I was part of a meeting yesterday with Dr. Sheila Briggs, Assistant State Superintendent for Academic Excellence, and these were her recommendations and comments in addressing academics during our school building closure:

• Our number one priority should be supporting families and students.
• Learning needs to come second, and learning can take place in a variety of ways, not necessarily through typical curriculum.  The big takeaway-- expectations for students in the last two months of the school year need to be different. Keep students engaged but do not forget our first priority. 
• "However you are doing is okay." Dr. Briggs and DPI are aware that teachers throughout the State are doing amazing work in connecting and supporting our families--pleas continue that effort. And if that means having different expectations, that's what needs to happen. 

How does that fit with our school? The connections being made now will transfer into more engagement when we get our students back in a classroom. Staff everywhere have made great connections and continue to work toward that goal.  And for now, if creating more supportive expectations means cutting the required number of questions, shortening a paper, skipping a lab, requiring fewer courses be completed, then that's what we do.  And without guilt for not doing enough or requiring enough... as Dr. Briggs stated, "However you are doing is okay."  

During tough times, our professionalism and caring show through. We have done well. 
Keep up the good fight!

Feel like you woke up on a totally different planet? Me too.  On this planet my mind if running in circle, while my car doesn't leave the garage.  If over the past two weeks, you've also been involved in building "a school outside of school," let me share these guidelines for parents and student-- how to make "school at home" work for you.
The best to you during this challenging time, and stay safe and well.