HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson USD 308 Superintendent Mike Folks gave a brief update on how the district is preparing for online classes.
“Pre-K through six (grade) paper packets will be printed and available for pick up on April 6. Seven through 12 paper packets will be printed for those who do not have internet access,” Folks said. “All other 7/12 students will access their work through Google Classroom.”
Folks says computer loans will be distributed on April 6 for those families that signed up and were approved. Specific details of both packet pickup and computers will be sent out to USD 308 patrons later this week.
Folks also took time to address personal items that are still in school buildings.
“We do realize students do have personal items that they would like to retrieve,” Folks said. “We have a team that is working on how to execute that as quickly and safely as possible.”
Parents of students that have doctor prescribed medications will be contacted by their school nurse to arrange for their return. Finally, Folks emphasized that they want to work to minimize the added stress that could come from having to homeschool your children.
“Our purpose for our learning distance plan is to provide learning opportunities for all of our students,” Folks said. “We realize that they’re many additional challenges that our families are facing and we don’t want homeschool teaching to provide additional challenges. I want to assure you that our goal is not to put additional work or pressure on our families during this time.”
Folks closed out the message with this:
“During this pandemic, your child’s mental and physical well-being is more important than their academic gain. Please be patient, encouraging, and help your child understand the importance of taking extra healthcare precautions during this pandemic. Picking up a book and reading to your child or encouraging your child during this time might be the best thing that you can do.”