Good evening SPS,
It is almost surreal that the calendar has once again turned to March, marking a full year since we were required to reshape how we connect with our students. As we reflect on this past year, it is worth mentioning the astronomical challenges that our students, staff, families and communities have overcome. Together, we have reimagined our day-to-day life, including teaching and learning. It is worth acknowledging just how far we have come since those first days last spring.
Despite these challenges, we have seen some amazing successes. SPS now offers devices at a one-to-one student ratio to facilitate online learning; the district has served more than a half a million meals to children in our community; and more than 9,000 users per day log into Google Meets for lessons, learning, and planning. Those are amazing accomplishments!
Last month we welcomed our youngest students back to our campuses for on-site learning. While this change came with apprehension and new routines, we are pleased to say it has been a tremendous success.
This month we are preparing to welcome our 4th – 8th grade students back to on-site learning following Spring Break. We will invite our 9th-12th grade students back at the start of the fourth quarter.
Starting April 1, we will begin transitioning grades 4-8 to on-site learning two days a week.
April 1: 4th grade/6th grade
April 8: 5th grade/7th grade
April 15: 8th grade
Grades 4 – 8:
Students in grades 4 – 8 will attend on-site learning two days a week and will learn remotely the remaining days. Each grade will be split into two groups to limit the number of students on site at any one time, in compliance with public health recommendations regarding physical distancing and group sizes. Families can expect a follow up communication from their school, to learn individual student schedules. The on-site learning schedule for grades K-3 will remain the same.
Grades 9 – 12:
Following the successful return of our 4th – 8th grade students, our high schools will transition to on-site learning at the beginning of the fourth quarter on April 19. Thurston, Springfield, and Gateways high school students will follow their current schedule (same day, time, class schedule), attending on-site four days a week - either AM or PM classes. A3 high school will transition to on-site learning until the next term begins on May 17.
Changing Programs:
Families who wish to change their current program – SPSOnline back to their home school or home school to SPSOnline – are invited to do so by March 17. Transfer paperwork link
Welcoming our Students:
We have taken great care, paying attention to the details to ensure that our current health and safety protocols will provide for the safe and healthy return of our students to on-site instruction in our schools. We are excited to take this next step, as we welcome a return to familiar routines.
Please continue to look for school-specific information directly from your student’s school and their teachers. As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out to buildings or the district with any questions.
Meal service changes starting 3/5
SPS school-based meal distribution will come to an end this week as the district continues with hybrid learning, however, meal delivery services are set to continue!
Families who wish to have hot to-go meals delivered to their homes via the SPS transportation team can still sign up for the service. Our dedicated drivers deliver meals via school bus on regularly-scheduled school days to students in the Springfield and surrounding areas. Children do not need to be Springfield students to receive these meals. Follow this link to sign up: bit.ly/SPSmealdelivery
Note: Friday, March 5 will be the last day of school-based meal distribution at all SPS schools. Students who are attending in-person learning receive meals during the school day. Families who still wish to receive meals should follow the link above to have meals delivered by bus.
Register for Transportation
Due to health and safety precautions, all students who will access district provided transportation MUST register with the transportation department. Only students who have completed registrations will be allowed to ride district provided transportation.
To register, please submit an online form for each student who will ride a Springfield school bus.
For assistance with any transportation questions, please contact the SPS transportation office at: 541.744.6373
