COPY OF LETTER TO PARENTS
March 24, 2020
Dear Fessenden-Bowdon School Families,
As we venture into uncharted waters of mandated school closure, we recognize uncertainties linger. As always, Fessenden-Bowdon Public Schools primary concern is for the health, safety and well-being of our students, families and community. We believe that it is imperative that these needs are met first in order for students to continue to grow academically. The strength of FBPS education lies in strong relationships between schools and the communities they serve and teachers and the students that they serve. Although we might be socially distanced, it is our goal that we remain a connected community of learners.
Learning Opportunities
Teachers are working to establish clear communication around lesson plans, resources and activities that will allow all our students to continue to learn in the event of an extended school closure. This distance learning plan will begin this week. JH/HS teachers have developed a distance learning schedule that aligns with our existing class schedule. Please note that these are times teachers will schedule distance learning connections with the whole class through Zoom, Google Meet or other ways they choose. Students must check their email or Google Classroom to know when they will be connecting. The schedule will be included with this letter, but also available at https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hDhRVMCI_jKNjwXF45EyzUgjr-VUbKXwcIiz5pBn0xw/edit?usp=sharing. Elementary teachers have been reaching out to their classes to provide packets and learning opportunities.
Technology Assistance
Please contact our Technology Coordinators if you are experiencing any issues with your device, or connecting to your class. Ms. Dietz can be reached at 701-680-7558. Mrs. Rau can be reached at 701-341-1535.
Material and Supply Weekly Deliveries
School materials will be delivered this Wednesday by our regular school bus drivers between 11:30-12:30. Beginning next week, delivery of school packets, books and materials will be on MONDAY’S from 11:30-12:30. Please make arrangements with your regular route driver if you will not be home to receive it, or if it can be left inside. All Fessenden and Bowdon city deliveries will also be made during this time. Please contact the school at 547-3296 Ext. 120, if you are not available to receive it and to make other arrangements to get your child’s materials.
Meals Update
We will continue to offer meals for all students and children ages 1-18. In order to prepare meals and get them ready for delivery, you must sign up by 9:00 each day. It would be very helpful If you are able to plan and sign up for the entire week. https://forms.gle/bbtuNsvurvpYAiGj8 Also, to help the drivers out, we ask that you keep an eye out and send someone out to the bus or school vehicle to pick up the meal, or help carry it. We appreciate the support.
Counseling Services
We want to continue to offer counseling services if your child needs. You may reach out to one of our counseling staff to schedule a meeting using Google Meet or just a phone call. Ms. Pranke can be reached at 701-650-7599 and Mrs. Rau at 701-341-1535. You may also reach Mr. Hart at 701-952-8277.
Student coats/boots/hats etc
Please call the office to schedule a time to pick up your child’s coats, boots, hats or any other items they would like.
Attendance
During an extended closure student engagement in learning opportunities is critical to a student’s continued academic growth. Attendance shall still be monitored by teachers through student logins, completion of learning opportunities and through teacher phone calls with students and/or parents.
Updates and Communication
We will continue to update you through emails, the alert system, and posting to our webpage and Facebook. Please call us with any questions or concerns you may have.
We encourage students to work to the best of their ability and put forth a good-faith effort to engage with this opportunity as being “up-to-date” will be foundational to moving forward into a distance learning model.
We will continue to communicate as this situation develops. Our capacity in distance learning will grow together as we design systems and procedures to offer students learning opportunities that meet the needs of all our learners. Thank you for your patience, perseverance, and cooperation as we work to ensure that we are able to deliver high-quality academic experiences for your students through a distance learning model.
Sincerely,
Nancy Bollingberg
Superintendent