No public comment.  

Kristen Frenzel welcomed new board members Angela Christia, Rhonda Collins, Barrett Krise, Ben Sutton, and Carla Wells 

Executive Director Chuck Meadows, Elementary Campus Principal Laura Zelski, Elementary Campus Assistant Principal Nicole King, Middle Campus Principal Cathey Goodgame, and K-8 Exceptional Student Services Program Coordinator Ashley Deck provided the ANCS community with important back-to-school information.  

Chuck Meadows emphasized the hard work of teachers and leadership team in making a midsummer switch from planning for a hybrid learning environment to planning for virtual learning due to COVID precautions.  He stated that ANCS had partnered with Kennesaw State University for training in online instruction, including diversity and equity training, and that preparations for improved online instruction included the purchase of new software, a new H.O.W.L. 2.0 team that includes more classroom teachers, and new planning with regard to grading and assessment.  He emphasized the need for flexibility in the face of current challenges, and underscored the fact that the virtual learning environment is temporary.  

Nicole King addressed adjustments to the daily schedule, which include a later daily start time (9:00AM), the fact that the new schedule will include more time spent with teachers, and a common lunch time for both campuses.  She noted that special attention had been paid to the special needs of kindergarteners, who will spend the first four weeks of the school year in smaller learning groups.  

Mark Sanders discussed lessons learned from the spring experience with virtual learning, namely the need for more live time with teachers, the need for opportunity for social engagement with peers, and the need for a proper mix of synchronous and asynchronous learning time to allow time for independent learning.  

Cathey Goodgame emphasized the need for building community in the virtual learning environment.  She encouraged participation in this week's Orientation Week events in order to get acclimated to H.O.W.L. 2.0 

Lara Zelski encouraged parents to commit to keeping up with communications via The Courier, email, and the H.O.W.L. website.  She also recommended that parents schedule a time to talk with their child's teacher, and to help create an effective home learning environment by creating a designated work space for their child, having them ready to begin learning at 9:00AM, and helping to maintain a consistent schedule. 

Ashley Deck discussed improvements made to virtual learning experience for special needs learners based on feedback from students and parents.  She emphasized that IEP is still being provided, and stated that a virtual learning contingency plan was being created for each special needs student.  The goal is to integrate the provision of special needs services into the virtual daily schedule.  This will include weekly tele-therapy sessions, small-group breakout rooms for students with special needs, and frequent check-ins with students to provide support to students who are having difficulty remaining engaged in the online environment.  

Executive Director Chuck Meadows:  A nearly compete draft of the charter renewal application is available in the meeting packet for this board meeting.  The completed application will be submitted next week, and will be made available to the board and school community later this week.  Contact Executive Director Chuck Meadows with questions.  

Board Chair Kristen Frenzel asked about the timing of the interview prep session for board members, who will be interviewed about the charter renewal application as part of the charter renewal process.  Chuck indicated that this will be determined after the application has been submitted, but that there will be plenty of advance notice, and that the prep sessions would not take place earlier than October.  

Executive Director Chuck Meadows stated that the changes made to the 2020-2021 academic calendar include a shift in the school start date from August 5 to August 24 and the making of Election Day (November 3) a school holiday.  He emphasized the need for flexibility, and stated that we should expect further changes in the calendar to be proposed and discussed if/when face-to-face instruction resumes. 

Board member Hanah Goldberg suggested a friendly amendment making explicit the expectation that the calendar would be revised again upon a return to face-to-face instruction.  Chuck expressed his support for this amendment, and it was approved by the board.