Here you will find a collection of all of the communications sent regarding remote learning, as a reference for parents. Most recent letters and attachments will be posted at the top. The most current letter will be posted here as text for tranlsation and ADA compliance.

Sent Monday, April 20, 2020 at approximately 12 p.m.

FFC8 Families,

Fountain-Fort Carson School District 8 has decided to continue Remote Learning for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year. Considering guidance from the governor that normal, in-person learning is “highly unlikely” as well as looking at our traditional school year end dates, we cannot say for sure that we’ll be able to offer any substantial in-person instruction this school year. Rather than prolong that uncertainty, we have decided to extend the school closures, similar to our neighbor districts, and continue Remote Learning through the remainder of the traditional school year. We will continue teaching, learning, and assessing during this time to provide students with valuable learning experiences to build on their foundation for next year.

This means that FFC8 will continue Remote Learning through May 20, two days prior to the originally scheduled last day for students, and through May 15 for seniors, which was their original last day. We are aware that CHSAA will make a decision on or before May 2 regarding spring sports. We will follow their guidance and decision. However, facility use for community organizations and athletic partners will be canceled for the remainder of the year and playgrounds will not be available until further notice.

We will continue to follow the guidance of our local health experts, government officials and the CDC as we make decisions with thoughtful consideration to finish the year strong in support of our students and staff.

It is essential during this time that our entire community continue to follows the Stay-at-Home orders put in place by the Governor and observe proper social distancing behaviors. All of us must continue to work together to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

Please read below as it pertains to next steps for the district.

Meal Distribution
Meal distribution is exempt from the Stay-at-Home order. FFC8 and all area school districts will continue to provide grab-and-go meals for students who are in need of food assistance Monday – Friday through the remainder of the school year. In FFC8, meals will continue to be distributed between 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. at Carson Middle, Mountainside Elementary, Aragon Elementary and Mesa Elementary schools. The locations and times for meals at schools across the community will continue to be updated in real-time at this link: https://tinyurl.com/School-Meals 

Traditionally, there would have been a break in meal service between the school year and the Summer Feeding program aligned with Summer School. We are hopeful we can continue to provide meals with no breaks in service and will communicate the details with families as soon as we know more.

Graduation
One of the most critical implications of this decision is that we will not host in-person graduation ceremonies in May. FFC8 has been working with both high schools on ways to honor seniors and implement ceremonies, events, and/or other celebrations that fit their communities. FFCHS and Welte administration will communicate their specific plans with senior families.

Building Access for Students and Families
During this extended closure, FFC8 buildings will remain closed to students and staff, with the exception of a limited number of permitted, essential employees. We are developing plans to give students and families the opportunity to retrieve belongings and materials from our school buildings during the week of May 18. We will communicate those plans as soon as they are finalized. Schools will maintain their office hours for paperwork and dropping off other materials, as has already been communicated to families.

Summer School (Summer Learning Institute)
As of now, we are planning to offer a version of summer school in a Remote Learning format. We know some of our students and families need this extended support. While summer school is not mandatory for any student, it is offered every year as a way to supplement learning. More information will be sent about this year’s summer school program in the coming days.

I know extending remote learning through the end of the school year brings many questions, and also many emotions. We will continue to communicate with you often, and provide updates as information is available.

Thank you once again for your support and partnership as we work to continue making decisions in the best interest of our students, families and staff.

Sincerely,


Dr. Keith Owen
Superintendent of Schools