Parents/Guardians,
I want to update you on what is occurring in the Moscow School District and what to expect over the next few weeks. As you can probably guess things have been a little crazy here these past couple of weeks. We have been getting additional information and directions almost hourly from the either the Governor, Idaho State Board of Education, Idaho State Department of Education, or even the federal government, regarding how to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. Please be patient with us during these next weeks as we sort things out and have settled into a routine of providing instruction without the regular use of our facilities.
With all these changes, we are also paying close attention to balancing the responsibility to provide your child with an education while ensuring everyone’s health and safety is considered. Our goal is to provide your child with the best education possible during these uncharted times. The term I have heard and used numerous times during the past few weeks is flexibility. Please realize we are doing many things differently to allow flexibility so bear with us
- Update: The Idaho State Board of Education just made some sweeping changes to help schools during this COVID-19 pandemic.
- The new date for possible return to instruction within the schools has been set as a requirement at April 20. However, I would recommend that we prepare for a much later return back to the classroom.
- The required state assessments have been cancelled for this year. This includes the ISAT and SAT assessments. They are also considering not doing the IRI as well, but need to get final approval.
- Senior projects are not required for this year’s seniors for graduation.
- Update: Idaho High School Activities Association is continuing the closure of sporting events and practices until after April 20.
- Communication: So that you know what to expect regarding MSD communication during this soft closure (this is the term being used when instruction is continuing, but the school facilities are closed to students) you can expect the following information from staff members:
- Teachers and Paraprofessionals: These individuals will be contacting parents during this closure to provide educational assistance and checking up with how the students are progressing. This will be completed electronically or by phone.
- Building Administration: These individuals will provide updates regarding instructional issues specific to their buildings or grade levels.
- Superintendent: My office will be providing information regarding issues that pertain to the entire school district, decisions being made by the MSD Board of Trustees, and decisions made at the State and Federal levels.
- Survey: We want to maintain lines of communication as much as possible. Of course, our office is open for direct communication. Additionally, one goal is to establish an electronic survey that can be distributed every two weeks for parents to complete. The purpose of that survey is for you, as parents or guardians, to be able to tell express your concerns or comment on our progress, especially during this change in our traditional instructional practices. We will be depending upon your input to make changes as needed. We will make the survey as accessible as possible and hope that you can take the time to express your thoughts.
- School Food Program Update: Starting today, Tuesday, March 24, the Moscow School District Student Nutrition Program provided “Grab and Go” meals. This program will continue on weekdays for the duration of the school closure. Any child age 1-18 can get a free meal, which consists of lunch for that day and breakfast for the following day. Meal packages can be picked up at the following schools and bus stops during the times noted:
Schools:
- Lena Whitmore Elementary School, 110 S. Blaine St., 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
- West Park Elementary School, 510 Home St., 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Bus Stops:
- 900 N. Almon, 11:00 - 11:15 a.m.
- 609 N. Almon, 11:17 – 11:32 a.m.
- 411 N. Almon, 11:34 – 11:49 a.m.
- West A and Baker Sts. – 11:52 a.m. – 12:07 p.m.
- Power and Nursery Sts. 11:00 – 11:15 a.m.
- 505 Indian Hills, 11:18 – 11:33 a.m.
- Indian Hills and Atsirk Sts., 11:35 – 11:50 a.m.
- Travois Way and Pine Cone Road, 11:52 a.m. – 12:07 p.m.
- Viola Post Office, 1300 Main St., Viola, 11:08 – 11:23 a.m.
- Entrance to PCEI at the intersection of N. Polk and Rodeo Dr., 11:40-11:55 a.m.
- 2280 Old Pullman Highway, 11:05 – 11:20 a.m.
- 421 West Sweet Ave, 11:28 – 11:43 a.m.
- Taylor and Blake Sts., 11:48 a.m. – 12:03 p.m.
Please adhere to the latest guidelines for social distancing when arriving at the schools or bus stops to pick up meals. Moscow School District staff will be present at each site to guide the pick-up process. Students must be present to receive the free lunch.
This information and additional updates can be found at https://www.msd281.org/meals
In summary, I would like to thank all the community members that have provided support and input in helping us with all the changes that are presently occurring. I also want to express my HUGE thank you for my staff’s willingness to get quickly to work to make sure our students are taken care of during this time. We know this may not be easy at times, but as a community, we can take our responsibility seriously to collectively reduce the negative national and global impact that this virus could cause. When we get through this, I hope we can feel that we cautiously over-prepared rather than regret that we were under-prepared for what is coming during these next weeks.
Sincerely,
Gregory J. Bailey, PhD
Superintendent
Moscow School District #281
Kindergarten Registration
Kindergarten Registration scheduled for Friday, April 3 has been postponed. We will send a new date and information as soon as it is available. If you have not yet done so, please contact the school at 208-882-2714 if you are planning to register a kindergarten student for the 2020-2021 school year. This will allow us to have your information for future communication.
Thank you!