Message from Roseburg Public Schools

Update: March 31, 2020 Dear Roseburg Community, Over the past few weeks, the COVID-19 pandemic has confronted our community with rapidly changing and unprecedented challenges to overcome. Among the impacts on our day-to-day lives is the ever-shifting educational environment that our students are facing. It is our top priority to help students stay the course in their learning and to provide steady footing for families throughout the process. Last night, the Oregon Department of Education issued new guidance for Oregon public schools. Previous guidance called on schools to provide short-term supplemental learning during the current school closure period. This new guidance calls for a more substantive, graded, potentially credit-bearing distance education for all students. In issuing this new guidance, the state acknowledged the possibility that schools may remain closed through the remainder of the school year. The state has called on school districts to create a Distance Learning for All plan by April 13. This week, we are focusing on connecting with parents and students, as well as ensuring that students have access to technology. During the week of April 6, staff and teachers will begin implementing supplemental learning and education supports. Our current work is on track with what the state is now requesting. As a district, we will examine the state’s new guidelines and make adjustments to our plans so that we are prepared to fulfill the Distance Learning for All requirements. The idea that schools may remain closed for the duration of the school year likely adds to the anxiety and concerns students and families are feeling. We completely understand and want to assure you that we are here for our students and families through this challenge. We are proud of the work our staff and teachers have been doing to support our students through this worldwide crisis. Our educators are dedicated, caring and inspiring members of this community, and together we will find our way through this challenging time. We realize there will be many questions in the coming weeks, and we appreciate your patience and support as we embark on this new journey with you. Please stay tuned for more updates as we work on plans to implement Distance Learning for All. Sincerely, Jared Cordon Superintendent, Roseburg Public Schools