All of Flagler’s schools’ physical campuses will remain closed at least through April 15 by order of Gov. Ron DeSantis, but distance learning will be instituted starting March 31. State tests are cancelled for the remainder of the year in response to the coronavirus emergency.
“Governor DeSantis recommended that K-12 schools will stay on extended break until April 15 and every two weeks we’ll reevaluate that recommendation,” Florida Department of Education spokesperson Cheryl Etters said this afternoon. “All schools are encouraged to use virtual and non-classroom based options to the greatest extent possible. Schools are also strongly encouraged to have no more than 10 people in a room together to adhere to CDC recommendations.”
Just this morning the governor had recommended that all Florida colleges and universities cancel in-person classes for the remainder of the spring semester, focusing on distance education, raising the strong possibility that eventually, the same directive may be applied to public schools. Many health experts across the country have placed the need for eliminating large-group gatherings in terms of many months, not mere weeks.
Just this afternoon, before the governor’s latest announcement, Flagler schools had sent out robocalls informing parents of two options, the first being that schools would resume on March 31. The second was in the eventuality that schools would remain closed past that date. That’s now fact, Tager, who was “taken for a loop” by the governor’s announcement, told FlaglerLive early this evening.
The district had been developing a plan for distance learning anyway. “It’s still in the works but we feel like we’re set up pretty well for it,” Tager said, because of the district’s one-to-one initiative that placed a computer or a tablet in the hands of every single student several years ago. “In anticipation on that Thursday when the students left schools for the last time we had everybody take home their devices, fourth grade through seniors.”
The district is now working on a plan to get 150 devices in the hands of so-called “day users,” (students who normally don’t take their devices home), as well as in the hands of students below fourth grade four, with parental preferences playing a role in that arrangement.
“Our students in Flagler are blessed to have access to technology so we are set up where we can deliver curriculum to them,” Tager said. As for the cancellation of state exams, “That is a big relief for our families.”
“We understand the frustration parents must be feeling at this time,” Collen Conklin, who has served on the Flagler school board through numerous emergencies dating back to 2001, said. “It’s important to remember the fluidity of this situation. We are working hard to provide everyone with information. There will be times when information changes rapidly. We understand not having all of the information can be unsettling for our families and staff. We are doing our best to share information as it becomes available. The safety of our students, staff and families are of the utmost importance. We would ask everyone to have patience as we work our way through these challenging times.”
Tager felt badly for those students heading into their milestone year, and seeing those milestones possibly disrupted. “I really feel bad for the class of 2020 to have those rites of passage we’ve all had, you and I and others,” the superintendent said. “You think about prom and graduation dates that are milestones for students.” He said after the district puts in place the essentials of instruction, it will work on finding alternative solutions for those elements as well.
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Karen says
And who exactly is going to pay for internet service for these students homes to learn on computers!? I would imagine that if 60% of the kids parents are too poor to even afford a sandwich for lunch than they most certainly do not have money for a luxury such as internet service at home
And also anyone that does have internet at home should be taken off free or reduced lunch. Mayb this will be a good way to see who is taking advantage of the school system
Mary Fusco says
AMEN!
Percy's mother says
Love. Generosity. Thoughtfulness.
At this stage of the game, I don’t really think it matters who is taking advantage of the school system.
Children still need to eat regardless of what the parent is doing.
Hard and difficult times call for sometimes imperfect measures. Home-based schooling is the best option at this point in time, and will be revised over time to incorporate those who “can’t”. This is the best option for NOW.
As a side note, negativity of the mind ultimately weakens one’s immune system.
Boototheyaa says
But plenty of money for scratch offs and smokes
Concerned Citizen says
@ Karen
So by your logic we should punish children because of what their parents have? That sure makes a lot of sense. What if the parent works from home? And their company provides internet service?
I have a good friend who is a single mom. She works two jobs. One as a medical coder and one for a doctors office doing the same. She doees OK but still struggles with one income. But guess what? The company she works for pays for her internet. So how is that a luxury? By your reckoning her kid should go hungry? You sound bitter.
I stand by what I said in an earlier comment. ALL CHILDREN should be fed regardless of their background. Let’s stop hating and do the right thing. And make sure no one goes hungry.
Darren May says
Here is how those parents can get wifi for that period.
https://corporate.charter.com/newsroom/charter-to-offer-free-access-to-spectrum-broadband-and-wifi-for-60-days-for-new-K12-and-college-student-households-and-more
Rachel Henderson says
Harris Grocery Hours:
Monday – Saturday 7:30am – 8:00pm
Sunday 8:00am – 5:00pm
ASF says
“Distance Learning” will only work to the extent that parent make their kids comply.
Hal says
Now we need more virus testing. All these numbers are so low because there’s no testing. Schools can shut but the spread needs to slow dramatically or it’ll get real ugly real quick. Thanks for keeping us informed.
Douglas says
Can I just go back to school to see my girlfriend
Dennis says
Wow, does this mean no summer vacation?
Concerned Grandma says
What will happen to the kids who go to Imagine? The school isn’t part of the districts one-to-one initiative .