It was wonderful to have the students back in school this week — young minds eager to learn and glad to be back into the school environment. As I went through every school this week, what I noticed most was the resiliency of our students. They seamlessly eased back into the school routines and shared their joy effortlessly. It was apparent that getting back to some sense of normalcy, while it will not happen overnight, is important for everyone.
As you know, we opened the District this week in the Yellow Level of Operation, as outlined in the LJSD #272 Fall 2020 Reopen Plan. The plan requires social distancing to the greatest extent possible and allows for desks to be arranged in cohort groups (pods) as necessary. The pod system is a table group that sits together and is distanced six feet away from the next pod. Several classrooms throughout the district will be arranged in the pod system to enable consistent student groups (cohorts) to work together, as well as allow for the classroom to remain in one location without moving to a larger space. Our goal is to stay in the Yellow Level so that all students and staff will remain together in the classroom learning environment.
Our Lakeland Online Academy is off to a great start with nearly 300 K- 8 students and 60 students in the High School Online Plato program. If your family has concerns about the in-person learning environment under the present circumstances, this is an excellent pathway to ensure a solid educational experience while remaining a Lakeland Jt. School District student. It is not too late to enroll in an online program. If you would like more information, click here.
Unfortunately, the wildfire smoke has added another element of concern as we prepare to start week two of our school year. We receive daily air quality updates and forecasts from the Department of Environmental Quality and will maintain precautionary measures, along with restricting outdoor activities, as prescribed. We will continue to monitor air quality, but the forecast for tomorrow calls for indoor activities. Continue to monitor your child’s health at home every morning and do not send them to school if they show any symptoms of illness (Checklist). Ensure your school knows of any special requirements for your child. The CDC site has information on wildfire smoke and Covid.
I continue to pray that our students and staff remain healthy so we can stay in school together. It seems that flexibility is key, along with our ability to show grace and compassion as we face new challenges every day in this ever-changing environment. Thank you for your continued support, Dr. Meyer, Superintendent
Nutrition Services
Technology
Do you still have a Chromebook checked out from the Spring Semester? If you do, this device must be turned in for updates from our tech team and it can then be checked out again to your student. Don’t forget to check out the LJSD Digital Resources Webpage for families to help guide you through using your device.
September is Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month
Covid-19 has changed our lives in many ways and our mental health should always be a top priority. The LJSD will continue to focus on providing social-emotional learning and growth for our students throughout the year. Along with our secondary schools, elementary students will now have the opportunity to participate in the Sources of Strength program, thanks to a grant the Elementary Counselors wrote and received. Along with supports in our schools, please know there are many local, state, and national resources available (links below). Please let us know if we can offer assistance or provide additional support for your family – we are here to help.
- If you or someone you know is in need of help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
- Idaho Suicide Prevention Hotline: Call 1-800-273-8255
- Crisis Text Line | Text the word START to 741-741
- Sources of Strength
- Mental Health Matters during Covid-19. CLICK HERE to register for this free virtual event.
Parent Resources
Need Skyward Assistance? helpdesk2@lakeland272.org
2020-2021 Free and Reduced Lunch Application
LJSD Technology Resources for Parents Website – CLICK HERE
Food Bank locations in Kootenai County – CLICK HERE
Idaho Stages of reopening – Governor Brad Little