High school has gone to remote learning

LAUREL —

Laurel-Concord-Coleridge School Board members were told Nov. 9 that the high school is transitioning into remote learning due to Covid-19.

“After much consideration, the decision was made this past Friday to transition the high school to a remote learning model in response to the challenges to effective instruction at this level due to significant increases in student absences due to isolation and quarantine requirements,’’ said Supt. Jeremy Christiansen. “We believe that while students are and will continue to be safe in our schools based on our current protocols and enhanced precautions, it has become necessary to shift teaching and learning at the high school level to a remote learning model with nearly 50 percent of our high school students impacted by isolation or quarantine requirements.”

Based on current contact tracing, Christiansen anticipates the number of students who are impacted to increase during this upcoming period of time.

High school students will participate in remote learning from home for an initial period of two weeks, beginning Nov. 9 and continuing through Nov. 20. The plan currently calls for high school students to return to in-person classes on Monday Nov. 23.

Students at both the Elementary (PK-4) and Middle School (5-8) will continue with in-person learning during this time.

Limited numbers of students at these grade levels and school buildings are currently impacted by the COVID-19 virus and resulting quarantine or isolation requirements.

Administrators have been working to adjust lunch schedules and/or seating options at the High School/Elementary and Middle School to create adequate social distancing to eliminate risk of quarantine for students during lunch.

The high school is looking at two lunch periods. Middle School is first looking to find alternate lunch spaces to allow for social distancing, and the possibility of requesting possible access to the Coleridge Community Building and/or a local church for student seating for lunch.

The board approved the annual audit and also worked on policy updates following the last legislative session.

Due to the mask mandate and increase in safety procedures, updated breakfast and lunch procedures now include a more socially-distanced space for eating.

Students were typically sitting six per table. That will now be reduced down to two per table. Students will also eat breakfast in the Legacy gym and go out for recess in the morning.

This will eliminate many unmasked bodies eating in a small classroom. LCC Elementary students will continue to wear masks diligently throughout various parts of the building, including PE and in the lunchroom when finished with their meals.

The 2019-2020 annual audit report from Dana Cole has been received. An annual financial and procedural audit is required each year and is filed with both the Nebraska Department of Education and the Nebraska State Auditor. The purpose of the audit is to review funds, accounting practices and processes. Findings were overall positive with no significant deficiencies noted. Recommendations that have consistently been identified include: Segregation of Duties, Financial Reporting Processes, and Documentation of Procedures - each of which are related to the district’s limited number of personnel dedicated to accounting processes and control procedures, and similar in scope as for other school districts of this size.

The Policy Committee met on Nov. 2 to review and provide input on policies: Board members reviewed and considered five policies recommended to be amended or adopted. School districts are required to implement or amend these policies after the conclusion of the Legislative session.

Policy 4025 - Professional Boundaries (amend)

Policy 4031 - Injury Leave (new)

Policy 5008 - Attendance Policy and Excessive Absenteeism (amend)

Policy 8342 - Designated Method of Giving Notice of Meetings (amend)

Policy 4270 - Staff Payments During Closure (new)

The Board also learned a full-time, 12-month custodial position remains open and is still being advertised. With no applications received to date, Christiansen has contacted Aventure Staffing in Wayne to request assistance.

Supt. Christiansen said Mandi Swanson is resigning her position as the Early Childhood Program paraprofessional effective Nov. 25 to take the new childcare/preschool position at Immanuel Lutheran Church.

Paige Parsons has recommended a current paraprofessional on staff, Blayr Haselhorst, be assigned to the preschool program position.

The school will then advertise and interview to fill Blayr’s paraprofessional position in the Elementary special education program.

Board members also learned Monday that Teacher In-Service will be held Nov. 13. The content for this professional development day will be delivered virtually with support of staff developers from ESU 1.

Focus topics will include Fundamental 5 Questions and 5+1 Tools, Remote Learning Engagement Strategies/Tools, and Google Classroom and Remote Learning Tips/Tricks. During the afternoon, teachers will have the opportunity to work directly with their colleagues, ESU staff, and our principals to continue to develop and refine their skills and plans in support of student learning and engagement. The district’s safety team is also scheduled to meet on this day.

The Board also learned the Elementary Remote Learning Committee met on Friday, Nov. 6 to make a decision on the current Remote Learning plan. The team consists of: Kristina Steinle, Lisa Wolfgram, Karla Pippitt, Tayler Hall, Denise Kinkaid, Melissa Haisch, and Christy Koehler.

The LCC K-8 PTO met on Nov. 4 to discuss winter goals for both the Elementary and Middle School buildings.

The team focused on fundraising plans, winter parties, and teacher appreciation days. The PTO also hosted a Trunk or Treat on Oct. 11.

The LCC Admin team walked away with bragging rights (and a trophy) for best theme.

The annual Pumpkin Raffle raised money for local food pantries. Denise Kinkaid and Tayler Hall planned the week.

The winter concert date is planned for Dec. 1. The Giving Tree will be housed in the Elementary. If anyone would like to participate, please get a tag on or after Nov. 25. K-12 teachers will all attend inhouse professional development on Nov. 13. Chris Good and Rhonda Jindra will be working with buildings on engagements strategies, tools, and tips and tricks for Remote Learning.

Due to quarantine, students are still working to complete a few high school tests. As a whole, scores are indicating lots of students in the High Achievement High Growth quadrant. PSAT Juniors completed the PSAT test on Oct. 14.

National Honor Society Induction ceremony was Oct. 16. The LCC Marching Band competed at Wayne State College Band Day on Oct 17.

The first quarter ended Oct 21. The Juniors completed the Pre-ACT test on Oct. 27. The Art Club took a field trip to South Dakota State University (SDSU) on Oct 28. National FFA Convention was virtual which allowed LCC students to participate on Oct. 28 -31.

In the Lewis and Clark Academic Contest, LCC competed in both JV and varsity divisions the conference academic contest. The varsity team finished in the top half of the conference and the JV team finished as Runner-up.

Deagan Puppe was selected for a second time to the All-State Honor Choir.

Student Council’s are putting the finishing touches on a digital Veterans Day Program which will feature many of the LCC students and programs paying tribute to Veterans.

Students will watch the online program at 11 a.m. on Veteran’s Day.

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