From Chautauqua County, Jamestown Public School District rolled out its Continuing Instruction Plan Tuesday.

Leaders say despite state guidance that schools remain closed until May 15, the district is operating as if they don't reopen for the rest of the academic year.

"We hope we come back, but in case we don't we have a good plan together. Just because our physical plant is closed, we want to convey a very strong message to our students that we are open for teaching and learning. Teachers are recalibrating," said Dr. Bret Apthorpe, Jamestown Public School District superintendent.

Teachers met with principals online to review the plan, that includes new pass/fail-only, grading procedures.

Staff will spend the week loading up on new material which will be distributed for students to start working on the first week of May through the end of the school year. 

"We've not seen the data to suggest that we'll be coming back early. So much of teaching and learning is based on planning and preparation. But Mark, the key thing here is only doing it once because we don't want people coming in and out of our schools," said Apthorpe.

Apthorpe says part of the plan also includes phone calls to students not taking the new learning process seriously.

The district is also concerned about the safety of others, and will work with youth services to investigate.

"This is a bad dream for all educators, right? We have a very small group of kids who dropped off the face of the planet. We've just not been able to find them, hear from them," said Apthorpe.

While the official last day of school is June 11, the district remains uncertain if it'll still have to provide instruction, meals and childcare into the summer.

The complete JPS Continuing Instruction Plan can be found here. The district has also added frequently asked questions about the plan here.  

If parents or families have a question on their child’s continuing instruction, they can contact the teacher or principal here. If the teacher or principal cannot be reached, email questions@jpsny.org.