March 17, 2020
DAY ONE - WE MADE IT!
A note to start: We ask you to consider carefully before unsubscribing from this email.
We will be providing critical information using this tool.
A MESSAGE FROM SUPERINTENDENT DR. JASON GLASS
Dear Jeffco Families,

Jeffco Public Schools began implementing our remote learning plan with students today. I want to thank our students, families, and staff members for all your efforts in making today happen. Many school districts in Colorado and nationally have made the decision not to offer any instructional services at all during this disruption. In Jeffco, we have chosen a different and more difficult path, but I believe it is the right one for our children and our community. 

You and your students may have experienced frustration today in learning how to interact with the technology or with new software tools you may be unaccustomed to. Let me assure you, this frustration is normal.

Whenever we learn new things, we are almost always awkward, unsure, and make mistakes. This is all part of the learning process. Part of what allows meaningful learning to occur is the commitment to persevere through this initial stage so that things become more routine, clear, and with fewer (or no) errors.

As adults, we sometimes forget that this learning process happens for us as well. Just as our children are orienting to this new reality for what may be the next few weeks, we (our kids’ guardians and teachers) must also be willing to learn and grow.

Thanks for your support and patience with your students and our staff as we embark on this effort together. Please see this as a meaningful way for you to be a learner, and to become closer with your children and family.

Jason E. Glass, Ed. D.
Superintendent and Chief Learner
FOOD SERVICE - LOCATION UPDATES AND REMINDERS
Now through Friday, March 27 - Breakfast: 8 - 9am and Lunch: 11:30a - 12p
Grab and Go meals are available at no cost to all children 18 years and younger at:
Arvada K-8
Alameda High - NEW, BEGINS THURSDAY, 3/19
Colorow Elementary
Edgewater Elementary
Foothills Elementary
Lasley Elementary
Parr Elementary
Wayne Carle Middle - NEW, BEGINS THURSDAY, 3/19
Welchester Elementary - NEW, BEGINS THURSDAY, 3/19
West Jefferson Elementary
Wheat Ridge High - NEW, BEGINS THURSDAY, 3/19
Please do not come to locations if you are sick. In case of severe weather, locations will not operate.
SHOW US YOUR REMOTE LEARNING ON SOCIAL MEDIA!
Use #JEFFCOLEARNS
How are you and your family navigating these new waters? Share your remote learning story and photos on social media and use hashtag #JeffcoLearns! We're in this together and we would love to repost your experiences to display how our community is so connected at this time. Tag us on FB, Twitter, and Insta: @jeffcoschoolsco (links to our channels at the bottom of this email). We can't wait to see you!
INTERNET ACCESS OPTIONS
Do you have a cell phone that has personal hotspot capabilities?
Most modern smartphones have the ability to share an internet connection with other devices through the cellular network and by transmitting a WiFi signal to wirelessly share the data connection. (This will use the monthly data allowance on your cell phone plan.) Instructions for activating the hotspot on your phone: Android device , Apple iPhone

Do you qualify for Comcast’s Internet Essentials - Affordable Internet for Home program?
Comcast provides affordable internet for eligible households. To help with COVID-19, they are providing new customers with two months of free service. Apply online , Apply by phone - 1-855-846-8376

If you need further assistance connecting to your student's classwork or the internet, please reach out to the classroom teacher.
SPRING BREAK IS NEXT WEEK - NO REMOTE LEARNING...BUT WE HAVE IDEAS!
Spring Break is quickly approaching! We recognize some of the typical choices for entertainment and enrichment throughout the week might not be as readily available during this time of social distancing. However, here are some fun and (yes!) educational options for you and your children to engage in! These ideas include both digital and physical activities. 
FROM GIFTED AND TALENTED
During the remote learning period we will continue to support schools, gifted learners, and their families. Your school’s GT resource teacher (RT) will have regular office hours each day for as long as we are in this remote learning environment. Please refer to this list of GT resource teacher office hours , during which you should get a more timely response from your RT. You may contact your GT RT at any time outside these hours as well, but it may take some time for the RT to respond. Refer to this list for GT resource teachers by school.

GT Center school students, families, and staff should contact their GT Center school to find out office hours of the GT social-emotional learning counselors (SELC). GT SELC contact info is available on the school’s website. In many cases, the GT SELC is coordinating availability with other members of the school’s social-emotional support staff.
JEFFCO SCHOOLS FOUNDATION CREATES DESIGNATED FUND TO SUPPORT JEFFCO PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN MEETING THE CHALLENGES OF COVID-19
A message from Jeffco Schools Foundation :
We will overcome the impact that COVID-19 is having on our community. Together, we will persevere through this crisis. At this time, our District, our schools, our educators, and our students need additional support to rise to the challenge of Distance Learning, and to ensure even our most vulnerable populations are able to continue to access learning.

We are asking for financial support to secure resources to ensure every student has the tools they need to access learning from their home. This means giving the District the ability to support severe needs and shortages in essentials across our community. Please consider supporting us to ensure we meet the needs of all our learners.

To donate, visit this website .

Questions? Contact Jeffco Schools Foundation Executive Director Angela Baber angela.baber@jeffco.k12.co.us or 720-272-0285
TIPS FOR WORKING AT HOME WITH KIDS
  • Create a daily schedule based on schoolwork. Wake, eat, dress at the same time every day.
  • Prioritize the schedule based on when kids are most focused.
  • Get the bulk of your important work done during the kids’ nap/lunch/technology time.
  • Set boundaries and communicate them to your kids. Explain how you are juggling their school and your own work and you need their help to navigate everything.
  • Tell them when you need to be in “do-not-disturb” mode. Have kids make signs (stop sign, thumbs up/down) that you tape to your work area to show when it is okay/not okay to interrupt.
  • Take necessary breaks. Don’t overextend yourself due to the remote work dynamic.
  • Every hour of work warrants a 10-minute break. Walk, snack, stretch...wake up your brain!
  • Reward good behavior. No interruptions, focused work = fun activity, small prize, tv show, etc.
CDE UPDATE ON CMAS, SAT, AND ACCOUNTABILITY
Given the extraordinary situation with COVID-19, CDE has paused CMAS testing and state accountability reporting for this spring. CDE is exploring possible options for PSAT and SAT, given the college entrance and scholarship implications. As additional information becomes available, it will be shared with you.