies. Staying open depends on everyone doing what they can. While physical distancing is difficult in a school setting, cloth face coverings provide protection when physical distancing isn’t possible. We ask our families to join us and plan. 

Should conditions warrant another closure like last spring, we are ready. The learning experience will be very different with devices for every student, new learning provided, grading  student work, and attendance expectations. 

Our shared work will prepare us to be ready and resilient to reopen and stay open.  

Stay safe and healthy.

Wendy Johnson, Superintendent

June 23, 2020

June 23, 2020 Update

Kuna Parents

I have an update for you on our preparations to reopen schools this August and invite you to provide feedback. 

Monday, we met via a Zoom town hall with parents who volunteered in last May’s parent survey to review our draft plan to reopen. I was joined by Central District Health Department’s Gina Pannell to help answer questions. 

To put it simply, our plan is to reopen with students at school and also offer an online option for families who need this. 

Here is a link to the video where I reviewed the draft plan. The district’s draft reopening plan identifies key areas for schools to address in their preparation for next year based one of two conditions:

• Yellow: “Proceed with caution @ school.” This is our new normal until a vaccine is developed.
• Red:  “Stay safe @ home.” This would be deployed if needed because of a closure, but would be very different from last spring.

Some key areas to be addressed in school plans include:

• Prevention including:
  • Lessons in hand washing, hygiene, etc.  
  • Opportunities for frequent handwashing and/or use of hand sanitizer 
  • Use of physical distancing of students to the extent practical in classrooms, cafeterias, buses, events, etc. 
  • Recommended use of face coverings by students, staff and visitors as appropriate and practical
  • Use of district policy on sick students and staff
  • Enhanced cleaning and sanitization

• Integration of digital learning including:

• • Assign a device for every student to use in school and take home if necessary during closures
  • Use digital learning tools such as Google Classroom and Schoology daily when schools are in session  
  • Use of virtual classrooms if needed to support physical distancing of students 
  • Provide an online school option for those uncomfortable attending school in person 
  • Prepare to shift, if we close,  to online education with new learning, graded student work, and daily interactions with teachers 

One of the common questions from our town hall attendees was: “Did you consider … “ four day weeks, A/B schedules, morning/evening sessions, etc.” The answer is “yes,” we did. As we reviewed options, we concluded and believe the best option to support learning, students, and our families is to hold school every day and “proceed with caution.” 

We know from last year to expect conditions to change and our plans to adapt. We fully expect change and resiliency to be the hallmark of the coming school year. We also know that more than ever, we -- parents, community members, and schools -- will work in partnership as we all do things differently but strive to keep students in school every day working with their teachers. 

I invite you to learn more about the draft plan by reviewing the video and the PDF, and please take a moment to share your thoughts on this form: https://forms.gle/ZdnRQktbpHR8CL8PA by 5 p.m. Friday, June 26. We also are working on answers to some frequently asked questions and will share those soon.

Stay safe!

Wendy Johnson, Superintendent 

May 22, 2020

May 22, 2020 Update

“You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them,” -- Maya Angelou.

Kuna families

On this “last day of school” for our students, I want to thank you for your support this year and especially this crazy last quarter. 

Our community's deep-rooted commitment to our schools and students was clear from the moment we unexpectedly closed and started emergency distance learning services.  

There are many things we’ll remember from this strange time, but the most cherished will be your support -- providing hundreds of hand-made masks to keep our bus and nutrition staff safe, outpourings of appreciation for our teachers, adopting and recognizing our graduates, car parades to recognize students and staff, and more. 

This summer, we will be busy planning for a school year that will be different because of the virus and our need to keep everyone healthy. 

It also will be different than this spring, because we’ll have time to prepare and learn from the last 8 weeks. Our theme looking ahead is Ready & Resilient. Here are some answers to some questions I’m hearing:

What are teachers doing next week? 

Teachers are finalizing grades and reports, but most of the time will be spent on building skills to teach and work in an online environment. We will build on the foundation and lessons learned this spring to be ready for whatever next year throws at us! You are welcome to review each school’s schedule to see what our teachers will be doing. We appreciate the opportunity to get a head start on next year.

What about next year?

Thank you to all who took our survey about what worked this spring and what didn’t work. We also asked what you are thinking for next year should keeping our community safe mean changing the structure of how education is provided. You can review a summary of the results here. 

Your feedback shows a strong desire that if needed we offer a “blended” model that ensures students and teachers connect in safe group sizes and environments leveraging online resources. We asked parents who were interested in sharing more feedback with us to sign up to be considered for a “town hall” discussion. We’re planning a virtual town hall for mid June and will be following up with further directions on how you can attend for those who indicated their interest in the survey.

Fall 2020 Registration

If you haven’t already, please update your registration. Your information is essential to our planning and will help us finalize our class lists and course and class options for the 2020-21 school year.  

You should have received an email with information and instructions. In case you didn’t receive the email, you can access the e-form from the Tyler SIS parent portal located at http://sis.kunaschools.org/IDKN/parent

Did I hear sports are starting up this summer?

Schools in the Southern Idaho Conference (SIC), which include, Kuna, agreed to phase in activities for our student athletes following the Idaho Rebounds stages and Centers for Disease Control guidance. Starting in early June under safety restrictions, students will be able to begin individual conditioning in our gyms and weight rooms. As community health improves, activities can expand. In the SIC, we’ve agreed to limit travel and keep our kids in the Treasure Valley. 

Will grab and go meals continue?

Yes. We were notified this week by the State  that our nutrition department can provide grab and go meals through Aug. 7. These will be offered at the same locations and times weekdays except holidays. I am grateful for our dedicated staff who are committed to making sure our students have access to meals when school is closed. 

Will you keep us informed?

Throughout this rapidly changing time these last two months, we’ve strived for a weekly update to families from the district. Teachers and schools have been communicating frequently, too. With summer, we plan to update you as needed during June and July with more frequent communication resuming in August. 

While this school year will be defined by the virus and its impact on our schools and world, let’s not forget the amazing successes of our students and celebrate our graduates. If you didn’t get a chance to watch them Wednesday and Thursday here are the links to Initial Point and Kuna High virtual graduation videos. This spring doesn't alter their success, and we are excited to see them enter their bright future. 

Enjoy your summer and please stay safe and healthy. We look forward to serving students again in August.

Wendy Johnson, Superintendent 

May 15, 2020

“Vision is the art of seeing what is invisible to others,” Jonathan Swift

Kuna family

Next week, we wrap up an extraordinary time for our students. 

As I review the progress of the last quarter, one word comes to mind: resiliency. We all are adapting to a different “how” to do things from grocery shopping to schools. 

We pivoted from supporting students present in our classroom to emergency distance learning with children at home. 

Much of the “how” we do things changed from face-to-face instruction to electronic and paper materials, virtual connections through phone calls, and emails, and more. This distance learning format made much of what is normally visible for all to see invisible. 

I want to share a poem penned by Initial Point’s Amber Abercrombie and Shane Corbell: Take a look: https://youtu.be/wdkYrwK776E  

This past few weeks, it’s been wonderful to actually see our students at schools in special parades, picking up belongings, arriving in small groups to film virtual graduations celebrations, and more.

As we continue to build resiliency in our school system, I want to thank our parents for taking the survey we sent a few weeks ago. Your feedback on what worked this year, what could be different, and what options appeal to you should soft closures happen again. 

This information is guiding the work of the last week of school for our staff. As I shared Wednesday, our teachers will be using the last week of May to review the parent survey data, reflect on the past two months and learn skills that will help all of us be better prepared for the coming school year--both face-to-face and online instruction.

Updating your family’s information ASAP 

I also appreciate you sharing your input on plans for school next year and a desire to see online and blended options be considered given the lack of a vaccine for COVID. 

To help us finalize class lists and gauge resources needed for online options. We will be requesting that you complete our registration process in the next two weeks. We will be asking you to select the following options:

• My child will be returning to the KSD.
• My child will be returning to the KSD through an online option.
• My child will not be returning to KSD because we are moving to another school district
• I will be homeschooling my child. 

You will be receiving an email from the district through our student information system which is called Tyler Technology.

Time to return district-owned chromebooks, textbooks, uniforms and musical instruments

Starting May 27 through June 5, each school will have collection bins where families can return chromebooks, textbooks, uniforms, musical instruments and other district-owned equipment. 

Students who will be participating in summer school will not need to return their chromebooks until the end of the summer session. 

On May 27 schools will distribute student-owned items such as yearbooks, supplies, etc. Your school will communicate the specifics to you. 

Driver’s education classes

The classroom portion of our driver’s education program will begin on June 1. However, the driving portion of the class is still postponed until after June 26 as outlined in Governor Little’s guidelines.  

Information regarding upcoming driver’s education classes can be found at: https://kunadriver.weebly.com/

Please mark your calendars and “attend” graduation with us:

• 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 20 virtual Initial Point High School graduation premiering on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/InitialPointHS/

• 7 p.m. Thursday, May 21 virtual Kuna High School graduation premiering on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/KunaKavemen/ and YouTube at the Kavemen Productions at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0oUAfPFlxHb1hz0-yoIzqA

Kuna High also has tentatively set 3:30 p.m. July 2 for an in person graduation ceremony at the Idaho Center. Like other area high schools, we are hopeful that health in our community will improve and this ceremony can be held. We will monitor state restrictions and make a decision in mid-June.

Supports for families

Our counselors, social workers and nurses compiled a list of resources for individuals who may have lost employment or need additional support during this time.

Please tune into KSD 3 News 

We’ve continued our video reports. This week will include updates on the donations of land to the district for a new school, Swan Fall’s new logo, and an update on a new partnership with the city!

Please stay safe,

Wendy Johnson, Superintendent

Parents please take our survey to help us learn from your experience this year and help us plan for next year.  

In English: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CFBKTLJ

En Español: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/62D7TQ6

May 14, 2020

5.14.2020  Update for families 

Parents

Last night, the Board of Trustees changed students’  last day of school from Friday, May 29 to  Friday, May 22.

This idea first emerged from our Parent Advisory Council that suggested ending early to provide relief to weary families who are juggling disrupted work lives, suddenly supporting learning at home, and more.

As I considered this feedback and listened to concerns about learning loss in students and training needs for our teachers, I identified this time as  essential to help us prepare to serve your children when we reopen in August.

I shared with the Board that during this final week for teachers, they will:

• Finish year end work: report cards, class lists etc.
• Identify a plan to help each student recover lost learning this quarter; and
• Build their skills to teach in an online environment. 

Your schools will share details about returning Chromebooks and other year-end activities.

We will continue to provide free meals through the end of June and we’re working on the plan for our traditional summer feeding program.

I want to thank all of you for providing feedback on our survey. We are using it to shape our plans for next year.

Wendy Johnson, Superintendent

May 1, 2020

May 1. 2020

Kuna families -

Welcome to the start of the final month of an unusual school year!

I am excited to see the health of our community is improving, and our state is beginning to safely reopen. I appreciate Governor Little’s phased approach to reopen, but recognize it means our school buildings will not reopen, and we will finish the year in emergency distance education.

In the midst of finishing this school year strong, we are also preparing for next year’s school year. This may mean welcoming back students to our classrooms should health conditions continue to improve in our community as well as other scenarios should conditions decline.

In the next few days, we’ll ask you to complete a survey. We want to know what worked well this spring and what didn’t. We also want to know what options should be available if another long-term emergency closure is necessary to keep our community safe.

As we enter our final month of the school year some updates:

K-3 Parents: Idaho Reading Indicator

As you know, the state requires students in kindergarten through third grade take the Idaho Reading Indicator (IRI) in fall and in spring. The State Board of Education was not able to waive this requirement because it is a state law and would need legislative action.

Recognizing that many students would not be able to securely take a computer-based test from home, the Board did set aside its accountability requirements for students and schools that are tied to the IRI.

What does that mean for us? Some students will take the IRI, some won’t, and that’s OK because the state won’t collect, report, or use the results.

Some students will take the test because they are using the iStation online program to practice skills. The state also uses iStation to test students. When a student logs in for the first time in May, they’ll take an assessment, which is the IRI. The test doesn’t look any different than what they are used to doing in the program.

We wanted to make you aware, and assure you there is nothing extra you or your student need to do. Those not using iStation or unable to access it, you do not have to worry about this.

Senior Parents: Graduations will be celebrated, just differently

Our graduations will change to protect the vulnerable in our community during this pandemic.

We know that doing something different is disappointing to many. In talking with parents, students, and staff, the high schools are planning celebrations that will honor our graduates in unique and special ways.

Both Kuna High and Initial Point are working on video tributes featuring graduates on their planned graduation dates. Videos now ensure we are able to film and recognize and celebrate every graduate before they scatter to their bright futures. The video tribute also allows everyone, even those at risk to participate in this celebration.

An in-person graduation was the top choice in the graduation survey for Kuna High. Parents, staff, and students wanted us to continue to pursue a traditional, in-person ceremony. We’ve contacted the Idaho Center. They’ve identified new dates for area high school graduations. KHS is tentatively set for 3:30 p.m. July 2. Like other area high schools, we are hopeful that health in our community will improve and this ceremony can be held. We will monitor state restrictions and make a decision in mid-June.

Principals Brian Graves and Jason Reddy will be sharing more with families about filming graduates for their videos next week.

Teacher Appreciation Week

Next week is Teacher Appreciation Week. This school year will certainly be one of the most memorable school years in the history books. While you may not be able to celebrate our amazing teachers through traditional methods of the past, I know each of our teachers would appreciate a note of gratitude from you and your child.

Be well and stay safe.

In service to children,

Wendy Johnson, Superintendent

April 25, 2020

4.25.2020 Update for families/ Actualización para familias

Desplácese hacia abajo para obtener información en español

“Stay safe but do not forget to sing.”

― Lailah Gifty Akita

Kuna family

Pivoting our “in person” school system to a “distance” learning one without preparation and pre-planning is an amazing challenge for our educators and for families.

We’ve made considerable progress since the closure of our buildings in mid-March. 

I’m excited to share we’re transitioning to the next phase. 

Transitioning from Phase 1 to Phase 2 

A reminder that we are following a three-phase plan to guide our journey to teacher directed learning for students in their home. 

Schools are transitioning from Phase 1’s with menus of optional learning opportunities -- to Phase 2’s with learning plans that students are expected to complete.

In the coming days, students and parents will see more structured learning plans from your children’s schools and invites to regular virtual class meetings. Teachers will be sharing, if they haven’t already, what platforms will be used such as Google Meets, Bloomz, Schoology, etc.

Supporting learning at home 

We ask families to do some simple things that apply when students are attending “traditional” school as well:

• Communicate with your child(ren)’s teacher. Share what’s working well. Share challenges for your child in learning at home.

• Help students “go to school.” Identify times to focus on learning. Younger students may need help logging onto platforms.

• Talk about the value of learning and the importance of completing plans. 

• Don’t stress. We are all in this together. Our team will work with you to meet the individual situation of each family.

Accessing schools to retrieve items

Our school buildings are closed. We are working on plans that would allow families to retrieve items left at school. We don’t expect that to happen until later next month as we gear up to wrap up this unusual school year.

I’d like to end with an invitation to “sing.” Share what is working well for you and your family during this unusual time for us, Idaho, the nation and the world.  

Stay safe!

Wendy Johnson, Superintendent

 "Mantente a salvo pero no te olvides de cantar" 

― Lailah Gifty Akita

Familias de Kuna

Hacer un cambio de nuestro sistema escolar "en persona" a uno de aprendizaje "a distancia" sin preparación y planificación previa es un desafío increíble para nuestros educadores y para las familias.

Hemos progresado considerablemente desde el cierre de nuestras escuelas a mediados de marzo. Estoy muy emocionada de compartir que estamos haciendo la transición a la siguiente fase.

Transición de la Fase 1 a la Fase 2

Les recordamos que estamos siguiendo un plan de tres fases hacia el aprendizaje dirigido por el maestro para los estudiantes en su hogar.

Las escuelas están haciendo la transición de la Fase 1 con menús de oportunidades de aprendizaje opcionales-- a la Fase 2 con planes de aprendizaje que los estudiantes deben de completar.

En los próximos días, los estudiantes y los padres verán planes de aprendizaje más estructurados de las escuelas de sus hijos e invitaciones a reuniones de una clase virtual. Los maestros compartirán, si aún no lo han hecho, qué plataformas se utilizarán, como Google Meets, Bloomz, Schoology, etc.

Apoyando el aprendizaje en casa

Les pedimos a las familias que hagan algunas cosas simples que también se aplican cuando los estudiantes asisten a la escuela durante los días normales:

• Comuníquese con el maestro/a de su(s) hijo(s). Comparta lo que les está funcionando bien. Comparta los desafíos que su hijo está teniendo con el aprendizaje en casa.

• Ayude a los estudiantes a "ir a la escuela". Identifique horarios para enfocarse en el aprendizaje. Los estudiantes menores pueden necesitar ayuda para iniciar sesión en plataformas.

• Hable sobre el gran valor del aprendizaje y la importancia de completar los planes de estudio. 

• No se estresen. Todos estamos en la misma situación. Nuestro equipo trabajará con ustedes para satisfacer la situación individual de cada familia.

Acceder a las escuelas para recuperar sus pertenencias

Los edificios de nuestras escuelas están cerrados. Estamos trabajando en planes para  permitir a las familias recuperar sus pertenencias que se quedaron en la escuela. No esperamos que eso suceda hasta los últimos del mes próximo, ya que nos estamos preparando para terminar este año escolar tan inusual.

Me gustaría terminar con una invitación para que “canten”. Compartan lo que funciona bien para ustedes y su familia durante este momento inusual para nosotros, Idaho, la nación y el mundo.

Por favor manténganse seguros!

Wendy Johnson

Superintendente

April 16, 2020

4.16.2020

Kuna families

Some quick FYI items and then I want to take some “time” to update you on some temporary staffing changes. As always, thanks for reading these updates and watch for us on Facebook Live.

Change in packet pick up locations

Where your family picks up paper instructional packets will change next week. The time will remain the same from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesdays but now you will pick up materials from your child’s schools -- following the same safety precautions. Look for details from your child’s school. Device distribution is still by appointment from the district office. 

Tech-at-home tips

• District filtering - Some parents report that they are encountering unwelcomed ads when accessing some online services. Please know you will need to monitor the online environment for your children as the district’s internet content filter doesn’t extend to your home learning environment. 
• Zoom - If your district Chromebook or device is unable to connect with the Zoom meeting software, please call our tech support at 472-9700. They will call you to set up an appointment to update the device. 

Secondary spring sports fees 

On Tuesday, the Kuna Board of Trustees authorized us to reach out to you with options for fees paid for spring sports and activities that were canceled.

Schools will contact families of middle and high school students who purchased an Associated Student Body card and paid participation fees after Feb. 1, 2020. Families may opt to apply the fee to next year, be reimbursed, or donate the fee. Look for more information soon!

Graduation options

We want to honor our seniors and their accomplishments. We are making alternative plans should social distance restrictions remain in place to keep us all safe. High schools are surveying our seniors and their parents on some ideas and gathering their ideas. 

Crisis Resources

Our Parent Advisory Council asked that we help connect our community with resources available to support our families beyond learning needs. Here’s a link to what we’ve compiled: http://www.kunaschools.org/index.php/crisis-supports

Budget Holdbacks

Tuesday, we also updated the Board of Trustees on pending cuts in funding to our school district. Here are some quick points: 

• In light of the economic slowdown, the state will cut funding to schools this year by 1% and we expect reductions in transportation, nutrition, and Medicaid funding. Our current estimate of this impact on our current year funding is about $875,000. 

• We’ve been told to expect a holdback for the coming year, but have no details other than it could be 5% or more. 

• We do expect some federal stimulus funds, but it appears this funding will be targeted to specific uses. It could help us with next year’s holdback.

Temporary staffing changes

I know that you care for our staff who serve your children as much as we do, and I wanted to let you know about a temporary reduction in our staff -- not your child’s teacher(s) -- and what it means for those employees and for services to your family.

As you know, the state extended the closure of school buildings through the end of the school year with the requirement we provide distance learning support to students at home.

During a short emergency closure such as a snow day, staff don’t work but are paid. This emergency closure, however, is very different. Our teachers and administrators are able to serve children remotely. Many of our classified staff, however, work in jobs based on providing services to students when they are present on our campuses such as providing breakfast and lunch, busing students to and from school, providing support as a paraprofessional, etc. These staff usually don’t work when students are gone for holiday breaks, spring vacation and the summer. 

We’ve identified other work for some, but not all. We cannot continue to pay staff for not working.  

In light of the economic downturn, Governor Little recently announced cuts in funding for all state agencies and public schools, this school year and next year, too. 

After reviewing several options, we decided to furlough 121 employees. We will continue to provide health insurance for those furloughed, who are on our health insurance plan. All 121 employees will return to work once school resumes.

A furlough is the best option as it:

• Allows eligible employee to access unemployment benefits which are enhanced because of the COVID crisis rather than receiving no pay check;
• Is easier to bring back staff when school reopens; and
• Saves money to provide services to your children when school reopens.

I want to assure you that our emergency services for families  -- free weekday meals for children and home delivery of instructional materials and meals -- will continue during this closure and are not impacted by the furlough. 

It is our dearest hope that the spread of the COVID-19 in our community recedes quickly so we can bring our furloughed staff back, reopen our doors, and serve our students on our campuses.

Thank you again for reading these updates!

Please stay safe

Wendy Johnson, Superintendent

April 9, 2020

April 9, 2020

4.9.2020

Kuna families

Some updates for you.

State extends “soft closure”  

The State Board of Education Monday extended its soft closure (buildings are closed and distance learning continues) through the end of the school year. Schools may reopen this year if certain criteria are met which the Board will set next Monday. The Board also asked Gov. Little to waive some requirements in law including:

• instructional time requirements for earning high school credit, 
• the civics test for high school graduation, and  
• the spring Idaho Reading Indicator for kindergarten through 3rd grade.  

Next steps

We will continue our three-phase plan to move to teacher directed distance learning.

Currently, we are in Phase 1 and made a lot of progress our first week including:

• connecting teachers to collaborate and finalizing materials to send home, 
• connecting with our families and students to assess their needs, 
• serving hundreds of meals every week day at three sites, and 
• distributing our first learning packets.

This week, our Phase 1 work continues. We are:

• creating and distributing more learning opportunities for students,
• connecting with our families with students with special needs.
• checking out by appointment Chromebooks/devices to families without a device,  
• using buses to start delivering materials and meals to families without transportation,
• ordering additional devices and wifi access points,
• continuing to communicate and update our community,
• discussing how to recognize seniors should the current graduation plan need to change. Seniors and their parents should look for a survey soon.  

Note:  if you haven’t heard from a teacher -- please email them. We are learning that many folks won’t answer a call from an unfamiliar or unidentified number. Also, our middle school and high school teachers are using Schoology to communicate and create assignments. If you have communicated but aren’t getting a response, please contact your child’s principal.

Rainbows

During this stormy time of changes, we are experiencing some amazing rainbows, too:

• Volunteers answering the call to make face masks to help keep our nutrition and transportation staff safe;
• Girl Scout Troop 275 donating four Chromebooks for families who need them;
• Community members donating nearly 100 computers and others who cleaned those devices to be repurposed for kids through our partnership with Idaho Business for Education and HP;
• Families picking up meals for those who are ill or can’t get to a meal site; 
• Swan Falls High School is still on track to open in August;
• We are able to accelerate improvements to our high school track; and
• Some buses have returned to service in order to deliver education packets and food.

Please know that while the learning location is distant, your teachers are nearby virtually. You’re not alone. Your child’s teachers welcome your questions and comments. 

Stay safe

Wendy Johnson

Familias de Kuna

Les tenemos algunas actualizaciones.

El estado extiende el “cierre prolongado”  

El lunes, la Junta de Educación del Estado extendió su cierre prolongado (los planteles escolares están cerrados y el aprendizaje a distancia continúa) hasta el fin del año escolar. Las escuelas pueden reabrir este año si se cumplen ciertos criterios que la Junta establecerá el próximo lunes. La Junta también le pidió al gobernador Little que suspenda algunos requisitos legales, entre ellos:

• requisitos de tiempo de instrucción para obtener crédito en la High School, 
• el examen de educación cívica para graduarse de la High School, y 
• La prueba del Indicador de Lectura de Idaho de Primavera para alumnos de Kínder a 3er grado.  

Proximos pasos 

Continuaremos nuestro plan de tres fases para pasar al aprendizaje a distancia instruido por el maestro.

Actualmente, estamos en la Fase 1 hemos hecho un gran progreso en nuestra primera semana, incluyendo:

• conectando maestros para colaborar y finalizar materiales para enviar a casa, 
• conectando con nuestras familias y estudiantes para evaluar sus necesidades, 
• sirviendo cientos de comidas todos los días de la semana en tres lugares, y
• distribuyendo nuestros primeros paquetes de aprendizaje.

Esta semana, continuamos con nuestro trabajo de Fase 1. Estamos:

• creando y distribuyendo más oportunidades de aprendizaje para los estudiantes,
• conectando con nuestras familias que tiene estudiantes con necesidades especiales, si la maestra/o no se ha comunicado con ustedes, envíele un correo electrónico. Nos estamos dando cuenta que muchas personas no responden una llamada de un número desconocido o no identificado.
• prestando por medio de una cita previa Chromebooks / dispositivos a familias que no tengan un dispositivo en casa,  
• usando autobuses para comenzar a entregar materiales educativos y comidas a familias que no tengan modo de transporte,
• ordenando dispositivos adicionales y puntos de acceso wifi,
• continuando con la comunicación y actualización en nuestra comunidad,
• Discutir cómo se podrá hacer un reconocimiento a estudiantes que van a graduarse de la High School si el plan de graduación actual necesita cambiar. Los estudiantes y sus padres deben de estar pendientes de una encuesta que se les enviará muy pronto.  

Por el lado positivo

Durante este tiempo tormentoso de cambios, también estamos experimentando algunos cambios  increíbles:

• Voluntarios respondiendo al llamado para hacer cubrebocas y ayudar a mantener seguro a nuestro personal de nutrición y transporte;
• La Tropa 275 de Girl Scout donando cuatro Chromebooks para familias que los necesitan
• Miembros de la comunidad donando cerca de 100 computadoras y otros limpiando esos dispositivos para ser reutilizados para los estudiantes. Gracias a Negocios para la  Educación de Idaho y HP por su gran ayuda y coordinación; 
• Familias recogiendo comidas para aquellos que están enfermos o no pueden acudir a uno de los lugares donde se ofrecen las comidas; 
• La High School Swan Falls aun esta programa para abrir su puertas en agosto de 2020;
• Podremos acelerar las mejoras a la pista deportiva de la High School; y
• Algunos autobuses han regresado a dar servicio con el fin de entregar paquetes educativos y comidas a las familias. 

Tenga en cuenta que si bien el lugar de aprendizaje es distante, sus maestros están cerca virtualmente. Recuerde, ustedes no están solos. Los maestros de sus hijos agradecen todas sus preguntas y comentarios.

Por favor manténganse seguros,

Wendy Johnson

April 2, 2020

April 2, 2020

Update: Device/Chromebook Device & Technology

Kuna School District Families

I am grateful for your patience during this phase 1 set up period. To remind you, some of our key goals during phase 1 are to:

• identify needs and connect resources to meet those needs,
• reestablish relationships within our new normal,  
• create and distribute optional family activities successfully (electronically and through packets), and
• distribute computers to those who need it.

This update is focused on important updates on technology at home.

Family device distribution

It is important that every family can access online information to support learning and communicate with schools and teachers.

We have a small supply of devices to check out to families in need. We will start checking them out next week by appointment only.

Our first priority will be for families without any device in the home. We are using survey data and information from teacher and school contacts with families this week to identify those families. After every family has a device, our next priority will be families with multiple students. 

We are grateful for a new partnership with HP, Idaho Business for Education, and the Kuna Chamber of Commerce to repurpose donated devices for our students.

WiFi Access

We have set up some outside WiFi Hotspots at these locations:

• KHS student parking lot
• FMS curbside and outside of cafeteria
• Hub / IC / Reed / CP / ST: front curbside
• Ross: Front parking lot and Bus drop off area
• IPHS / KMS: Front parking lot

We have one indoor WiFi Hotspot at the 4th Street Gym bleachers weekdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

At each site social distancing rules are required.  No groups of 10 or more. Individuals who are living in the same household, must stay a minimum of 6 feet away from others.  KSD staff will monitor.

We are grateful to Sparklight for installing a free hotspot at W. 4th St between N. Maple Ave & N. School Ave. The name is “Sparklight Free Hotspot.” There is no  password. 

Other Wifi hotspots in the valley offered by SparkLight can be found using this link: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1eAjVGaETCBOmPyTeAuRSkpn9WPYO-6QE&usp=sharing

Internet Access at Home

Many internet providers are offering low cost plans for families. Here’s a link to a comprehensive list in English and Spanish: https://isde-my.sharepoint.com/:x:/g/personal/cacampbell_sde_idaho_gov/EWanrzdOkltBrOvKATTapqsBP-2-JAvr0jewfDWkMSeL8Q?e=u9fnq5 

Help Desk

Our technology teams can answer questions. You may reach them at: call and leave a message at 208-472-9700. Please be patient with response times during this busy time.

Slow software programs

Some parents are reporting that our internet-based applications are slow: Schoology, IReady, etc. Our tech team confirmed with our vendors this is not a Kuna issue, it is a national issue as students across the U.S. are accessing these tools from home during this pandemic. 

Filtering

Some parents report that they are encountering unwelcomed ads when accessing some online services. Please know you will need to monitor the online environment for your children as the district’s internet content filter doesn’t extend to your home learning environment. 

Again, I am thankful for your patience as we make this transition to distance learning.

Stay Safe

Wendy Johnson, Superintendent

Actualización: Dispositivos/Chromebooks y Tecnología

Familias del Distrito Escolar de Kuna 

Les agradezco su paciencia durante este período de configuración de la Fase 1. Solo les quiero recordar que unos de los objetivos clave durante la Fase 1 son:

• identificar necesidades y conectar recursos para satisfacer esas necesidades,
• restablecer relaciones dentro de nuestra nueva normalidad,  
• crear y distribuir las actividades opcionales para las  familias (electrónicamente y mediante paquetes), y
• distribuir computadoras a quienes lo necesitan.

Esta actualización se centra en cambios importantes sobre la tecnología en el hogar.

Distribución de dispositivos para la familia

Es importante que todas las familias puedan acceder información en línea para apoyar el aprendizaje y comunicarse con las escuelas y los maestros.

Tenemos una  pequeña cantidad de dispositivos para prestarlos a las familias necesitadas. El préstamo de dispositivos comenzará la próxima semana solo por medio de una cita.

Nuestra primera prioridad será para las familias que no tengan un dispositivo en el hogar. Esta semana estamos utilizando datos de encuestas, información de maestros y contactos con las familias escolares para identificar aquellas familias que necesiten los dispositivos. Después de que cada familia tenga un dispositivo, nuestra próxima prioridad serán las familias que tengan más de un estudiante en casa. 

Estamos agradecidos por tener una nueva asociación con HP, Negocios de Idaho para la Educación y la Cámara de Comercio de Kuna para reutilizar los dispositivos donados para nuestros estudiantes.

Acceso WiFi

Hemos establecidos lugares de acceso WiFi en las siguientes ubicaciones:

• KHS en el estacionamiento para estudiantes
• FMS en la banqueta y afuera de la cafetería
• Hub / IC / Reed / CP / ST: en la banqueta que está frente a la escuela
• Ross: estacionamiento frente a la escuela y en la parada del autobús escolar 
• IPHS / KMS: el estacionamiento frente a la escuela 

Tenemos un punto de acceso WiFi interior en las gradas del Old Gym localizado en la calle 4 de lunes a viernes de 9 a.m. a 2 p.m.

En cada sitio se requiere que usen las reglas de distanciamiento social. No está permitido  grupos de 10 o más. Las personas que viven en el mismo hogar deben mantenerse a un mínimo de 6 pies de distancia de los demás. El personal de KSD estará a cargo de la supervisión.

Agradecemos a Sparklight por instalar un punto de acceso gratuito en la Calle 4 entre N. Maple Ave y N. School Ave. El nombre es "Sparklight Free Hotspot". No hay contraseña

Otros puntos de acceso Wifi en el valle que ofrece SparkLight se pueden encontrar usando el siguiente enlace: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1eAjVGaETCBOmPyTeAuRSkpn9WPYO-6QE&usp=sharing

El Acceso a Internet en el Hogar

Muchos proveedores de internet están ofreciendo planes de bajo costo para  las familias. A continuación esta el enlace donde usted puede encontrar una lista completa en inglés y español: https://isde-my.sharepoint.com/:x:/g/personal/cacampbell_sde_idaho_gov/EWanrzdOkltBrOvKATTapqsBP-2-JAvr0jewfDWkMSeL8Q?e=u9fnq5 

Ayuda para la Tecnología

Nuestro personal de tecnología puede responder a sus preguntas. Para comunicarse con el personal:  llame y deje un mensaje al 208-472-9700. Por favor, sea paciente durante este tiempo tan ocupado, ellos les responderán tan pronto como puedan.

Programas de software lentos

Algunos padres reportan que nuestras aplicaciones basadas en Internet son lentas: Schoology, IReady, etc. Nuestro personal de tecnología confirmó con nuestros proveedores que este no es un problema de Kuna, es un problema nacional, ya que los estudiantes de los EE. UU. Están accediendo a estos dispositivos desde casa durante esta pandemia. 

Filtración 

Algunos padres reportan que están encontrando anuncios no deseados cuando acceden a algunos servicios en línea. Por favor tenga en cuenta que usted necesitará monitorear el contexto en línea para sus hijos, ya que el filtro de contenido de Internet del distrito no se extiende a su ambiente de aprendizaje en el hogar.

Nuevamente, agradezco su paciencia mientras hacemos esta transición al aprendizaje a distancia.

Por Favor Manténganse Seguros,

Wendy Johnson, Superintendente

March 26, 2020

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

I don't have Wifi

WiFi Access

We have set up some outside WiFi Hotspots at these locations:

• KHS student parking lot
• FMS curbside and outside of the cafeteria
• Hub / IC / Reed / CP / ST: front curbside
• Ross: Front parking lot and Bus drop off area
• IPHS / KMS: Front parking lot

We have one indoor WiFi Hotspot at the 4th Street Gym bleachers weekdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

At each site social distancing rules are required.  No groups of 10 or more. Individuals who are living in the same household, must stay a minimum of 6 feet away from others.  KSD staff will monitor.

We are grateful to Sparklight for installing a free hotspot at W. 4th St between N. Maple Ave & N. School Ave. The name is “Sparklight Free Hotspot.” There is no  password. 

Other Wifi hotspots in the valley offered by SparkLight can be found using this link: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1eAjVGaETCBOmPyTeAuRSkpn9WPYO-6QE&usp=sharing

How does my student access all their programs?

Students need to www.clever.com/in/kuna click login with google and use their school username followed by @kunaschools.org and password. Once in Clever they have access to all the programs they need. 

Where do I find my student's username and password?

Your student's teacher can provide this information.

Istation won't run on my PC?

If you are trying to run Istation on a Windows PC or Mac you will need to download the app. That can be found here https://www.istation.com/Support

Istation/Clever/IReady on IPad?

To access these on an IPad you will need to download all three apps. After they are all downloaded, login through the Clever app and launch Istation/Iready through Clever. Older Ipads might not be supported. 

How does my student access Zoom?

Zoom will prompt an install of an app on the device. 

If you are unable to do that, you can use the in-browser client by following these steps:

1. Click the link provided by the teacher
2. When prompted to install an app/program/client cancel it, go back to the tab where it says "Launching"
3. Click "Click Here" ("If nothing prompts from browser, click here")
4. It will try again, but will also now show you "If you cannot download or run the application, start from your browser." 

Click this link and you will now be using the in-browser client.

Access denied on Chromebook

If you are encountering an error saying your account does not have access, please back out to the original login screen. It will look like the picture below. Instead of clicking "Next" click "Sign in with a different account" and you will be able to login with your Kuna School District account successfully. 

Slow software programs

Some parents are reporting that our internet-based applications are slow: Schoology, IReady, etc. Our tech team confirmed with our vendors this is not a Kuna issue, it is a national issue as students across the U.S. are accessing these tools from home during this pandemic. If you experience these issues, be patient, they are generally worked out in a few hours. 

DEVICE CHECK-OUT & CHECK-IN

DEVICE CHECK-OUT 

A Chromebook and charger will be made available to students for the 2020-2021 School Year. Parents and students must sign and return the Agreement for Chromebook Use. 

DEVICE CHECK-IN

Individual school devices, device chargers, and any optional accessories (charging cables) must be returned during designated check-in times at the end of the school year. Students who transfer to another school, withdraw, are suspended or expelled, or terminate enrollment in the Kuna School District for any other reason during the school year will return their school device and accessories on or before the date of withdrawal. 

CHECK-IN FINES

Students and parents/guardians are responsible for returning the school device, charger, and accessories in satisfactory working condition. The student or parent/guardian will be responsible for:  

• Any school fines assessed for any device repairs  
• Replacement costs for a device that is not returned at the end of the school year or upon withdrawal or is damaged beyond repair  

Repair costs will not exceed the replacement cost of the device (see “Repair and Replacement Costs” section) 

DISTRICT POLICIES AND PROGRAM GUIDELINES 

The device is school property and all users will follow Kuna School District Policy, District Student Handbooks, all guidelines published on the Kuna School District web site, and relevant school/classroom rules. Relevant District policies can be found here:  

• 696: Computer Software 
• 698: Computer and Network Service

DEVICE SUPPORT

Our technology team can answer questions. You may reach them by calling 208-472-9710 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Please be patient with response times during this busy time.

Alternatively, you can email your student's teacher with details on the issue you are having and ask them to put in a help desk ticket. 

We are unable to support personal devices.

CARING FOR YOUR DEVICE

Students are responsible for the general care of the device they have been issued by the school. Devices that are broken or fail to work properly must be taken to the designated school or District location for evaluation. 

GENERAL SAFEGUARDS 

• Only use a clean, dry soft cloth to clean the screen; do not use cleansers or liquid of any type. 
• Cords and cables must be inserted carefully into the device to prevent damage. 
• Students MAY NOT personalize their device in any way (no decals, stickers, engraving, no markers, etc...)
• Students are responsible for their charging cable and accessories and should not loan these items to friends or family members.   These should not be used with any other device.
• Students should avoid placing too much pressure and weight on the screen. The District recommends using a bag with several pockets to keep the Device and other items separated. Always place your device on top of a stack of books, never at the bottom. 
• The device should not be left out in extreme heat or freezing weather.  

SCREEN CARE 

The device screen can be damaged if subjected to rough treatment. The screen is particularly sensitive to damage from excessive pressure on the screen. 

• To protect the screen from damage, device screens should face towards the student’s backs when placed in backpacks. 
• Do not lean on the device. 
• Do not place anything near the device that could put pressure on the screen.
• Do not place anything inside the protective cover that will press against the screen.
• Clean the screen with a soft, dry cloth or anti-static cloth.
• Do not set pens, pencils, or anything on the keyboard; closing the case with anything between the screen and keyboard will crack the screen and can cause damage to the keyboard, mousepad, and screen hinges. 
• Do not carry the device by the screen. 

PERSONALIZATION OF DEVICES 

The device is the property of the Kuna School District. Personalizing the device in any way is prohibited. 

• Students may not label, apply stickers, or write, inscribe, or scratch on the device.  
• Students may not remove or cover District or manufacturer labels and stickers.   Do not remove any parts of the device. 

USING YOUR DEVICE

Devices are intended for educational use such as accessing the curriculum, educational websites, school messages, announcements, calendars, and schedules.

DEVICE USE GUIDELINES 

• Students will be held responsible for maintaining their devices and keeping them in good working order. 
• Device batteries must be charged and ready for school each day. 

• Devices should be protected from extreme heat or cold, pets, and moisture. 
• Devices that malfunction or are damaged must be reported to Kuna Technology support as soon as possible. The Kuna School District Technology Department will facilitate the repair of malfunctioning devices. See the Repair and Replacement Costs section of this agreement for costs to students/parent guardians for damaged devices.  
• Devices that are stolen must be reported immediately to the Kuna School District Technology Department (208-472-9700). Students/Parents Guardians are also responsible for reporting stolen devices to the Kuna Police Department's non-emergency number (208-577-3860). 

DEVICE IDENTIFICATION 

• Student devices will be labeled in the manner specified by the Kuna School District. District identification labels/stickers must not be covered or removed. Devices may be identified in the following ways: 
  • Record of the serial number 
  • Kuna School District barcode(s)

STORING YOUR DEVICE 

• When not in use, devices should be stored securely. 
• Nothing should be placed on top of a device when stored at home, in a locker, desk, or bag. 
• Devices that are left in school lockers or PE lockers overnight remain the student’s responsibility.  
• Devices should not be stored in a student’s family vehicle parked at school or home. 

DEVICES UNDERGOING REPAIR 

The District may assign a loaner device to students who bring a device to the designated spot at each school or District site for repair. 

CHARGING YOUR DEVICE’S BATTERY 

• Students need to charge their devices each evening.
• Students should not loan their charging accessories to friends or family. 

BACKGROUND PHOTOS  

If the District policies permit, students may change background photos. Inappropriate media may not be used as a background photo. The presence of guns, weapons, pornographic materials, inappropriate language, alcohol, drugs, gang-related symbols, or pictures will result in disciplinary actions. 

SOUND, MUSIC, GAMES, OR PROGRAMS 

• Applications and digital content to support classroom learning will be provided by the Kuna School District. 
• Students will not be allowed to add their own applications to school devices.  
• Educational activities and storage use will take priority over personal use. The District reserves the right to clear the device of all personal sound, music, games, or programs as needed for educational activities and storage. 

PHOTOS/VIDEO TAKEN WITH DEVICE 

Students may not take photos or videos of other students, staff, or anyone without their permission. The possession, forwarding, or uploading of unauthorized photos or videos to any website, network storage area, or person is strictly forbidden. Also, photos and videos taken with the device may not be used to slander, bully, or denigrate any student, staff member, or anyone on or off the campus at any time. Photos and videos taken with the device are for educational purposes only and should be directly related to classroom assignments, projects, and areas of study. 

VIDEO MESSAGING 

Any inappropriate use of video messaging services will result in disciplinary action. All video messaging or video conferencing activities are to be in support of a student’s education. Students are obligated to follow these guidelines and meet all online meeting expectations designated by teachers. Good video messaging practices include: 

• Start video messaging/conference calls with video off and your microphone muted. 
• Ensure you are in a quiet area that is free from disrupting background noises and activities. 
• Do not allow other people to be seen in the background (District staff may request a parent to verify that they are present and authorize video use). 

OFF-CAMPUS INTERNET ACCESS 

Students are allowed to connect to other wireless networks through their device settings. The same school Internet filter that supervises connections on all Kuna School District networks will restrict allowable content. When the device goes home or to any other location and connects to the Internet, the content will be filtered to the same levels as those in our schools. 

MANAGING FILES AND SAVING WORK

SAVING DOCUMENTS 

Students are expected to save work in designated cloud storage locations, school/teacher designated locations available through Google Drive accounts, or other applications that are authorized by the District.  It is the student’s responsibility to ensure work is not lost due to device failure or accidental deletion.  

NETWORK CONNECTIVITY

The Kuna School District makes no guarantee of network availability. The network will be taken offline for regular maintenance activities and the District will not guarantee 100% network access and availability. In the rare case that the network is down, the District will not be responsible for lost or missing data. 

The District will provide limited support and assistance in connecting school devices to personal wireless networks. The District will also provide limited support and assistance for the District provided mobile hotspots and connecting school devices to the hot spot. 

STUDENT E-MAIL 

Students are assigned a District-provided e-mail account through the District’s Google domain. This account will restrict e-mail communication, allowing only student-to-staff messaging to occur. This restriction is set based upon the student’s grade level and will be determined by the Kuna School District. No other e-mail account should be used for school-related activities or for communicating with teachers and District staff. Student e-mail accounts and account content are the property of the District. The use of these accounts will comply with District policy and are subject to search at any time.

PRIVACY AND USAGE

PRIVACY 

Applications and services offered through the District’s Google domain, including e-mail, are not to be considered private. Any messages sent or received, or files created or saved through the system are available for review. For example, this content may be viewed by District administration during an investigation, or by the District's Technology Department during the review of a possible policy violation. 

Students should not have any expectation of privacy concerning their use of the device, including but not limited to websites, apps/applications, or e-mail content or browser history. Should a parent/guardian need to access their student’s e-mail account, they can request access through the Kuna School District Technology Department. 

DISTRICT TECHNOLOGY AND ACCOUNT USAGE 

Use of any District Technology or District provided accounts for harassment, bullying, or any other inappropriate use is not allowed and will result in potential disciplinary actions up to and including loss of privileges and suspension or expulsion, and notification of law enforcement when appropriate.

SOFTWARE ON DEVICES

ORIGINALLY INSTALLED RESOURCES 

The applications and other resources originally installed by the Kuna School District must remain on the device in usable condition and be easily accessible at all times. From time to time the school may add applications or modify the device configuration for use in a class or subject area. Regular and periodic checks of devices will be made to ensure that students have not removed the required apps and content. 

ADDITIONAL APPS AND CONTENT 

Students are not allowed to load extra apps and content on their devices. Any additional applications or content found on the device that violates any part of the Responsible Use Agreement will result in potential disciplinary actions up to and including loss of privileges and suspension or expulsion. The Kuna School District will work to ensure that devices contain the necessary tools to complete schoolwork. Recommendations for any applications should be directed to a teacher who can submit applications for District consideration. 

INSPECTION 

Students may be selected at random to provide their devices for inspection by any District employee. Students should not have any expectation of privacy concerning their use of the device, including but not limited to websites, apps/applications, or e-mail content or browser history. 

PROCEDURE FOR RE-LOADING APPS 

If technical difficulties occur, the devices will be reviewed and may be re-imaged to restore its default configuration. The Kuna School District does not accept responsibility for the loss of apps or documents, educational or personal, deleted due to troubleshooting or re-imaging. 

SOFTWARE UPGRADES 

Updated versions of the device operating system and applications are available from time to time and will be deployed by the Kuna School District as needed.

AGREEMENT FOR CHROMEBOOK USE / DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP

Use of Kuna School District technology equipment and services is a privilege, not a right. The privilege of using the technology resources provided by the Kuna School District is not transferable or extendible by students to people or groups outside the District and terminates when a student is no longer enrolled in the Kuna School District. The Agreement for Chromebook Use outlines the expectations for the responsible, ethical, and lawful use of District technology both on and off school premises. Violation of any of the terms and conditions in District Policy, Kuna Student Handbooks, and this Agreement may result in termination of privileges, and access to District technology resources may be revoked. Violations may result in disciplinary action up to and including suspension, expulsion, and, when applicable, notification of law enforcement agencies. 

PARENT/GUARDIAN RESPONSIBILITIES 

As the parent of a student that attends the Kuna School District, I will: 

• Talk to my child about appropriate and responsible use of District equipment and the Internet.  
• Monitor and control the use and hours of accessibility to District equipment in my home. 

• Return assigned devices and device chargers at designed check-in times.  
• Return the device if my child transfers, withdraws, or is suspended, expelled or terminates enrollment with the District. 
• Pay fines assessed at the costs indicated in the Device Repair and Replacement section of this web site for: 

• Devices that were intentionally damaged, or  
• Devices that were not returned in satisfactory working condition. 

• Follow District guidelines for the care of the device, including keeping the device in good working order, charging the device, and keeping the device away from extreme heat, cold, pets, and moisture. 
• Refrain from personalizing the device in any way or removing any District or manufacturer labels or identifiers. 
• Report issues with my device to the Kuna School District Technology Department.  

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES 

As a student of the Kuna School District, I: 

• Pledge to use my school assigned equipment for educational purposes under the direction of District staff. 
• Will strive to be a responsible digital citizen and encourage others to do so by following all Kuna School District policies, District Student Handbooks, and school/classroom rules and regulations. 
• Will review and abide by all additional guidelines for the use and care of my school assigned device that are posted on the Kuna School District website and that may be e-mailed to my District provided e-mail account. 

As a responsible digital citizen, I will: 

• Keep private information private. My password(s) and identity are mine and not to be shared. 

• Treat others with respect both online and offline and have appropriate conversations in all my interactions with others. Report anyone who tries to use technology tools to hurt or harass me to an appropriate authority (teacher, principal, parent, etc.). 

As a responsible digital citizen, I understand: 

• Any computer/Chromebook work may be lost, but I can mitigate that risk by saving my work in designated cloud storage locations. I am responsible for backing up my files. Files saved to my device may be removed or erased during troubleshooting, repair, and re-imagining of my device. 
• Information I post online leaves a “digital footprint” that can have lasting effects. 
• Cyber-bullying is a violation of Kuna School District policies and I can be subject to disciplinary action if I am bullying others online, even if it is outside of school. 

• The Kuna School District does not condone or permit the viewing or use of inappropriate material and uses content filtering software to protect students and staff to the extent possible. Content filtering tools are not completely fail-safe. School and district personnel have the authority and responsibility to monitor the appropriate use of technology tools, even when used at home.  
• Using a school computer, District network, District-provided accounts and services are not private, even when using a personal device at school or a school device at home. Teachers and district staff may review my work and activities when I am using district-provided technology resources. 
• The use of any and all Kuna School District accounts, login histories including browsing activities can be inspected at any time and without prior notice. 
• Accounts may be created for me for school-related use on services such as (but not limited to): The District’s network system, Google, including e-mail, and TylerSIS.  

As a responsible digital citizen, I will NOT: 

• Capture, record, or transmit the words and/or images of any staff member or student without their express permission. Photos and videos taken with the device are for educational purposes only and should be directly related to classroom assignments, projects, and areas of study. Photos and videos taken with the device may not be used to slander, bully, or denigrate any student, staff member, or anyone on or off the campus at any time.  
• Remove or alter originally installed applications and resources or install any applications on the device without the expressed verbal or written permission of the District Technology Department.  
• Customize screensavers and backgrounds with inappropriate language or images, including images of guns, weapons, pornographic materials, alcohol, drug, or gang-related content. Doing so will result in disciplinary action.  
• Create, transmit, or communicate any material accessible via the Internet that contains items that are illegal, obscene, harassing, insulting, ostracizing, or intimidating to others. 

STRICTLY PROHIBITED STUDENT ACTIVITIES 

• Using devices for non-educational purposes 
• Illegal installation or transmission of copyrighted materials 
• Any action violating existing Board policy, administrative rule, or public law 
• Sending, accessing, uploading, downloading, or distributing offensive, profane, threatening, pornographic, obscene, or sexually explicit materials 
• Use of chat rooms or websites selling term papers, book reports, and other forms of student work 

• Use of personal messaging services for non-educational purposes  
• Changing device settings (exceptions include personal settings such as font size, brightness, etc.) 
• Spamming/sending mass or inappropriate e-mails 
• Gaining access to other student accounts, files, and/or data 

• Use of the school’s Internet/e-mail accounts for financial or commercial gain or for any illegal activity 
• Use of anonymous and/or false communications 
• Giving out personal information, for any reason, over the Internet. This includes, but is not limited to, setting up Internet accounts including those necessary for chat rooms, eBay, e-mail, etc. 
• Participation in credit card fraud, electronic forgery or other forms of illegal behavior 
• Vandalism of District equipment is prohibited 

• Maliciously attempting to harm or destroy hardware, software or data, including, but not limited to the uploading or creation of computer viruses, scripts, utilities or programs that can infiltrate computer systems and/or damage software, hardware components or modify device configuration 
• Accessing or transmitting materials that are obscene, offensive, threatening or otherwise intended to harass/demean others 
• Bypassing Kuna School District’s web filter or other security measures through a web proxy or other methods 
• Taking photos or video of other students, staff or anyone without their permission 
• Possessing, forwarding, or uploading unauthorized photos or videos to any website, network storage area, or person is strictly forbidden. 

STUDENT DISCIPLINE

If a student violates any of the user terms and conditions named in this policy, privileges may be suspended or terminated, access to the Kuna School District technology resources may be denied, and the appropriate disciplinary action shall be applied. Violations may result in disciplinary action up to and including suspension/expulsion for students. When applicable, law enforcement may be involved.

LEGAL PROPRIETY 

• Comply with trademark and copyright laws and all license agreements. Ignorance of the law is not immunity. If you are unsure, ask a teacher or parent. 
• Plagiarism is illegal. Give credit to all sources used, whether quoted or summarized. This includes all forms of media on the Internet, such as graphics, movies, music, and text. 
• Use or possession of hacking software is strictly prohibited and violators will be subject to applicable state or federal laws that may result in criminal prosecution or disciplinary action by Kuna School District. 

COSTS FOR DAMAGED, LOST OR STOLEN DEVICES

Students will be held responsible for ALL damage or loss to their device, device charger, hotspot resulting from negligence or misuse. This includes but not limited to broken screens, cracked pieces, damaged/removed keys, damaged mouse and inoperability, etc. In the event of damage not covered by the warranty, the student and parent will be billed for the cost of repairs. Repairs must be made by the Kuna School District Technology Department. The student may check out a loaner device until repairs are made (unless damage is due to gross negligence, intentional destruction, or willful misconduct – the administration will then determine device use for the student). 

FIRST INCIDENT: After you review the device care and security sections of the Agreement for Chromebook Use with your building administrator, you may be issued a replacement device, if one is available. Your building administrator will take into account the situation that led to the damage or loss.

You and your family may be held responsible for the full cost of repair or replacement. 

SECOND INCIDENT: You may not be issued a replacement device. You and your family may be held responsible for the full cost of repair or replacement. 

FAIL TO RETURN: If you fail to return the device and/or related components at the end of the school year, upon withdrawal or when directed to do so, the device and related components will be considered stolen property. In that case, the district will not release your records and will file a police report. You must return the district-provided charging accessory and any other device-related items issued by the district when you return your device. 

REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT COSTS: 

Chromebook Repair Costs 

• Device Replacement = $250.00 - $275.00
• Screen Repair = $65.00-$200
• Wall Charger Replacement = $25.00 
• Keyboard Replacement = $35.00
• Single Key = $10.00
• Lower Case = $40.00
• Bezel = $40.00

CHROMEBOOK INSURANCE INFORMATION

The Kuna School District requires all students to complete an Agreement for Chromebook Use (Version A) and to pay the Insurance Premium if they wish to take the device off-campus.  Students that do not pay the fee are not permitted to remove the laptop from the building.  The District is self-insuring all Chromebooks.  This annual premium covers the Chromebook ONLY, not the accessories charger.  

The deductible is charged for each incident starting with the second incident and is in addition to the annual premium payment. 

Families who participate in the Free and Reduced Lunch Program will have the option to forgo the insurance cost yet still have the laptop computer covered under the insurance agreement; however, families in the Free and Reduced lunch program will be required to pay the deductible for each damage claim and will be required to pay for each theft or loss claim.

Payment for insurance premiums is required at the time the device is issued to the student. Parents/guardians/students must bring a check or money order (payable to Kuna School District) to receive the Chromebook.

Parents/guardians not choosing to allow your child to take the device home must complete Agreement for Chromebook Use (Version B) are encouraged to purchase the insurance to cover in-school use claims on the computer. If a student does not have insurance and the laptop/Chromebook is lost, stolen, or damaged while in that student’s control, the District reserves the right to hold the parents/guardians responsible for full replacement or repair cost.

Parents/guardians may not substitute a homeowner or other personal insurance for District insurance.

Insurance Coverage:

1. Damage – pays for damage to the Chromebook on school property or at another location, such as at home.
2. Accidental Damage – pays for accidental damage caused by liquid spills, drops, falls, or collisions.  An accident will be reviewed and determined by the Technology Dept.  One accidental damage per student allowed during the school year at Kuna School District.
3. Theft – pays for loss or damage of Chromebook due to theft; the claim requires an official copy of the police report. One theft per student allowed during the Kuna School District.
4. Fire – pays for the loss or damage of the Chromebook due to fire; the claim must be accompanied by an official fire report from the investigating authority.
5. Electrical Surge – pays for the damage of the Chromebook due to an electrical surge.
6. Natural Disasters – pays for loss caused by natural disasters.

Exclusions: 

- Negligent, Dishonest, Fraudulent, Intentional, or Criminal Acts: Will not pay if damage or loss due to negligent, dishonest, fraudulent, intentional, or criminal acts. 

- Vandalism – Insurance will not cover damage or loss due to vandalism. 

- Chromebook  Accessories – charger loss or damage are not covered by insurance.

Examples include, but are not limited to: unattended Chromebook in an unlocked automobile, lying on the damage reporting form, not reporting damages on time, vandalism to the Chromebook, broken cord on the charger.

The following scenarios are provided to help students and families better understand the financial obligation associated with insurance claims. This is a sample list and in no way represents a complete list of possible scenarios:

The District reserves the right for the final determination of all insurance claims.

Consent to Participate

By returning the Agreement for Chromebook Use form, you provide permission for your child to receive a District-issued Chromebook. Bring the appropriate completed Agreement form and insurance premium to school. A Chromebook and charger will be distributed to students during the set distribution times outlined below.

• Please sign and return Agreement for Chromebook (Version A) if you are purchasing the District insurance, which permits your child to use the laptop at school and at home.
• If your child will only be permitted to use the laptop computer at school, please sign and return Agreement for Chromebook (Version B).
• Signing either agreement indicates that your child agrees to abide by School Board Policy 698 and the Responsibility for Use of Chromebook and Expectations and Guidelines for Use of Student Chromebook Computers pertaining to the safekeeping and use of computers.

Refusal to Consent

In the event you or your child refuse to sign either form, your child will receive a District-issued laptop/Chromebook computer for in-school use only. The laptop/Chromebook will not be allowed to be taken off-campus.  Students will be required to pick up their device each morning and to turn in their laptop/Chromebook before leaving school each day.  Parents/Students will be responsible for repairs to the laptop/Chromebook if you choose not to buy insurance.

Initial Point High School

Principal: Jason Reddy

Contact: Email Jason Reddy

Kuna Middle School

Principal: Paul Souza

Contact: Email Paul Souza

Fremont Middle School

Principal: Tim Jensen

Contact: Email Tim Jensen

Crimson Point Elementary

Principal Brandon Crusat

Contact: Email Brandon Crusat

Hubbard Elementary

Principal: Donene Standley

Contact: Email Donene Standley

Indian Creek Elementary

Principal: Kimberly Barker

Contact: Email Kimberly Barker

Reed Elementary

Principal: Kevin Gifford

Contact: Email Kevin Gifford

Ross Elementary

Principal: Mysti Schmidt

Contact: Email Mysti Schmidt

Silver Trail Elementary

Principal: Ken Lilienkamp

Contact: Email Ken Lilienkamp