Author: Stacey Webb

The Atkins School District will provide two options for any child in grades K-12.
Onsite Blended Learning: Blended learning is the new “traditional school” where students report to school daily (Monday through Friday) for a regular school day, but will be prepared for virtual learning in the event of a school closure.
Virtual Learning: Virtual learning means the child will learn new content remotely from a state provided digital platform on a full-time basis. This is a parent choice permitting students to work from home for the first semester.

School Start Date will be August 24
Social distancing will be expected as much as possible
Face coverings will be highly recommended for all students and staff
when social distancing cannot be maintained
Bus transportation will be provided and the school will follow state
guidelines regarding wearing masks
Custodial staff will also follow a protocol that consists of continuous cleaning throughout the day
K-12 students will use Google Classroom and Lincoln Learning Solutions
K-12 students will be assigned a device
Kindergarten: Chromebook touchscreen devices
1st through 12th grade: Chromebook or laptop devices
Superintendent: Jody Jenkins - 479-641-7871; jody.jenkins@atkinsschools.org
High School Principal: Roy McCoy - 479-641-7872; roy.mcoy@atkinsschools.org
Middle School Principal: Lindsay Riedmueller - 479-641-1008; lindsay.riedmueller@atkinsschools.org
Elementary School Principal: Stacey Webb - 479-641-7085; stacey.webb@atkinsschools.org

Superintendent: Jody Jenkins - 479-641-7871; jody.jenkins@atkinsschools.org
High School Principal: Roy McCoy - 479-641-7872; roy.mcoy@atkinsschools.org
Middle School Principal: Lindsay Riedmueller - 479-641-1008; lindsay.riedmueller@atkinsschools.org
Elementary School Principal: Stacey Webb - 479-641-7085; stacey.webb@atkinsschools.org

Virtual Expectations

Attendance
The student will adhere to timelines for completion of course requirements.
Extensions will not be allowed.
If a student fails to complete the coursework, the student will be in jeopardy of failing the course.

Student Commitment
Demonstrate a strong personal commitment to your educational future.
High school students need to communicate with the administrator/counselor to ensure the chosen
course of study is consistent with the student's plan for graduation.
Complete coursework on time with honesty and integrity.
Adhere to school handbook policies.
Sign and adhere to the Technology Agreement.
Communicate with your Virtual Learning Supervisor in a respectful manner.
Ensure you have the means to access the online courses on your own.

Parent Commitment
Ensure your child has the necessary equipment and internet access to participate in Virtual Learning (may require parent-provided transportation to internet hotspots).
Provide your child with an environment conducive to learning.
Ensure your child completes all coursework on time with honesty and integrity.
Stay in contact and work with your child’s Virtual Learning Supervisor and/or school
administrator to help monitor your child’s progress and keep informed regarding required
materials and expectations.
Adhere to the school schedule for state and local mandated testing.

District Commitment
Upon request, the District will provide a device for students to participate in Virtual Learning.
The school will closely monitor student progress and communicate with the student/parent.
The school will translate the course score provided into a grade and include it on the
student’s transcript.
If the student has an active IEP or 504 Plan, the District will help determine if the
accommodations and support can be delivered virtually, or would have to be modified to
meet the needs of the student.
A school administrator/counselor will meet with each parent and student to discuss this
decision and determine if the course fits with the student’s graduation requirements.

Atkins School District Re-Entry Task Force FAQ 2020-2021
It is our hope this document will provide answers to some of the questions you may have at this time. The District guidelines for re-entry may be modified as state guidelines change.
What is the first day for students?
School will start on Monday, August 24th, 2020. This date will only change if the Arkansas
Department of Health sends updated guidance with this requirement.
What is blended learning?
According to the Arkansas Department of Education, “blended learning is defined as education in which instruction and content are delivered through supervised instruction in a classroom and online delivery of instruction with some element of student control over time, place, path, or pace.” In our district, students choosing online blended learning will have the option of participating in days
designated for digital learning onsite or remotely. This will allow students to become more prepared in the event of a school closure.
Who will be teaching my child if virtual learning is chosen?
A teacher from your child’s grade level, or content area, will oversee your child’s education.
Students will cover the same standards at a pace similar to that of the classroom. Considering this is an online platform, course content will be provided through instructional videos and online
manipulatives created by qualified teachers contracted through the learning management system.
How will the district serve students who have special needs (Special Education, 504,
Dyslexia, etc.)?
The District will be prepared to accommodate students through both onsite and offsite instruction.
Can my child choose virtual learning and then decide to come onsite for blended learning?
Choosing virtual learning is a commitment for the first semester. Students will not be allowed to
return onsite until January 2021, unless there is an extenuating circumstance that is approved by your building principal. However, any student enrolled in onsite blended learning will have the opportunity to move to virtual learning if the need arises. The commitment will stand until
January 2021 for this option too, unless there is an extenuating circumstance that is approved by your building principal.
Will my child be provided a device?
Your child will be provided a device upon request for Virtual Learning, or Blended Learning in the event of a school closure. A signed technology agreement will be required for access to a device.
If students choose to do full-time virtual learning the first semester, will they be able to
participate in extracurricular activities?
Yes, all students will be able to participate in extracurricular activities.

Will the students still complete AMI work?
No. Alternative Methods of Instruction, or AMI, was intended to be used for unexpected school
closure for 5 days or less and reviewed previously taught skills. Due to COVID-19, AMI was
extended by the state for last school year. This upcoming school year all students will be learning new information through either Blended Learning or Virtual Learning during school closures, and will be held accountable for their assigned work.
Who will be required to wear face coverings?
The Atkins School District highly recommends face coverings to be worn by students in grades
K- 12. This will also apply to all adults in the building. Students in grades K-12 will be provided with one (1) locally donated washable cloth mask.
Will social distancing guidelines be observed?
Social distancing guidelines will be set in accordance with the directive of the Arkansas Department of Health. Every effort will be made to limit close contact between students by setting distancing guidelines for the classrooms, cafeterias, hallways, and buses. This will include all transition times.
Will classrooms be arranged differently to protect students?
Classrooms will be arranged to maximize spacing between students and teachers, but will not limit students’ ability to interact and communicate with each other.
Will students and adults be screened daily?
Both students and adults will complete a daily screening tool based on the guidance of the Arkansas Department of Health and Governor Asa Hutchinson. Parents will be expected to screen their own child each morning before school by answering “no” to the following questions.
Have you had a fever of 100°F or greater in the last 2 days?
Have you had a cough, difficulty breathing, sore throat, or loss of taste or smell?
Have you been in contact with a person known to be infected with COVID-19 within the
previous 14 days?
If an individual tests positive for COVID-19, what will happen?
The Re-Entry Task Force is currently working on a protocol the district will follow in the event an
individual tests positive. The safety and health of students and staff will continue to be our number one priority.

How do you intend to provide a safe, sanitized environment?
Sanitation and cleanliness will be a high priority for our district. Teachers will have a protocol to
follow throughout the day in regards to disinfecting the area between changing of classes. Our
custodial staff will also follow a protocol that consists of continuous cleaning throughout the day. Hand sanitizer dispensers are located throughout each building for easy use. The nighttime custodial staff will follow a protocol that also includes using an IonoMAX mister to disinfectant adding an extra layer of sanitizing.
Will bus transportation be provided?
Yes, buses will run as scheduled. Guidelines will be set at a later date based on guidance from the Arkansas Department of Health. It is very important that you select the primary mode of
transportation if your child chooses Blended Learning.
Will the elementary and middle schools have recesses?
Yes, students will have recess. Guidelines will be set at a later date based on guidance from the
Arkansas Department of Health
Will the school still provide After Care for grades K-8?
At this time, a decision has not been made.