Ready Set Go 2020: Week 8

Hello Breakthrough Schools Families,

I have received questions from many of you over the last couple of weeks.  I thought it would be helpful to include some of the answers in this edition of Ready Set Go.  I want you to know that we understand that this year will be different from years past in many ways, but our Breakthrough Schools teachers, staff, and community are committed to making the first day -- and every day after that -- special for both you and your scholar.  We will be with you every step of the way. Through the current health pandemic. Through the return to in-person learning. Through those challenging middle school years. Through high school applications, and through college acceptances.  We are 100% committed to our scholars’ long-term success.  Please keep reaching out to me with your questions and I will keep sharing information with you as it becomes available.

What is the first day of school?

The first day of school will be September 8^th with a full remote start.  Now, with the opportunity to plan and more fully train our teachers and staff, we are excited to be able to provide a dramatically enhanced remote learning experience for our scholars, teachers, and families. More details on our remote learning plans will be shared shortly.  We will be looking for gradual ways to bring scholars back into our buildings for in-person learning, as health and safety conditions permit.

Will scholars be provided with technology? What if a scholar is having technical problems?

Yes. Similar to last spring, devices and/or internet access will be provided for the duration of remote learning for all students who need them in order to participate.  More information about how to sign up for and pick up technology will be available over the next few weeks.  In addition, our Breakthrough Call Center and in-person Tech Hours will continue to provide tech support to families.  We will keep this website up-to-date and will also share updates via text message and email in the weeks and days leading up to the start of school.

Will Breakthrough provide student support services during remote learning?

Yes. Our Exceptional Student Education team and partners are working hard to ensure that all exceptional students (students with IEPs, students who are ELLs, students approaching grade-level proficiency, and gifted students) still receive services and support they need.

We are prepared to provide the following support services during remote learning: small group and/or 1:1 academic remediation and acceleration, Counseling, Speech therapy, Occupational therapy, and Physical therapy.

Based on the specific type of therapy as well as student profile, support services will be provided synchronously online or in-person within one of our campuses. Families of exceptional students will receive communication soon with more specific information about these services.

How do we learn more about Remote Learning Centers?

We are still in the process of developing our plan for the RLCs and understanding how many spots we could have available.  As a first step, we will be reaching out over the next few days to gather more information about interest in this option.  If you are interested, please keep an eye out for a short survey that will be sent via text and email.