Digital Learning Academy-student attendance will be determined by the completed work in Schoology each day. Students are required to complete and submit all assignments before 11:59pm in order to be counted present for the day. If your student has not completed ALL of their assignments, they will be marked absent for the school day.
USDA has released COVID-19 flexibilities to allow ALL children 18 years and under to receive free breakfast and lunch through the school meal program. This decision will help ensure children have access to nutritious meals as the country recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The new flexibility is effective September 1, 2020, and will extend through December 31, 2020. Check out the News section for more information!
Picture Day will be 9/10/20
Rutherford School will offer meal delivery / pick-up to enrolled students during the off-campus learning period on Fridays only starting this Friday until October 16, 2020. To request a meal during this period, please fill click the link below to fill out a form each week to guarantee a meal.
Meal Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeuq5mTMWWVTXFAUSR4FykPsgJEpEKw4-3YE5Vdak7CWZHzXw/viewform?usp=sf_link
Rutherford School would like to thank Woodman of the World Chapter 153 for their donation to the school.
Thank you for a great first week of learning for all students at GCSSD. Due to the number of COVID-19 cases not declining as rapidly as we had hoped, we are adjusting enrollment for the Digital Learning Academy. Enrollment for the Digital Learning Academy will always remain open allowing a student to transition into the Academy at any time. If you would like to transition your student to the Academy, email the Director of Schools, Eddie Pruett (epruett@gcssd.org) with the required information below. Once approved, your student will continue in-person instruction until the student’s teacher or principal alerts them that it is time to transition. From that point forward, the student will remain as a Digital Learning Academy student for the remainder of the 9 weeks. All Digital Learning Academy students will re-register each 9 weeks. As a reminder, GCSSD feels that on-campus learning is best for all students but we understand that you, as a guardian, know which learning environment is best for your student and family.
If you choose to transition your student, you must:
- Have reliable internet connection.
- Your own personal device (with keyboard).
- Email Eddie Pruett at epruett@gcssd.org with the student name, grade, and school.
In an effort to make Schoology sign-in more user friendly, I have updated the log-in process while Schoology was down this afternoon.
Students will utilize their GCSSD username (NOT the full email) and their GCSSD password to log in to Schoology from this point forward. This change will allow multiple users to log in to one computer much easier as the log-in credentials will not be saved.
EXAMPLE:
gcssd.schoology.com
UN: caseya
PW: ac2345
Additional help located at: https://www.gcssd.org/o/gcssd/page/schoology-lms
Thank you to everyone who completed the survey. Based on your input, the GCSSD School Board voted to go with Option 5 (All students at home on Fridays for the first nine weeks). We had 2,108 survey responses in less than 24 hours.
This option will allow our staff additional time to build out lessons that will be used for the Digital Learning Academy. Off-campus learning on Fridays will not start until 8/28 and will continue through 10/16. Teachers will work with their students to give them assignments that they will need to complete while they are at home on Fridays. This could be through the Learning Management System or through instructional materials that are sent home. We understand that not all students have a device at home or internet access. Teachers will provide instructional materials for all students to ensure learning continues on Friday. Additionally, on Fridays until 10/16, students meals will be offered for parent pick-up and home delivery.
I know this is a major change. However, when we were originally developing the Digital Learning Academy in mid-July, we had 280 students enrolled. Once the decision was made to wear masks, our numbers increased to 650. At that point, the plan we had in place for 280 students was not possible. Therefore, we had to think through how best to manage the difficult situation we found ourselves in. Again, thank you for filling out the survey and helping us with that difficult decision. We also appreciate your patience as we try to ensure all students continue to learn. We are so proud of our staff as they continue to rise to the occasion to ensure each student at GCSSD has all their needs met.
Eddie Pruett
The COVID-19 releasing household contacts from isolation & quarantine has been updated. This is a major change. Please review page 15 of the Reopening Plan at: https://5il.co/i86m
The board is requesting feedback to help determine the option they take to give teachers additional planning time, to be used to develop digital learning content, during the first nine weeks. We realize that the decision will impact families and the board wanted to get your feedback. The board votes on 8/18 so we apologize for the quick turnaround.
Option 1 - School will be dismissed at 2 each day. (first 9 weeks)
Option 2 - Students will dismiss at 11:30 on Fridays. (first 9 weeks)
Option 3 - Students will attend Fridays on an A/B schedule. (every other Friday for the first 9 weeks)
Option 4 - Students attending is optional on Fridays. Families that do not have childcare can register for them to attend. Students that do not attend will use the learning management system. (first 9 weeks)
Option 5 - All students will stay home on Fridays and use the learning management system. (first 9 weeks)
Link to survey: https://forms.gle/ZT6caVHfkvCspMB39
The board is requesting feedback to help determine the option they take to give teachers additional planning time, to be used to develop digital learning content, during the first nine weeks. We realize that the decision will impact families and the board wanted to get your feedback. The board votes on 8/18 so we apologize for the quick turnaround.
Option 1 - School will be dismissed at 2 each day. (first 9 weeks)
Option 2 - Students will dismiss at 11:30 on Fridays. (first 9 weeks)
Option 3 - Students will attend Fridays on an A/B schedule. (every other Friday for the first 9 weeks)
Option 4 - Students attending is optional on Fridays. Families that do not have childcare can register for them to attend. Students that do not attend will use the learning management system. (first 9 weeks)
Option 5 - All students will stay home and use the learning management system. (first 9 weeks)
Link to survey: https://forms.gle/ZT6caVHfkvCspMB39
Welcome Back to School.
Students will dismiss at 11:30am on Monday 8/17/20. All students will be required to wear mask and have their temperature checked in the morning. If you are a car rider please remain in your vehicle until your temperature is checked by a staff member. Thank you for your patience in the matter and we look forward to great school year.
GCSSD on-campus instruction will start Monday, August 17, at a Level 3. Students will be required to wear a mask.
Digital Learning Academy start date has been moved to August 24, 2020 to allow teachers more time to prepare content.
We are excited for the start of school! Please continue to follow COVID-19 CDC guidelines to help us work together to protect the health, safety, and wellbeing of students, teachers, staff, their families, and communities.
- Stay away from work, school, or other people if you become sick
- Wear your mask in public
- Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth
- Sneeze or cough? Cover your mouth
- Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces daily
These are the most important actions that will support schools safe reopening and will help them stay open.
https://youtu.be/z067y5-KUQI
Attention Parents,
If you have a child who is attending Rutherford School this year and must take medication at school, you must obtain the health care providers signature on the medication form prior to any prescription medication being administered. We will not fax forms this year. There is also a place for parent /guardian signature and phone number.
Also, due to the new mandates and protocols being implemented at our schools, it is highly encouraged that all morning medications be administered at home prior to arrival.
Medication sheets are available for pickup outside the entrance doors of the school.
The same paperwork with a parent signature is required for any “Over the Counter” medications to be administered. Example: Tylenol, Benadryl, Ibuprofen, etc. A health care provider’s signature is not needed for over the counter medications unless dose is different than that on the bottle.
Medication Guidelines:
1. Prescription Medications require a doctor’s signature on the proper medication sheet or the medication will not be administered.
2. All prescription/over the counter medications have to be brought in by a parent/guardian only.
3. Once you arrive at the school with the student’s medication please ring the door bell and ask for the nurse. The nurse will then meet you at the door and accept the student’s medication. The medication will be counted by the nurse in front of the parent/adult.
4. If your student’s prescription medicine is a suspension/liquid then please provide enough for at least two weeks to a month of doses. This way outside contact will be limited between parents/staff.
5. Prescription Inhalers will also require new medication sheets with directions and a doctor’s signature.
6. Prescription Epi-Pens require a medication sheet and a doctor’s signature. The school does have Epi-Pens available for Emergencies only.
7. All prescription medications must be brought to school in the properly labeled container from the pharmacy. Ask the pharmacist to label a medication bottle for home and school if you will need to keep some medications at home.
8. All prescription medications must be up to date. We will not administer medications from last school year.
9. All Over the Counter Medications require a parent’s signature. Students can’t bring any meds to the nursing office.
10. Over the counter medications must be brought to school in an unopened bottle with the label attached and visible. Write your students name on the bottle or box. We do not administer adult doses to children so be sure you purchase the correct dosage. Medication must be in date.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact me by email at: callinsa1@gcssd.org
I will be glad to help you in any way possible. I’m excited for a new school year and I look forward to seeing all the kids.
Thanks, Amanda Callins, LPN
The Digital Learning Academy Handbook is now available for DL students and parents to review. Please click the link below to access. A timeline is available within the document to ensure all DL students are ready to begin August 17, 2020!
https://5il.co/j8et
Digital Learning Academy Device Request:
A limited number of devices are being provided for DL Academy students who do not have access to a device. The devices are to be used to engage in learning activities provided by teachers. If your student needs a device in order to participate in the Digital Learning Academy please contact Kary Parchman at parchmank@gcssd.org by Monday, August 10 at 12:00 noon and include the information below within the email. Devices will be loaned out for Digital Learning Academy students only and priority will be based according to the students meal eligibility status for the 2020-21SY. All aspects of District Policy 4.406 and the Responsible Use of Technologies applies to the use of the device and Internet access. Forms will be signed upon pickup to ensure guidelines are being followed when using the equipment along with a digital learning release permission form.
Information to include in Digital Learning Academy device request email:
- Student first and last name
- Student enrolled school
- Student grade
- Other students in the household that are Digital Learning Academy students
Digital Learning Academy students will pick up textbooks and consumables on 8/12 from 10:00-2:00.
Amid growing concerns with rising COVID-19 positive cases, the GCSSD Board of Directors voted to postpone all 8th Grade Graduations scheduled for July 30, 2020. This decision was made due to the inability to proceed with groups of less than 50 and with the health and well-being of our students, staff and families being of utmost importance.
A meeting will be held in the near future to discuss rescheduling of the events.
Tonight the GCSSD School Board decided to delay the first day of school to August 17, 2020. Below is a link to the new 2020-21 School Year calendar to reflect the delayed start. We hope delaying the start of the school year will help to support the decline of COVID cases in our area and allow us to start at a level that is as normal as possible. However, in order to achieve this, we need your help. Please wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after any activity. Maintain social distancing. Avoid large gatherings. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Avoid unnecessary travel and wear a mask or cloth face covering.
We will continue to work with local health officials weekly to determine the start of school operating level and will inform you as soon as a decision is made so adjustments can be made if necessary. As a reminder, the Digital Learning Academy Registration closes this Wednesday, July 29. Click Menu > COVID-19 Information for details.
Link to calendar: https://5il.co/io7m
Tonight the GCSSD School Board decided to delay the first day of school to August 17, 2020. Below is a link to the new 2020-21 School Year calendar to reflect the delayed start. We hope delaying the start of the school year will help to support the decline of COVID cases in our area and allow us to start at a level that is as normal as possible. However, in order to achieve this, we need your help. Please wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after any activity. Maintain social distancing. Avoid large gatherings. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Avoid unnecessary travel and wear a mask or cloth face covering.
We will continue to work with local health officials weekly to determine the start of school operating level and will inform you as soon as a decision is made so adjustments can be made if necessary. As a reminder, the Digital Learning Academy Registration closes this Wednesday, July 29. Visit www.gcssd.org under COIVD-19 Information for details.
Link to calendar: https://5il.co/io7m