March 10, 2021
Dear Academy Parent:
By now, you are probably aware of our plan to resume a normal, five-day school week. This decision is based partly on urging by the state superintendent and legislature, and grounded in the fact of decreasing cases of COVID across the state. But most importantly, it is based on our belief that online school is a poor substitute for in-person learning, no matter how well you do it. Online learning worked fine as a stop-gap measure, and was certainly better than doing nothing, but it clearly represents a compromise. We believe that students need to be in school to receive the best possible education.
The plan goes into effect when we return from spring break on April 5th. Although it will largely represent a return to “normal operations,” we will maintain our current COVID-era practices geared toward minimizing the risk of infection. We will continue to clean and disinfect surfaces throughout the day, encourage hand washing and general hygiene, and, for now, require masks or shields inside our buildings.
We are very fortunate to have avoided significant outbreaks this year. I attribute this largely to conscientious parents keeping sick kids home, and cooperative students doing their best to follow our rules.
Here is what you need to know:
We are eager to see our students back in a normal schedule, maximizing instructional time. Thanks to all of our parents for helping us make it through this unusual and difficult year.
December 30, 2020
Returning to Four Days on Campus on 1/4!
We wanted to remind you that Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy will return to having all students on campus Monday - Thursday beginning on Monday, January 4, 2021.
We will continue to offer our Online Only model for families who desire that option for the duration of this school year. If you plan to change your student's on-campus status after break, please email our registrar, Michelle Bredeson, as soon as possible.
November 20, 2020
Charter Academy Parents:
This is a quick note to inform you that we plan to remain in the hybrid mode of instruction after the Thanksgiving break, unless something significant happens to necessitate a change. We hope that we will be able to continue in that mode until Christmas break.
Although the hybrid is far from perfect, it does allow teachers and students some level of valuable face-to-face instruction. This is something our teachers feel strongly about, as there truly is not substitute for direct instruction. There is no telling what our situation will be after Christmas, but we know where we are right now.
I also want to pass on what I thought was a great idea from a friend, as it relates to the imminent gift-buying season. Giants like Amazon are doing just fine without your added business. Please consider purchasing gifts or gift certificates from locally-owned businesses that have taken the worst beating over the last several months. These businesses that are owned by our neighbors and friends are not past the hard times yet; your patronage may be what gets them through.
Having said that, please take care of your families and yourselves. We hope you have a wonderful break and come back rested and healthy afterward.
November 9, 2020
Academy Families:
I know this past week of suddenly being back online is not what most of us would have wanted. I appreciate your support and your flexibility as we try to keep everyone safe and healthy.
Once again, I am going to open with good news and bad news. The good news is that our custodians will be back next week, which means that we can get kids back to school. The bad news is that we are still seeing significant COVID spread in our community. If you take a look at the “dashboard” on our website, you’ll see that we still have a relatively low number of cases in the school, but more than any of us would like.
With two weeks left before Thanksgiving break, we believe it would be unnecessarily bold to resume classes with our full student body in attendance. Distancing is extremely difficult in that situation, and we are concerned that we would find ourselves right back online in short order.
Therefore, beginning Monday we will go back to the blended model we used at the beginning of the school year. Students will attend on either Monday and Wednesday, or Tuesday and Thursday; all will attend online on Friday. We believe that this offers us the best instruction with the least risk to our students and staff. We are hopeful that it will allow us to keep our infection rate low, so that we can reopen after Thanksgiving break.
The exception is that our sixth grade will have in-person instruction WITHOUT alternating days. Because sixth grade is the year when students learn important study skills and time management, it is important for them to have as much direct instruction as possible. The fact that the sixth grade classes are in cohorts and are largely separated from the rest of the school population makes this a viable option.
We will continue to require masks and distance as much as possible. It is crucial that we all continue to practice good hygiene habits, and keep your kids home if they show any signs of illness. Any parents who are not comfortable sending their students to school may choose online instruction. Please contact Michelle Bredeson in the office if this is your preference (if you have been online all year, you do not need to do this.)
Just as we did for the first couple of months in the blended model, we are asking that you send your students to school with a sack lunch; lunches will not be sold when we have only half of our students.
Only two weeks until Thanksgiving break! Thank you for your support and assistance.
October 30, 2020
Academy Families:
I have an important update to our COVID situation and our operating model.
The good news is that our number of COVID cases remains very low, thanks to your diligence in observing the recommended preventive measures.
Unfortunately, it’s not always about the sheer number of cases. It can be about WHO is affected. The bad news is that two of our custodial staff have tested positive for COVID*. As a result, we cannot provide a sufficiently sanitized and safe place for students and staff.
In order to keep our students and staff healthy, the Academy will go to a FULLY-ONLINE delivery starting on Monday, November 2nd. This is NOT the hybrid, two-days-a-week model we used earlier this school year, but 100% online, five days a week. Your students’ teachers should have informed them how to attend virtually and what is expected. As it was in the spring, attendance is mandatory and students are responsible for completing work just as if they were attending classes on campus. I am hopeful that this is a very short-term situation, but we know that if it goes longer we are capable of delivering high-quality instruction in the virtual model. According to Panhandle Health guidance, we could have our buildings open in as little as a week. We will open back up for in-person learning as soon as we are able.
This decision is made after much deliberation and discussion. As always, we have to weigh inconvenience against student safety, as well as parent and staff peace of mind. As I’ve said before, I’d rather be faulted for being overly cautious than for not caring about our people.
Thank you for your continued support and understanding.
Offices will remain open, in case you need anything or have questions. If your student needs to retrieve items from their locker, you may swing by the school between 8:00 - 3:00 daily. Please contact the office if you have need of a Chromebook or are having internet connectivity issues.
October 23, 2020
Charter Families:
I want to update you on our current situation and our plans going forward in response to Panhandle Health’s recent actions.
The first bit of news is that our COVID numbers remain low. We have had a second student test positive, but that student's parents exercised sufficient caution to ensure that no other students are affected. As I’ve said before, I believe the secret to success in this ongoing battle is exactly this: keep your kids home if you have ANY reason to believe they might be sick—with ANYTHING. Doing so not only prevents the spread of sickness, but also allows others to feel safer. There is value in that.
With the news that Kootenai County has moved into the “red” level of infection risk, we are confronted with the decision of how and whether to alter our operating model. Our original plan stated that when in “red,” we would go to fully-online instruction. However, the State Board of Education has altered its guidance for schools to make such moves optional, rather than mandatory.
In light of our school population’s low infection rate, we will continue to attend classes Monday through Thursday, with Friday as an online day for all students.
Keep in mind, though, that this luxury could disappear in an instant if we were to have an outbreak. I have established 5% quarantined as our threshold for returning to blended learning.
In spite of PHD’s decision to lift the mask mandate in the county, we will continue to require masks in school. In addition to whatever actual benefits this may provide in preventing spread, it also serves as a means of keeping us aware of our tenuous situation and encourages good habits. I am not bothered by assertions that I am being “overly cautious” with student and teacher health; far better that, than the alternative.
The most important things you can do to keep us in school:
Truly, most of these are practices we should observe at all times. “Cold and flu season” would cease to be a major issue annually, if only we all exercised this level of consideration for others.
We will keep you posted on further developments. We are all thankful for our amazing families for their commitment to keeping us all healthy. With continued efforts, we’ll get through this and our students will receive the Charter Academy education you all came here for!
October 16, 2020
Academy Families:
In light of the recent announcement that Kootenai County is now in the “orange” level of COVID risk, it’s time to consider what this might mean to us and our operating conditions. Despite the recent increase in COVID cases in the county, our school still has not seen significant numbers. This is due in part to the measures we’ve put in place, but also largely a matter of luck. We’ll take it, regardless.
I suspect that the primary factor in our success is that our families have been very good about keeping their kids home if they don’t feel well, or if they have flu-like symptoms. This level of diligence and consideration will go a long way toward keeping us in school. That’s our goal, so please continue to watch your kids, and when in doubt, keep them home. While at school, we need to commit ourselves to diligent adherence to preventive measures, such as distancing, wearing our masks, washing our hands, and following campus directions for foot traffic.
The decision of whether to continue in our current model or go back to the hybrid, with students in school two days per week, will be based on our own population, rather than the county’s status.
I hope you already know about our “COVID Dashboard,” which shows the number of positive tests and the number of quarantined students in our school. This Dashboard is available on our website and through a link in our daily announcements. It is updated daily at 9:00 A.M. As of today, October 16, we have one positive case and four total quarantined. Unless we have new cases over the weekend, Monday will show zero cases and zero quarantined!
We will continue to monitor these numbers, and if we approach 5% of our student population quarantined (that’s between 25 and 30 students out), we will consider returning to the hybrid model. Once there, we will not return to full-time until the county moves back to “yellow” or Panhandle Health indicates that opening is a good idea.
All decisions are made in consultation with the Health District, and are aimed at keeping our people healthy. Thank you for doing your part.
September 22, 2020
Charter Academy Parents:
As you may already be aware, Monday’s Board meeting included discussion of reopening the school for daily, in-person instruction. The short version of the outcome is that the Board accepted administration’s recommendation to work toward reopening. Please read on for the details.
Reasoning: This has been a difficult time for all stakeholders. We are grateful for our committed parents and students, and for our professional teachers who are finding ways to work through significant adversity to deliver the best possible education. As I have said many times, however, there is no substitute for in-person, direct instruction.
We opened the school year in a blended format because we have a responsibility to our families to provide the safest possible environment. Because the community spread of COVID has remained in the moderate “yellow” zone for several weeks now, we believe it’s reasonable to try to resume teaching and learning in something that looks more like our normal model. We have consulted with Panhandle Health, and they believe our plan is sound.
What was decided: The Board heard input from administration and community members, and discussed the available options. Ultimately, they authorized the school administration to make decisions based on “levels of community spread” according to Panhandle Health District.
The Plan: Provided that community spread remains in the “yellow” zone, the Academy will open its doors to ALL of its students for in-person instruction beginning on October 5. All students will attend Monday through Thursday, and Friday will remain an online-only day for all students. This will allow teachers and students to maintain familiarity with the online platform, and also provide an opportunity for teachers to make connections with online students. Students WILL be required to wear masks while at school, as distancing will not be a realistic possibility in full classes. Students who are immunocompromised, or whose parents are not comfortable sending them to school, may choose to continue learning online. In the event that community spread increases significantly or we identify cases in our school community, administration will make the decision of whether to go back to a blended or fully-online model. It is entirely possible that we may have to change several times throughout the year.
Is it safe?: We believe it is safe for students to return to school with CDC-recommended mitigation strategies in place. These strategies include:
In addition, we will maintain our one-way traffic throughout the buildings to minimize face-to-face hallway meetings.
We all want to be back in our normal school setting, and we believe we can make it work. Thank you all for the trust you have shown as we find our way through this time. We are looking forward to seeing our WHOLE student body!
August 27, 2020
Welcome back to school!
This year will be unlike any you have experienced before. But amid all of the changes and challenges, we are confident that it will be great—and certainly memorable.
As you already know, we will start the year in a blended in-person/remote model, with only about half of our students on campus at one time. We will be observing all of the health department’s recommendations for masks and distancing, to provide both protection and peace of mind. If it seems like we are going beyond what’s required, that’s by design. The bottom line is that I would rather make you feel inconvenienced than endangered. No one likes any of this, but it is our current reality. Thank you for cooperating.
Whether you are on campus or at home, you are expected to attend all of your classes daily. For those at home, we have an online “check-in” that you access through the same portal where you check your grades. Start checking your cdapanthers email for instructions on how to join each of your classes. On the first day of class, your teachers will explain their expectations and requirements. This blended format makes it very important that you pay close attention to the syllabus and daily schedule.
One of the changes you may have heard about is that we do not plan to have an after-school study hall. As yet another measure of limiting students’ contact with too many peers, we ask that parents find a way to have them picked up as soon after school as possible. To ensure their safety, students who are continually left after hours will be asked to switch to our online learning option.
I know you have a LOT of questions. I have attached both a general outline of our plan and a list of Frequently Asked Questions. Please remember that we are doing everything we can to ensure a safe and productive school year for all of you.
We are all excited to have you back at school. See you Monday…or Tuesday!
July 29, 2020
Dear Charter Families:
As the new school year approaches, we find ourselves having to plan for things we never anticipated. We have spent the whole summer making plans, consulting with authorities and experts, and troubleshooting. What follows is our plan for starting the year in what we believe is the safest way, still allowing us to deliver REAL educational value to our students. I know that some of our decisions will not agree with you. Please be advised that if you do not feel comfortable sending your students to school (either long-term or on a given day) you don’t have to. All classes will be livestreamed and archived for viewing at home; of course, there is no real substitute for physical presence with a great teacher, but this is the next-best thing. For those who are comfortable sending their students to school, we will have many structural and operational accommodations in place as recommended by public health authorities.
School begins on Monday, August 31, 2020.
The daily schedule will look exactly as it has in the past—school starts at 8:00 and ends at 2:45; we will continue to have Study Lab. The big difference this year is that students will be placed in ‘A’ and ‘B’ rotations; the ‘A’ rotation will attend classes physically on Monday and Wednesday, while the ‘B’ rotation attends online. The ‘B’ rotation will attend physically on Tuesday and Thursday, while the 'A' rotation attends online. All students will attend virtually on Friday. When attending virtually, students will follow the same “bell schedule” as if they were on premises. If they miss a class for some reason, classes will be archived for later viewing; this will, of course, mean that they will not receive real-time instruction. You can expect to receive your students’ schedules sometime in early August.
Upon arrival at school:
Students will check in at the front door to have their temperature checked and recorded. Any student with a temperature above 100 degrees will not be allowed to attend classes that day, and will be asked to go home. If you have the ability to check your students’ temperature at home, we recommend that you do so; if your student is showing any signs of illness—fever, cough, etc.—please keep them home. The good news, as I said before, is that they won’t miss class, because they can attend online.
Changes to the school day:
Because eating in large gatherings presents obvious problems related to the spread of infectious disease, the school will not be providing lunches this year as it has in the past. Students will be asked to bring their own lunches, and will likely eat in their classrooms. We are considering ways to provide packaged snacks, but the vending machine will not be in use. For the same reasons, we do not plan to have an after-school study hall. We will do our best to find a place for students who are here after hours, but we request your assistance in getting students off school grounds as soon after school as possible. I know these are inconveniences, but we believe they are necessary to provide the peace of mind that our families need.
What about face masks?
The big question on everyone’s minds is whether we will be wearing masks. Because we have a number of staff members (and students) who fall into high-risk categories, we must take every reasonable precaution to protect them. So yes, we will follow Panhandle Health District’s directive by wearing masks to start the year; this is subject to change as conditions change. If you object to wearing a mask, students have the option to stay home and learn without masks.
What you need to do now:
If you do not feel that you are ready for your student to attend classes in person, please let us know right away. This affects scheduling, and is vital information. PLEASE NOTE that this is NOT a permanent decision; all students will be welcome back on premises when they and their families are comfortable with that decision.
These are unusual times. There is no clear road map to follow. Whatever plans we make now are almost certain to require change.
We ask that you be patient, be kind, and do what you can to help us all stay healthy.
July 13, 2020
Charter Families:
I hope you are enjoying your summer. I know it’s only July, but it’s not too early to start thinking about next school year. Unfortunately, many of the same things that closed schools down back in March are still with us, and are forcing us to think about next year very differently from the way we have in the past.
The purpose of this letter is to let you know that we are working hard to make sure you receive the best possible education—a real “Charter Academy” education, regardless of our circumstances. I am grateful for the many, many positive comments I received from parents and students for our handling of classes during the shutdown. No system is perfect, but the consensus is that our teachers delivered high-quality instruction from the first moment of going online.
No one knows what to expect in the fall when school starts. At this point, we do not know whether we will be conducting school “as usual,” or online, or in some hybrid format. We also don’t know what protocols will be in place. For instance, we do not know whether there will be a “distancing” requirement; if so, then we can’t have all students on campus at the same time. The most common question we hear is whether we will require students to wear masks. The only answer I can give you on that topic is that we will follow the guidelines we are given by the state and the Public Health Department. Certainly students will be allowed to wear masks, and we will have them available for those who want them; but no one can answer the question of whether there will be a requirement.
In general terms, our plan is to provide for every possible version of what school might look like. It is also important for us to be prepared to move smoothly from one of those models to another. Just think of how many changes have occurred in the past few months; it is reasonable to expect more variations as we learn more and as the number of cases changes. On top of all of this, our stakeholders have a wide range of comfort levels, ranging from mild to extreme concern.
We will keep you apprised as developments occur. For now, concentrate on staying safe and enjoying your summer!
April 21, 2020
Dear Academy Families:
This has been a very challenging time for all of us as we navigate the uncertainty of closures, quarantines, and social distancing. Transitioning to online education isn’t easy for anyone, but the Academy staff has made an incredible effort to ensure the best possible learning experience for our students. Students have shown remarkable adaptability and independence, and parents have found ways to manage this unplanned “together time.”
School End Date Moved
We know that many people are feeling significant stress from this disruption to their normal lives—working from home, organizing online time for multiple students, and worrying about the dangers of infectious disease takes its toll.
In recognition of this fact, and in an attempt to alleviate some of that stress, the Academy Board of Directors voted on April 20, to shorten the school year by three weeks. The last day of school for students will be May 22. We hope that this reprieve encourages students to redouble their efforts, knowing that the end is now only a month away.
Specific information about final tests and returning books and materials will be released later this week. Graduation for the Class of 2020 is still scheduled for May 29 and more details will be coming soon.
Registration
Registration packets for next year were sent to returning students two weeks ago. Please, if you have not yet done so, complete the registration materials and return them to the school—either in person or by mail. This is vitally important to our planning and our ability to put students into the classes they need. If you did not receive your packet, please contact the office as soon as you are able.
Thank you again for your commitment and hard work. Please stay healthy.
April 10, 2020
Hello Charter Families:
We hope that you are all well and finding productive ways to use this quarantine time. The events surrounding the COVID19 virus have led to significant uncertainty, which can in turn lead to fear. In an effort to address some of that uncertainty and allay your concerns, we are providing these answers to common questions. If you have questions that are not addressed here, please do not hesitate to contact the office.
Are we doing online school for the rest of the year?
In all likelihood, yes. On April 6th, the State Board of Education extended the current “soft close” until the end of this school year. That could change if distancing and “stay at home” orders are lifted.
The good news is that our students and teachers have been conducting business throughout the closure, and there is no need to extend the school year into the summer months and no need to repeat classes because of lost instruction. Of course, Academy students who fail classes will be required to repeat those classes; all academic promotion policies remain in effect.
If you are still struggling with technology needs, please contact the office. We are checking out Chromebooks to students who need them, and some internet providers are offering deals to allow more people to receive service.
What about grades?
Teachers will continue to maintain high academic standards and grade student work on its merits. In other words, you will still receive “real grades,” and not Pass/Fail grades. Online instruction will NEVER be as good as in-person, but our teachers are working very hard to ensure that their classes are taught at a high level. It would be a terrible thing to simply give up on standards for the last two months of the school year. Having said that, it is very important that students practice self-discipline and complete their work to the best of their ability. Because technology is never perfect, students will be shown grace in cases where it appears that technical issues have gotten in the way. It is important that you communicate problems with your teachers.
Do we still have to do ISAT/SAT/AP tests?
ISAT testing is not going to happen this year.
The SAT had been postponed to April 28th, but has since been postponed until further notice. The state promises that those who need to take the test will have an opportunity. Currently, the two ideas they are considering include giving students a voucher to take the test when it’s convenient for them, or setting an “SAT School Day” to coincide with the PSAT in the fall. We will update this as we receive information. It would be good for juniors to use this extra time to take more practice tests!
AP tests will still happen as originally scheduled, but they will be done remotely. All students enrolled in AP classes should watch for specific information from our counselors and their teachers. In addition, seniors may still be required to pass the state-mandated Civics test. Watch for information on this in the coming days, as we await direction from the state.
How will this affect graduation?
The most important thing to know is that seniors who complete all of their graduation requirements WILL graduate. We are currently working on plans for some kind of ceremony that both honors our graduates and respects whatever “distancing” guidelines are in place. We hope to have information to you soon.
How will we register for next year’s classes?
Our registrar is putting registration packets together, and you can expect to see them in the mail in the next few days. The process will be explained in the packets.
Can I come to the school and get my things?
This is currently one of the most-asked questions. Because of the current guidelines for distancing and avoiding infection, we cannot allow you to simply come and get your things. What we ask is that you call the office to arrange a pick-up time. A staff member will gather your things and put them in the high school entryway for you. You should plan to give at least an hour’s notice.
March 24, 2020
Charter Academy Families:
This is just a note to apprise you of our status and recent developments.
On Monday, the Idaho State Board of Education announced a mandatory “soft close” for all of the state’s public schools. This does not affect our current online instruction plan, except that it establishes April 20 as the earliest date that we could return to in-person classes. Keep in mind that the building closure could last longer than that, but will not end sooner. One of the main goals for this state-level closure is to give schools a deadline for figuring out how to deliver online instruction. Happily, we are already nearly two weeks into that adventure! Thank you again for your support, and especially for all of your positive feedback. And thanks to our amazing teachers, who have jumped into this with both feet! Making the transition to online instruction involves a steep learning curve, and our teachers “accepted the challenge” without hesitation.
From the sound of it, there was a significant adjustment period for students, as well. After a couple of days of feeling overwhelmed, indications are that things have settled down into a manageable routine. I hope you are finding this to be the case. Our overarching goal is to hold as closely as possible to our annual goals, so that when (if!) students return, their reintegration will be smooth. Of course, no one knows what lies ahead.
I want to remind everyone that you can check out school Chromebooks if you need a device for your students to work on. Just come by the office during business hours, and we’ll get you set up. If WiFi is a problem for you at your house, we are allowing students to work here in the multipurpose room, also during business hours (8-2).
I have received questions about whether prom and graduation will be canceled. My only answer is to reiterate that no one knows for sure. Both of these events are beyond the mandated closure date, so there is a chance. We will keep you informed as we are able.
Finally, there has been some question about whether next week is still spring break. Of course it’s spring break! I think we’ve all earned it.
For what it’s worth, those of us here at school truly miss our building full of kids. We hope you’re all staying healthy.
Dan Nicklay
Principal, Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy
March 19, 2020
Academy parents:
Thank you all for your commitment to your children's education, and for working through this difficult time with us. The feedback from families has been almost entirely positive, but even the less positive comments have been delivered in an encouraging tone. Just know that this is all new to us, as well, and that we are continuing to refine and improve our practices.
I also want you to know that we are working at finding a healthy balance between accountability and a reasonable workload. Keeping kids engaged in their education is our first priority, and doing so in a way that meets their emotional needs is imperative. In short, please bear with us as we work out the kinks. This will all work out!
Some things you need to know:
1) No one has any idea how long this will last. I'm glad that we have the capability and the professional staff to ensure that our students get real education during the building shut-down.
2) This is REAL school, and not optional. There is no way in good conscience that we would ever simply cancel school and leave kids to their own devices for a prolonged time. Having said that, we also understand that there are sure to be issues for some families, and we will extend grace where possible.
3) If you lack internet connection, or if you don't have enough devices for more than one student to keep up, we have solutions! Students are free to come work in our multi-purpose room on our internet during business hours (8-3 weekdays). Several families have checked out our chromebooks to enable multiple kids to work online simultaneously, or to access internet in public spaces. If either of these might provide a solution for you, please contact the office. We want this to work for everyone.
4) We only have one more week until spring break! That will be a great time to exhale, regather, and commit to reaching the finish line!
Thank you again for supporting your kids, your teachers, and the school. You are the ultimate source of our success.
Dan Nicklay
Principal, Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy
March 14, 2020
Classes Moving Online Monday, March 16
Charter Academy Parents: As you probably know by now, there are diagnosed cases of COVID-19 (coronavirus) in Idaho. In accordance with local health agencies' recommendations, Academy students will not come to school until further notice. This is a precautionary measure intended to slow the spread of this virus.
The good news is that we have been planning for weeks now to ensure that your students' education is not interrupted. Beginning Monday, March 16, the Academy will join most universities and begin delivering instruction online. Most teachers have already oriented their students to the process for obtaining instruction materials. If yours have not, you can visit teacher websites at www.cdacharter.org and click on the "Staff" tab. Then find your teacher's picture and click on "Website." Also, monitor your cdapanthers email for updates from the school and your teachers.
Transferring to an online model is a major undertaking, and will certainly require some patience before we get all of the bugs worked out. Please work with us and support your students as they adapt to this new model. We intend to maintain a high standard of instruction, and if students are not consistent in attending to their classes, they will fall behind. Remember--we are STILL IN SCHOOL, but attending online. It is crucial that you pay close attention to due dates and log in every day to monitor your teachers' requirements.
The school buildings will be open for students to retrieve books and materials.
Further details will be forthcoming.
Thank you for your cooperation during this difficult time. I am so proud of our teachers and our students for making education their priority.
Dan Nicklay
Principal, Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy
March 13, 2020
Activities Cancellations & Updates
Dear Charter Families:
As you are likely aware, at the recommendation of Panhandle Health an increasing number of activities have been cancelled or postponed in our area. We want to keep you aware of what we know so far in regards to many of the activities on our own calendar. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call or respond to this email. All currently scheduled activities next week are subject to cancellation with no notice. Watch your email for further updates.
Fiddler on the Roof is still scheduled to open this weekend. Performances are scheduled for 7:00pm on Friday and Saturday and we have added a 2:00pm matinee on Saturday.
Following guidelines set by the CDC, we are limiting the size of the audience to 150 attendees at each performance. We ask that you plan to only attend one performance and arrive early as we have no way of securing tickets beforehand and there are many who want to see this beautiful production. Chairs will be spaced farther apart than normal. You are welcome to sit closer to your family, but we ask that you practice social distancing with other attendees at the play and stay home if you think you might be sick.
Due to a winter storm and high winds that are expected to roll in tonight, Ski Club has cancelled their trip to Lookout that was scheduled for tomorrow, March 14.
Tomorrow's Middle School Choir District 1 Solo Music Festival has been cancelled. The Band Large Group Festival that was scheduled for next Wednesday, March 18, has been cancelled.
Monday's assembly featuring nationally-known presenter Collin Kartchner has been cancelled. The Parent Night at Lake City High School has also been cancelled. We apologize for any inconvenience.
March 11, 2020
Charter Academy Families:
So far, we have not been impacted directly by the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus), but it's likely only a matter of time. I know it's on everyone's minds, so I want you to know that the Academy is making preparations for dealing with anything from short-term absences to lengthy school closure.
Whether you choose to keep your kids home until this all passes (which could be quite a long time), or you keep them home because they're sick, or the school closes because of an outbreak of illness, our goal is to make sure that delivery of our education program is not significantly impacted.
Last week I asked all teachers to ensure that all class materials are available online, and that they are prepared to deliver remote instruction if necessary.
What this means is that if your student is absent for multiple days, you should be able to access missed materials online. This is not "online instruction," but similar to what you would expect if teachers were sending homework to the office for you to pick up. It is very important that you keep your kids home if they are exhibiting symptoms, and we want to make that as easy for everyone as possible.
If the school were to close, and it looked like it would be closed for more than a few days, we would then begin providing all classes online. Keep in mind that this would not mean interactive video lessons, but likely readings, homework, tests and quizzes, and possibly recorded lectures from some teachers.
A school closure would be announced through the School Messenger text alert system and on our website. Students would be able to access their classes through their teachers' websites, unless those teachers have given other instructions. It is my sincere hope that none of this ends up being necessary, but I want you to know that we are taking this threat seriously and making provisions.
Dan Nicklay
Principal, Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy.
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