Steve Roach recommended approving June minutes at the next meeting in September.

Todd Sumner opened discussion of Common Principle #4:
Teaching and learning should be personalized to the maximum feasible extent. Efforts should be directed toward a goal that no teacher have direct responsibility for more than 80 students in the high school and middle school and no more than 20 in the elementary school. To capitalize on this personalization, decisions about the details of the course of study, the use of students’ and teachers’ time and the choice of teaching materials and specific pedagogies must be unreservedly placed in the hands of the principal and staff.

Todd Sumner shared a PowerPoint presentation and recognized the work of four faculty and staff teams who have been working through the summer on developing plans, considering facility and operational needs, and technology. 

Todd displayed data gathered from two virtual town halls and surveying students, families, and staff about fully in-person, hybrid, and fully remote return to school options.  Todd reported that survey results had shown strong support within the community for the hybrid model.  Todd said in subsequent one-on-one interviews with faculty, support for the hybrid model has eroded significantly.  Todd said in addition to health and safety concerns, there is concern about how to be true to the Parker mission in a physically distant classroom.  Deb Merriam reported on her experience teaching summer school and shared challenges and limitations of a social distanced classroom. 
 

Todd continued his PowerPoint presentation and outlined Parker's plan for a Remote Plus offering.

Todd said that the Remote Plus option may provide the best opportunity to be true to the Parker mission and to convey Parker culture and pedagogy.  Todd said that the Remote Plus option is being built for resilience, continuity, and consistency to offer flexibility in the face of so many unknowns.    Todd said Remote Plus will prioritize equity, community, and relationships.

Todd and Deb Merriam outlined key features of the Remote Plus offering:

• Robust Remote Learning Model
  • consistent daily schedule
  • mix of synchronous and asynchronous learning
  • accountability and attendance
  • weekly communication to families about student progress
  • enhanced collaboration tools
  • 1:1 school-issued laptop
  • teacher office hours
• Groundwork for Pivot to Hybrid
  • cohorts
  • consistent daily schedule
• On Campus Learning and Activities
  • in-person learning for high needs students
  • orientation and advisory activities with emphasis on new students and families
  • opportunities (mostly outdoors) for science labs, office hours, or other learning activities that cannot be effectively done remote.

Todd said there is 90% faculty support for the Remote Plus plan.  

Todd said Parker will submit its reopening plan to DESE on August 14.  Faculty and staff will begin working on August 26.  The first day of school for students will be September 16.

Todd said plans and priorities will change as circumstances change and progression to the hybrid model will be determined by infection rates and other metrics including community will and readiness.
 

There were no comments from the public.