CCSD (Laughlin) School Closures Updates
March 19, 2020
The past few days have been challenging for all of us; the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been far reaching and things are rapidly changing by the hour. There are many questions and few answers at this point. As a school system, we understand the emotional, social and financial impact this crisis is having on our students, families and community. We are working closely with district leaders to establish support systems and clarify learning expectations for all students. As we continue to follow 'social distancing", know we are available "virtually" to assist you to the best of our ability.
Laughlin Community Church - with the closure of Boys & Girls Club and the Public Library, the church has offered to be a "central location" to support families that may not be able to get to the HS for food. If you are in need, know this community resource is available (they have computers available for student extended learning opportunity use). As of today, they will be open Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
In closing, CCSD has created a summary document, addressing frequently asked questions; highlights for Wednesday, March 18 include:
https://sites.google.com/nv.ccsd.net/ccsdjustthefactscovid19/home
FOOD SERVICES
Will students still have access to meals while schools are closed?CCSD will continue to provide breakfast and lunch to students during the closure of our schools.
Student food distribution pods are set up at 28 school locations throughout Clark County from 8 am to 11 am Monday through Friday.
In order to comply with federal regulations, a school-age child must be present for food to be distributed. However, students do not need their school ID. The pickup location will be set up outside of the school sites to facilitate distribution.
The full list of distribution sites is regularly updated by clicking here.
Do students need school IDs to be able to get food?
In order to comply with federal regulations, a school-age child must be present for food to be distributed. However, students do not need their school ID.
Will it be possible to pick up food for multiple days at one time?
Currently, the Seamless Summer Option waiver that has been granted allows for service of up to two meals at one time (i.e. breakfast AND lunch) per child, per operating day. Currently, we are serving daily, Monday through Friday at locations including the rural areas.
CONTINUITY OF INSTRUCTION
How long will schools be closed?
The closure will continue through at least Monday, April 13, 2020, which includes the scheduled Spring Break. State health officials will determine if schools are to reopen after April 13, 2020.
Will school days have to be made up at the end of the year?
This decision will be determined by the Nevada Department of Education. While Nevada law provides language that allows the State Superintendent to waive missed school days, this determination has not been reached as of yet.
What instruction is being offered to students during the closures?
During the timeframe in which schools are closed, all students are being provided with learning extension opportunities. These student learning extension opportunities are not required for students to complete but attempt to provide activities for students to engage in learning at home. Parents/Guardians can pick up academic resources in the near future at designated food distribution locations. These resources are also available online for parents/guardians at ccsd.net. Click here or visit CCSD.net for the latest updates.
At this time, the Special Needs Resource Library at Vegas PBS is available to complete requests for books for students with special needs from parents/guardians by calling 702-799-1010, Option 7 or emailing SpecialNeeds@VegasPBS.org.
Will there still be SBAC and other Nevada State testing this year?
CCSD follows guidance from the Nevada Department of Education. A first option is to extend the testing window. Currently, the window for administering the CRT (SBA and Science CRT) is open from February 27 through May 15, 2020. In the event the testing will be extended, the Assessment Department will develop a revised testing schedule and communicate with school administrators. The United States Department of Education released guidance on March 12, 2020, stating that in the event it becomes necessary, a one-year waiver may be granted to states and subsequent school districts. This process, if needed, will be facilitated by the Nevada Department of Education.
Is there a contingency plan for graduation, AP exams, EOC’s and ACT testing?
ACT exams were administered and completed by juniors. CollegeBoard continues to provide updates on their website related to Advanced Placement options that may be provided. Graduation ceremonies are still scheduled. If those events are changed, this FAQ document will be updated accordingly.
How will the closures affect graduation?
At this time, graduation ceremonies are still scheduled. We will continue to work with our community partners and health officials to determine if graduations will be affected. We will provide updates as we progress through this situation.
Where will graduation packages with invitations be delivered? Should parents pick them up from schools?
While we expect these items to be delivered by all vendors in April 2020 to high schools, more information will be shared regarding delivery location of the graduation packages as more details are learned related to length of school closures.
Are parents required to pick-up medication maintained in the school Health Office?
Parents are not required to pick-up student medication maintained in the Health Office during this closure. However, some parents may choose to pick up controlled substances or emergency medications during this time. Please contact Health Services at (702) 799-7443, if you have any questions or need assistance to schedule a time to pick-up medications at your student's school site. Health Services will coordinate with the site administrator to schedule a time when medications may be picked up.
Will school closure have a negative impact on the attendance criteria for STAR rating?
CCSD will work alongside the Nevada Department of Education for guidance regarding school accountability measures.
In the event school closures have a long-term effect on school absences, state testing and other Nevada School Performance Framework (NSPF) criteria, the United States Department of Education has released guidance allowing states and subsequent school districts the opportunity to apply for a one-year waiver in these areas:
- ESSA required state proficiency testing
- 95% participation requirement
- Chronic Absenteeism metrics
- CSI/TSI/ATSI School Designations
At this time, schools are operating with limited staff. School administration will be in contact with school communities on ways to communicate with teachers and staff. Many teachers have already been in contact through email and ParentLink. We have asked all school administration to post contact information on their websites.
What is being done to provide mental health services for students in crisis during the school closure?
SafeVoice is still monitored even with school closures. The District continues to work with the Nevada Department of Education regarding SafeVoice tips as we realize students still may require support during the school closure period.
Will fail-safe letters still be distributed to students not on track to graduate?
Letters were scheduled to be sent to students and families by April 3, 2020. The District intends to still update seniors not on track for graduation by using information for student progress as of March 13, 2020, as done in the past.
Is it possible for students to earn credits during this time?
We continue to work with the Nevada Department of Education to determine what instructional options may be available for students at this time. Once more information is provided, this question will be updated.
How will student registration be completed for the 2020-2021 school year?
Online registration for the 2020-21 school year through the Infinite Campus Parent Portal will open on April 16, 2020, and will remain open through the end of October 2020. For class registrations, counselors should have already collected information and teacher recommendations were completed January 14 through February 21, 2020.
Dawn Estes
K-12 Principal
Bennett ES & Laughlin Jr/Sr HS
(702)298-3378 ext. 4100 - Bennett
(702) 298-1996 ext. 4100 - LHS
estesdl@nv.ccsd.net
