This petition aims to express the concern of many LVA families regarding the drastic departure the District has chosen to make for their numerous LVA students with no input from parents. While we understand this year is a fluid situation, we simply cannot comprehend how eliminating all live instruction is in the best interest, both academically and emotionally, for any student.

In light of the recent surge in local cases, area hospitals near or at capacity, and the expected peak to happen in mid-January, many districts in the area are moving in the opposite direction while you are requesting students return.

The intent of the letter communicated to LVA families was clear. If we would like for our children to have live instruction from an educator, which we all do as we know they are the best to teach our children, our only option is to send them to school for in-person learning. The fact remains the current global pandemic makes virtual learning a necessity for many. For many others it is an educated, informed, and extremely difficult decision we have spent countless hours making.

It is absolutely possible and is the responsibility of the District to adapt and adjust to support all students. Obviously, requiring a few teachers to develop and implement two different plans simultaneously was not sustainable. However, complete elimination of all live instruction is unacceptable. Diverging so drastically from the already implemented LVA program will be detrimental to the mental health and academic success of all students involved. The lack of understanding and attention to this fact is extremely disheartening.

We need more information in order to make informed decisions whether virtual learning through Lake will work for our respective families. We would like to know details of the plan, how specifically our young students will be using Acellus or APEX, what interaction to expect with teachers and peers, and more time to evaluate our options.

Respectfully,

Concerned LVA Parents