KCSD Provides Update during Shutdown
From staff reports
BALD EAGLE TOWNSHIP – During the first week of mandatory school closures in Pennsylvania, Keystone Central School District’s new Director of Curricular Innovation, Megan Hull, hit the ground running when she officially joined the district on Friday, March 20.
According to Superintendent Jacquelyn Martin, “The newly created role was intended to assist the district in leaping the present state of education in the district and move us into the future with an effective use of technology in education. Megan’s skill set and experience made her the perfect fit for this leadership role.” Hull, an alumnus of Bellefonte High School and Lock Haven University, recently resigned from the State College Area School District as an Instructional Technology Coach, to join the KCSD team. She had previously taught at the Huntingdon and Penns Valley High Schools as an English teacher, gifted teacher and Instructional Media Specialist.
While many school districts in Pennsylvania have been scrambling to create a Continuity of Education Plan, Martin and Hull led district leaders through a series of virtual meetings to develop a three phase plan including enrichment, review and planned learning experiences. “The amazing collaboration between administrators, department leaders and teachers helped us quickly develop an innovative plan to provide our students with the access to quality learning experiences. During this time of planning, the focus has been on how we can best support students and families during this uncertain time.”
The KCSD Continuity of Education Plan is built around student choice and student engagement and progresses in three phases:
Phase 1 – Immediate Closure: March 16 – March 27, 2020
● School Closed (All PA Schools closed)
● KCSD Cyber – enrolled students have access to current courses (All PA Cyber Schools closed for enrollments)
● Resources provided to families on KCSD Website and via Class Dojo and Schoology
Phase 2 – Extended Closure: March 30 – April 13, 2020
● Enrichment and Review Activities Provided Remotely for K-12 students
K-5 Choice Boards
6-8 Choice Boards
9-12 by Department via Schoology
● Current KCSD Cyber students are expected to continue Planned Learning Remotely
● Parents may contact Justin Evey if interested in learning more about this option for students who are not currently enrolled in online courses. jevey@kcsd.us
● For all secondary students: The Third Marking Period will be extended until April 13, 2020 for any student who needs to complete or make-up work. Work with your teacher through Schoology for details.
Phase 3 – April 14, 2020 and Beyond
● Enrichment and Review Activities Provided Remotely for K-8 students
● Planned Learning Remotely through Schoology 9-12
● For all secondary students: Grading will resume for the Fourth Marking Period
● KCSD Cyber continues Planned Learning Remotely
The KCSD Technology Department has been actively preparing devices for families who have requested them through the Technology Helpdesk. Superintendent Martin said “Ibelieve that we are in a position to provide quality learning experiences in light of the constraints that have been placed upon school districts. Most importantly, we care about every student! We first plan to support each student by providing basic needs and then following up with innovative ways for everyone to learn.”
The secondary principals will be meeting soon to determine how to manage the 2020 Graduation Ceremonies for Bucktail and Central Mountain High Schools. For up to date information, please visit the district website at www.kcsd.us
