Distance Learning for All Sample Letters

Letter Template to the Board of Education

April XX, 2020

To: Members of the Board of Education

Re: Distance Learning for All During Extended School Closure

We hope this letter finds you and your loved ones safe and healthy.

We truly appreciate the leadership you continue to provide for our students and the
communities we serve during this exceptional time. When our district is in a crisis, our
community looks to their elected leaders to provide a unified message that is supportive of our
students and families and helps reassure them that we are doing everything we can for them. It
is more critical than ever that we provide our community with factual information that is clear,
calm, and reassuring.

As you may know, Oregon Department of Education (ODE) has issued guidance for districts to
provide distance learning for all students - Distance Learning for All (DL4A). [DISTRICT NAME],
along with all other districts in the state, is implementing this model to provide access to grade-
level learning and extend support from school staff to students and families. While distance
learning will not replace the complete school experience, it will provide an important anchor of
care, connection, and continuity of learning during school closure.

Distance learning is a model for teaching and learning in which the teacher and student are not
in the same location. While it may include online learning, it does not require it.

Key elements of distance learning include:

 Ensuring safety, belonging and mental health as a foundation for learning.
 Partnering with parents, families, and caregivers; centering equity in all outreach and
communication efforts with parents, families and caregivers.
 Establishing routines, expectations and priorities to facilitate instruction. Consider the
environments and ages of the learners when planning instructional time, activities and
connections.
 Ensuring equity and access in all aspects of distance learning. Apply the tenets of
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to create the greatest access for students and use a
variety of modes, resources and strategies with consideration for how students and
families may be disproportionately impacted.
 Focusing on essential learning, leveraging formative assessment and student assets to
inform differentiation and extensions. Guarantee learning to support students on their
path to college and career.
 Providing multiple, flexible opportunities to earn credit for high school graduation.

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Distance Learning for All Sample Letters
Distance learning in our district will include [list strategies, tools, resources, professional
learning, and educator supports]. To be most effective, we’ll need to establish a variety of
learning strategies, educational materials, and modes of communication between our
educators, students, and families.

As we navigate this new direction, we must extend grace and patiences to ourselves, our
educators, and our students and families in order to persevere and ensure learning for our
students.

Thank you for your care and commitment to ensure a safe and ongoing educational experience
for our students. Our district will have a plan in place to implement these guidelines and
practices by April 13, which we will review with you.

You may also explore the ODE’s Distance Learning for All website for additional guidance and
resources.

[Include dates, timelines, and any additional district expectations.]

Be well!

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Distance Learning for All Sample Letters
Letter Template to Community and Family Members

April XX, 2020

To: Community and Family Members

Re: Distance Learning for All During Extended School Closure

Our hallways, music rooms, sports fields and classrooms have all gone quiet during this
unexpected state-wide school closure. We miss your children and adjusting to this “new
normal” is difficult when we are hardwired to seek connection and community. We hope you
are taking care, and we appreciate all you are doing to support one another in a time of
community need. We are committed to serving you for the duration of the school closure,
staying focused on your child’s well-being and learning. We are [Fill in District] strong.

Our district, along with all other districts in the state, is implementing a distance learning model
that virtually connects students with teachers to provide access to grade-level learning and
extends support from school staff to students and families. While distance learning will not
replace the complete school experience, it will provide an important anchor of care,
connection, and continuity of learning during school closure.

Distance learning is a model for teaching and learning in which the teacher and student are not
in the same location. While it may include online learning, it does not require online learning.
Distance learning in our district will include [list strategies, tools, resources]. To be most
effective, we’ll need to establish a variety of learning strategies, educational materials, and
modes of communication between teachers, students, and families. This effort will require all of
us working together in close partnership. We will learn from each other as we go, working side
by side to ensure learning for all of our students.

Here are some key elements of distance learning:

 Every student regularly connects with their teacher(s).
 Teachers and students prioritize time together to focus on the most important or
relevant learning.
 Teachers, families, and caregivers work as a team.
 Together, teachers and families establish consistent routines and a learning
environment that leads to success.
 Teachers continue to monitor, report, and record each student’s progress towards
learning goals and standards. Distance learning activities encourage critical problem
solving, collaboration, communication, and creativity.
 Schools provide multiple, flexible opportunities to earn credit for high school
graduation.

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Distance Learning for All Sample Letters
If you are a parent, guardian, or family member, you can help your child by establishing a
routine. Teachers are beginning to build schedules, like the sample found here. [INSERT LINK
OR ATTACH ODE’S TOOL #5, OR TO YOUR DISTRICT’S RECOMMENDED INSTRUCTIONAL DAY
RESOURCE] You play a critical role in determining what education looks like in your home.
Teachers will work with you to help establish a routine that works for you and fosters learning.
Remember that we are all learning how to do things in new and creative ways and to give
yourself grace during this change. Please let your teacher know how this schedule is working for
you and your family.

We understand that distance learning is happening in the context of many challenges posed by
the COVID-19 crisis. We want to keep students learning and growing, while keeping our
expectations realistic. Please refer to the chart below for guidelines about how much time to
spend on activities (especially the recommended maximum times).

Instructional Day Recommended Guidelines

Grade Teacher-Led Learning Learning and Supplemental Meeting Nutrition and

Level Structured, grade-level Activities Wellness Needs
learning directed by In addition to Teacher-Led Breakfast, Lunch,
teacher and supported by Learning, led by the student Snack and Recess/Play
teacher. and/or family. breaks.

K-1 45 Minutes Maximum 1-2 Hours Recommended 2 Hours

Recommended

2-3 60 Minutes Maximum 2 Hours Recommended 2 Hours

Recommended

4-5 90 Minutes Maximum 3 Hours Recommended 2 Hours

Recommended

6-8 30 Minutes per Subject; 1-2 Hours Recommended 2 Hours

3 hours Maximum Recommended

9-12 30 Minutes per Subject; 1-2 Hours Recommended 2 Hours

3 hours Maximum Recommended

Thank you for your patience as we work together to keep students safe, engaged, and learning.
If you have questions or are looking for additional resources to support your child’s learning,
please contact one of the following:
 Your child’s teacher or teachers

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Distance Learning for All Sample Letters
 Your school administrator
 Your child’s counselor

Be well!

[INSERT DISTRICT CLOSING SIGNATURE HERE]

Letter Template to District and School Staff

April XX, 2020

To: District and School Staff

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Distance Learning for All Sample Letters
Re: Distance Learning for All During Extended School Closure

We recognize and truly appreciate the support, expertise, and leadership you continue to
provide for each other, our students, and the communities we serve during this exceptional
time. As we navigate the challenges of COVID-19 and this extended school closure, it is more
important than ever that we care for and connect with our students and families as well as each
other. We must work collaboratively to provide continuity of learning and critical supports for
the safety and well-being of our students.

As you may know, Oregon Department of Education (ODE) has issued guidance for districts to
provide distance learning for all students - Distance Learning for All (DL4A). Our district, along
with all other districts in the state, is implementing this model to provide access to grade-level
learning and extend support from school staff to students and families. While distance learning
will not replace the complete school experience, it will provide an important anchor of care,
connection, and continuity of learning during school closure.

Distance learning is a model for teaching and learning in which the teacher and student are not
in the same location. While it may include online learning, it does not require it.

Key elements of distance learning include:

 Ensuring safety, belonging and mental health as a foundation for learning.
 Partnering with parents, families, and caregivers; centering equity in all outreach and
communication efforts with parents, families and caregivers.
 Establishing routines, expectations and priorities to facilitate instruction. Consider the
environments and ages of the learners when planning instructional time, activities and
connections.
 Ensuring equity and access in all aspects of distance learning. Apply the tenets of
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to create the greatest access for students and use a
variety of modes, resources and strategies with consideration for how students and
families may be disproportionately impacted.
 Focusing on essential learning, leveraging formative assessment and student assets to
inform differentiation and extensions. Guarantee learning to support students on their
path to college and career.
 Providing multiple, flexible opportunities to earn credit for high school graduation.

Distance learning in our district will include [list strategies, tools, resources, professional
learning, and educator supports]. To be most effective, we’ll need to establish a variety of
learning strategies, educational materials, and modes of communication between our
educators, students, and families.

As we navigate this new direction, we must extend grace and patiences to ourselves, our
colleagues, and our students in order to persevere and ensure learning for our students.

6
Distance Learning for All Sample Letters
Thank you for your care, expertise and commitment to provide a safe and ongoing educational
experience for our students. Our district will have a plan in place to implement these guidelines
and practices by April 13. In the meantime, if you have questions or are looking for additional
resources to support your students’ learning, please contact: [INSERT DISTRICT LEVEL CONTEXT
HERE].
You may also explore and use resources curated by the Oregon Department of Education or
review the new Oregon Open Learning website for shared educator resources.

Be well!

[INSERT DISTRICT CLOSING SIGNATURE HERE]