Superintendent Richard Stokes: State Education Agencies to Provide Waivers for Assessments and Reporting Requirements

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic and at the close of the first week since Nevada Gov. Sisolak ordered school sites and non-essential businesses to close, what may not be known to the general public is the governor has identified public schools as an essential service.

School districts across the state have been working feverishly to develop a system of remote teaching and learning. This new method of holding school begins Monday, March 23.

As teachers and school administrators scramble to coordinate lesson plans and logistics for this remote learning, the Carson City School District acknowledges the hard work and expertise of educators.

Students and families have demonstrated a continued commitment to education during the current school building closures as they have returned to their respective schools to retrieve Chromebooks, music instruments and other academic essentials.

Given the circumstances on education, the teachers and school staff have been the real heroes. They have been asked, with specific and tight deadlines, to create curriculum for remote learning and meals for school nutrition. And they have done so, masterfully.

This worldwide health crisis has brought challenges to everyone in one way or another. For education, it has become impossible to reliably administer required federal assessments and comply with the related accountability, school identification and reporting requirements.

The Carson City School District learned this morning that the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) put in place a process for State Education Agencies to request waivers of assessments, accountability, school identification and reporting requirements established in the Every Student Succeeds Act. See attached national and state letters.

Beginning Monday, March 23, all students within the Carson City School District will continue their education through remote or at-home resources. Those resources are available on the carsoncityschools.com website on the Remote Learning page.

There will be weekly materials for elementary students, and all secondary students (middle and high school students) will receive instruction from their teachers using Google Classroom. Teachers will also make arrangements for copies to be printed and available for pick up in school offices for families who may not have the ability to remotely print them from home.

In preparation to Monday’s launch of remote learning, Carson City School District Superintendent Richard Stokes shared the following to students and families in a districtwide message via email and phone.

“I want to thank all of you for being brave during this pandemic. I know you were looking forward to the springtime activities offered through the schools. Our current situation is disappointing; however, I urge you to help your families by doing chores, being kind and keeping your room clean. This is a hard time for all of us. With your help we can limit the spread of COVID-19 and protect those who are most likely to become ill. We are all feeling apprehensive and nervous, which is okay. Carson City is an amazing place, and we will get through this hard time together.

On Monday, your school will begin a system of remote learning. It is important for us all to be patient as this new way of teaching starts. We are working with state leaders to help all students finish the school year strong. Your teachers, principals, school counselors, social workers and other school staff are available to respond to emails and provide support to you remotely.

If you are a senior, know that we are doing everything possible to address your concerns and get you across the finish line at graduation.

If you are on track to graduate, you will not be penalized for the unforeseen changes occurring in our schools. I know the suspension or cancellation of events and activities is disappointing. However, I know your strength and am confident we will get through this challenging time.

I will continue to keep you and your families all informed about any changes in our schools. In the meantime, please stay safe, stay home as much as possible, hug your families and remember to wash your hands thoroughly and frequently. We care very deeply for each one of you and look forward to having you back at school as soon as possible.

Good bye for now.”

Please continue checking the Carson City School District website carsoncityschools.com and our social media sites Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for further updates.