Dear Parents:

Please understand that we must follow strict COVID 19 precautions and procedures and your cooperation will be greatly needed and appreciated.

Procedural Expectations:

1. All students will be allowed a backpack to carry their laptops, chargers, and headphones with microphone capability into the building every day. (Earbuds with a builtin microphone can be obtained from Walmart and Dollar General for under $5. These are required as we will have in person & remote learners engaged simultaneously or working at the same time).

2. Students will remain socially distranced at all times including during passing periods, lunches, arrival and dismissal, and will follow all SMS Matrix procedures and established school rules.

3. Parents/guardians will not be allowed to enter the building. Parents who need to check out a student will use the speaker and doorbell to contact the office staff. Students will then be walked to the front doors where parents will sign the logs.

4. Parents may be asked to show ID before their student is released to them for check out.

5. Classes begin daily at 8:00 AM. Repeated tardiness or absence could result in a return to remote learning.

6. The only schoolwide approved electronic device is a laptop. All other personal devices should be stowed in a backpack unless individual teachers allow use for academic purposes. Use in the classroom may vary from teacher to teacher depending on instructional goals. Teachers do have the ability to regulate use in their classrooms, and remove a device from a student if it is interfering with the instruction of the class. Devices that are taken from students will be turned over to the office to be held until a parent can pick it up. Failure to comply is a violation of policy.

7. Under no circumstances will students be allowed to eat in the classroom. Students with dietary needs will report to the school nurse when in need of a snack. Students may only have water in the classrooms. Students may bring a refillable bottle from home. No water additives should be brought/consumed during the school day outside of lunch. Food from lunches/breakfasts cannot be carried into classrooms.

8. SMS will not accept delivery of food from restaurants or fast food establishments.

9. SMS will not accept delivery of flowers, balloons, etc. for holiday or personal events such as birthdays.

10. Transportation changes must be made at least one hour in advance to allow for proper authorization and notification.

Due to the pandemic, there will not be a return to wide use of paper. Assignments and homework will continue to occur on the devices and be turned in electronically. Since all students have access to a laptop; chromebook; or other authorized 1:1 device the expectation is that students must bring their device to and from school daily. (Repeated failure to bring the device may result in a return to remote learning.)

Supplies:

1. Backpacks will be needed. School lockers will not be assigned.

2. Earbuds or headphones with a microphone feature. These are required due to the mix of in person and remote learners. Personal microphones will aid in communication and class discussions.