Enlace Academy Principal Update
Kevin reported good news as the Enlace Academy principal Leah Kuruzar gave birth to her baby boy Colton. Leah and her baby are doing well.

Home Learning and Remote Learning Plan 
Both Enlace and Kindezi Academy are in the midst of finishing their 2 week home learning plan. Hybrid home learning packets with online programs were sent to families. Both schools are at an advantage because they have used online learning in the classroom so the students are familiar with the online sites. Kindezi Academy has done a great job of recognizing hard working students via Instagram and Facebook. Our students at both schools are working hard at home.

The next step for both schools is to pick up the technology from the buildings on March 26. The technology will then be loaned and distributed to the students in order for teachers to carry out their remote learning lessons. Most families have internet access but many have that access through their cell phone. Many carriers are currently offering free temporary internet access. Many schools are distributing their technology as well. The NCN team is cognizant that loaned devices might not come back in working condition. There will be a cost associated with having to obtain new technology for the next school year. The plan is to go live after spring break. 

Cancellations
Although Indiana schools have been instructed to close until May 1st, NCN is operating as if school will not resume in the classroom for the rest of the school year.
All state testing has been officially cancelled. 
The Mayor's Office (OEI) has also waived academic accountability at this time. 
At this point the schools are trying to minimize lost instruction. Although the online instruction will not be sufficient to replicate a teacher in a classroom which is the most effective way to help students. 

Q & A's

Q: Raul questioned if there would be enough technology devices to distribute to all the households. 
A: Kevin responded that we probably do not have enough technology devices for every household but have enough to make a great dent in most of the households.

Q: Kenneth questioned if we will be offering technology support to the families.
A: Kevin responded that the tech team has been meeting regularly. They plan on getting all of the devices out of the building and cleaning them. The IT team has also been working with an IT vendor to help store and configure the devices in order to limit their content access. Google Classroom will be utilized, which is a secure learning site with no chatroom that is geared towards online school learning. Families will be given a one pager with instructions on accessing and navigating the site. The Google student accounts had been created long before this event. 


Q: Raul questioned if the instructions would come in Spanish.
A: Kevin responded that yes instructions will be available to our families in Spanish.

Q: Dennis questioned if opening schools during the summer months of June and July was a possibility. 
A: Kevin responded that both Enlace and Kindezi are planning a robust summer school program. In addition Kevin has been in contact with the busing company and is waiting to hear back from IPS about facilities. 

Q: Dennis stated that since not a lot of working technology devices may be returning it will have an impact on the budget. The finance committee will take that into consideration when building the budgets. 
A: Kevin responded that if all technology had to be replaced it would cost $150k to replace those at both schools. However, there may be a shortage in obtaining technology devices since a lot come from China. However, both are not reliant solely on technology. If the classroom technology model went to 2:1 or 4:1 that would work for instruction. 

Teacher Engagement 
Kevin reported that units of learning for teachers are being designed as a way to keep the teachers engaged. As a result of home learning many parents have a new found appreciation for teachers. Teachers are also reaching out to their students individually to offer support. 

Patricia recommended using Zoom to encourage students to interact with their teachers. She also wanted to stress that some staff may be in financial stress. Key Bank is offering relief programs for individuals. 

Compensation