SCHOOLS CLOSED THROUGH FRIDAY, MAY 1, 2020
Dear Maple Heights Students, Parents and Families,
This week, Governor Mike DeWine announced that all of Ohio’s public, community, and private K-12 school buildings will be closed to students until Friday, May 1, 2020. We know the Governor’s order to close school for the next month presents a challenge to our Maple Heights City School District(MHCSD) families. Our district is working diligently to partner with you in furthering your child’s education and well-being.
What does this mean for our students?
Although the MHCSD school buildings are to remain closed until May 1st, remote learning will continue through this time period, and we will await the Governors orders on what will occur beyond the May deadline. We will continue to adjust and administer our virtual learning plans and expectations, provide student services and resources to the best of our ability, and distribute free meals to our students.
How will remote learning continue?
The Maple Heights City School District will continue providing remote learning options to children. Administrators are actively planning and responding to this national health crisis. Teachers are creating lesson plans and engaging with their students remotely. Teachers in grades 4 through 12 have created virtual classrooms through Google classrooms, which include online office hours. Students in grades pre-k through 3 will continue to receive “learning packets” which will continue to be sent home to families. Teachers and building principals will be sharing remote Learning plans and expectations with parents and students on and on going basis via email or through other communication tools (i.e Class Dojo, etc). Administrators and support staff will also be working remotely and available between the hours of 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 pm on weekdays via email and voicemail.
How will Maple Heights Food Services continue?
Effective Monday, April 6, student meals can be picked up at Barack Obama Elementary School or Maple Heights High School between 8:30 and 9:30 a.m. or 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., except on holidays. We will no longer serve meals at Milkovich Middle School after Friday, April 3. Food Service Department staff continue to comply with the most current health guidelines. Please continue to monitor our website for updates.
What about mental health support?
Our professionals are reaching out to families to ensure they have open lines of communication during the closure, and to make alternative plans if necessary. Our counselors and student support coordinators will be monitoring emails and reaching out to our families in need.
What does this mean for graduation?
Our high school administration and teachers will be working together to ensure that students in the Class of 2020 are on track to graduate. The district is waiting to receive more guidance from the Ohio Department of Education. Students who are eligible to graduate will receive their diploma and we are currently holding our graduation date and site. Should there be an extension of the governors order, we will look at choosing a different date which will allow our seniors to have a graduation ceremony. Know that we will work together to provide assistance and flexibility in the interest of doing what is right for our students. We will provide an update as soon as more information is available.
What about state testing?
Governor Mike DeWine signed the bill last week that waived state testing for the 2019-2020 school year. Additionally, the state report cards for school buildings and districts remain unchanged for this school year.
What about services to students with disabilities?
Our school is making a good faith effort to provide such services. If a student with a disability cannot access the alternate delivery models being offered to general education students, then the district will consult with parents and/or caregivers to determine the needs of the student and identify the most appropriate means for meeting those needs during the closure period.
Questions?
For all questions related to your child’s assignments, please email your child’s teacher or the building principal.
Please visit our website frequently for announcements, resources, and updates on Remote Learning and COVID-19.
We are experiencing a health crisis that none of us has experienced in our lifetime. There will be bumps along the way, but your child’s teachers, counselors, building principals, and our support staff are here to work with our families to support you and your children. We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we navigate this challenging situation together.
Sincerely,
Dr. Charles T. Keenan
Superintendent