Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Email from Gresham-Barlow School District about the strike

At best, it looks like one boy will be getting Spring Break part two, and the other may just be done for the year. 

Monday and Tuesday’s agenda – coordinating the home schooling plan with the boys’ teachers.

April 18, 2012

Dear Parents:

The Gresham-Barlow School Board took action April 16 to determine school operations in the event that the teachers union follows through on its intent to strike April 25.

The School Board believes that closure of the schools during a teachers strike is not in the best educational interest of the students and contrary to the general public’s interest in educating the community’s young people.

All schools will be open and running on regular schedules through Tuesday, April 24.

We are designing a plan that will allow us to continue educating our students.  Our staff will include current employees and substitute teachers during the strike.

The following is a timeline in the event that the teachers’ union initiates a strike.

April 25 – 27 Gresham-Barlow Schools will be closed to the public

· The district administration, non-striking teachers and support staff will be involved in planning for the reopening of schools and will provide in-service training for substitute teachers.

· Varsity athletics at the high school will operate as scheduled.

April 30 – May 4

Daycare will be provided for K-3 students during normal school hours. Transportation will not be provided. Information will follow from your school principal.

· Varsity athletics at the high school will operate as scheduled.

· Advanced Placement/International Baccalaureate exams for high school students as scheduled.

May 7 – 11

· All elementary schools will open for K-5 instruction.

· 8th Grade students will report for instruction.

· 12th Grade students will report for instruction.

· All Special Education services for elementary, middle, high school and post secondary students will be provided.

· Adult Living Program services will be provided.

· Varsity athletics at the high school as scheduled.

· Advanced Placement/International Baccalaureate exams for high school students as scheduled.

May 14 – 18 and weeks to follow

6th, 7th, 9th, 10th and 11th grade students will report for instruction.

· All grade levels are now in session.

· Special Education services will be provided to all eligible students.

· Varsity athletics will operate as scheduled.

· Advanced Placement/International Baccalaureate exams for high school students as scheduled.

Additional information regarding specific school schedules, programs and bus schedules will be communicated to you by school principals.

If there is a strike the district will provide daily updates beginning Tuesday, April 24 by way of:

· Automated phone calls

· School parent email lists

· School and district websites

· Flash Alert emergency email/text system

· Parent Hotline will go live Monday, April 23. (Parent Hotline: 503-258-4725)                         

     The hotline will have messages in English, Spanish, and Russian.

     All attendance requirements, procedures, and other school rules and regulations will continue to be in effect.

     The district’s support staff (secretaries, educational assistants, custodians, cooks, etc.) will be working as usual.

     While we do not anticipate problems, increased security measures are being planned to assure the safety of all students, staff and public; as well as all personal, school, and district property.

The state mediator has scheduled a mediation session between the school board and the teachers union for April 24.  The board remains hopeful that a settlement can be reached prior to a strike by the teachers union.  For more information about district negotiations with the teachers union, visit the district website at www.gresham.k12.or.us.

Sincerely,

Athena Vadnais

Community Relations Director

 

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