Bradford Area School District Superintendent Katy Pude posted a video message Friday

The message can be accessed by visiting the district’s website at bradfordareaschools.org and clicking on Continuity of Education Plan-Update or through the following link: https://www.bradfordareaschools.org/news/what_s_new/continuity_of_education_plan_-_update

Pude thanks district families for their support during the school closure, noting that it has been a “trying time” and that “teachers and administrators have been working around the clock to try to meet the needs of your students and you all have been amazing in helping us to do so.”

She also explains that, at the beginning of the school closure, enrichment activities were provided because the closure was thought to be temporary. Now that it is clear the schools are closed for the rest of the academic year, the move to planned instruction is necessary.

Students in Pre-K through fifth grade will use Odysseyware, while older students will use Edgenuity — both platforms are accessible through the school district website under the “For Students” header.

Pude noted that families should have received a letter and password and username via the mail. For those who do not receive this information by Monday, Pude advised they reach out to the schools to obtain the information.

The district will be keeping attendance for those who participate and also will be grading the assignments, based on a system determined by the district.

The single-page enrichment and review activities will continue to be posted for use on Fridays. Students will need to complete instruction on the Odysseyware or Edgenuity platforms Monday through Thursday — roughly 30 minutes per day in the four core areas of education, namely ELA, Math, Science and Social Studies.

“In our district we chose to only allow this to help students and not hurt students,” Pude said. “We are moving to a three-marking period school year for this year only. We are going to re-open the third marking period, and anything that students are successful in learning can help improve their grade,” Pude said. “Students can increase their third marking period grade by 10% or by a full letter grade by participation.”

For families that do not have internet access, packets and textbooks will be provided to them. Work will need to be brought to the school buildings in order to also make note of those students’ participation.

“One thing I do want to say is, this is your child’s work. It is not yours. But remember, please let the struggle build character and it also helps our kids to learn from their failures and their mistakes,” Pude said. “Encourage your child to do well and do their best. That is all we can ask. Please try to refrain from doing the work for them.”

Those with questions or concerns should reach out to the child’s teacher and/or building administrator.