Valley City (VCPS) The Valley City Public School District is considering using Virtual Learning Days (Weather-Related) at Valley City Public Schools in 2022-2023.

Superintendent Josh Johnson said “A framework for the district is attached below that has guided the creation of virtual learning plans at each of our schools. With the possibility of a winter storm arriving in North Dakota as early as next Monday evening, we have two full school days to prepare for the possibility of implementing our first weather-related virtual learning day(s) next Tuesday and/or Wednesday.

As you know, our school district has been very hesitant to replace the ‘important’ in-person instruction days with a virtual format. Based upon the recent feedback from our students, parents, and staff, I think we need to “try” the virtual learning days (weather-related) and be prepared to evaluate these days and collect feedback from our stakeholders.

Johnson said Friday, we have asked our teachers and staff to prepare for the possibility of using a virtual learning day as early as next Tuesday, December 13th. We respectfully and kindly ask you to do the same with your kids and family. While we know that “nothing” will replace an in-person school day, the option to use virtual learning days at Valley City Public Schools will help us ensure the safety of our students and staff and it will also retain one or two storm days for unexpected weather days between now and the end of winter.

He said if you have any questions regarding a school’s virtual learning plan, please wait to communicate with your student’s teacher and/or principal until after you have received their email communication. If you have any questions or concerns after this information has been shared, please feel free to contact me via email or phone. We will continue to follow the weather forecasts throughout the weekend and be prepared to make a decision on Monday evening or Tuesday morning.

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In other school district news, Johnson said, “Tthis week we have been trending around 15% of our student body that has been absent each day due to illnesses related to the cold and flu bug. We cannot remember a sick “bug” having this level of impact on our students and staff members in recent years. I’m sure you are aware, but this bug is also impacting students in Oakes, Fargo, and Moorhead.

Johnson said, please, if your child (student) is sick or not feeling well, keep them at home until they are feeling better. Let’s hope this weekend and maybe the winter weather days next week will allow a break in the spreading of this bug. As always, remember to wash your hands, avoid hand-mouth contact, and other recommendations from our health experts.