School District 2 Moves Ahead with Virtual Learning

Sheridan County School District 2 is moving ahead with plans to educate students through online instruction starting next month.

In a letter to parents, District 2 Superintendent Craig Dougherty said students are on spring break next week, but when school resumes, there will be no students in the district’s buildings.

He said Monday, March 30, will be a teacher work day, and March 31 is a student/parent connection day. According to the calendar approved by District 2 trustees in a recent meeting, district-wide virtual instruction of students will start on April 1.

In his letter to parents, Dougherty said each school in the district is developing a daily schedule for virtual learning. Schools will share their schedules directly with parents. All students are expected to attend virtual learning sessions and complete assignments.

Teachers will take attendance and track participation and assignment completion.

Dougherty said the district is working on options for families who cannot access internet service. He encouraged parents who haven’t done so to complete the district’s technology survey to let their children’s school know the family’s device and internet needs. He said the district will be in touch, via email, with families who indicated a need on the district’s technology survey.

Dougherty said the district recommends that families have a device on hand for each child. Parents who need devices could check them out on Friday and will be able to check them out on March 30 from their children’s schools.

Dougherty said each school also offers on-staff tech support for those who run into device issues.

Dougherty said the district will continue toi provide sack lunches to families in need. Parents can stop by their school between 10 a.m. and noon daily. Lunches will not be provided during spring break.

Dougherty’s letter provides links for parents to school counselors and parent liaisons. He said school counselors are the first line of defense for challenges with attendance, virtual learning and social/emotional wellbeing, and the district’s parent liaison team will be on the job to help families with any challenges that arise.

In addition, case managers and/or counselors will contact families whose children receive special services, to establish those services and provide support at this time.

Dougherty said the district will not have to make up lost school days between March 16 and April 3.

He said the district stays in constant communication with the Wyoming Department of Education, Wyoming Department of Health, Sheridan County health officials and the Sheridan County Incident Management Team.

He noted the Center for Disease Control and local health officials advise parents to keep children at home and avoid gatherings with friends, and said the district’s primary concern is always for the health and safety of the community and families.