Deer Park Families:
I hope everyone has found a few moments over this last week to spend some time with family, rest, and prepare for the coming weeks. As we near the end of a very unique Spring Break, I wanted to reach out with some new updates, as well as plans we have begun developing in the event the Governor decides to extend our closure beyond the current return date of April 6.
While nothing has been officially announced by the Governor’s office, we are preparing for the likelihood that we will be using virtual or at-home learning through at least May 1 and potentially beyond. Below, we have detailed district-wide measures, as well as building-specific plans we are working to put into place over the next several weeks, once further cancellations are undoubtedly announced.
District Updates:
Lunch will continue to be served to students in need for the duration of the closure. If your situation has changed and you need to request lunch for a student, please fill out the form below:
Fill out here
Teachers of all students will be holding virtual office hours each day from 9-10 a.m. and 1-2 p.m. beginning Monday, April 6th (pending extended school cancellations). During these times, teachers will be reaching out to students and/or parents to discuss progress, offer help with work, or just check in with students. Students may also contact teachers via electronic communication between the hours of 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday-Friday. These virtual conversations can happen through a variety of ways based on availability of parents and students (e.g. Google Hangout, Schoology, Class Dojo, etc.).
This week, the Governor announced the cancellation of all state mandated testing for the remainder of the academic year. Students will not be taking Ohio State Tests for the 2019-2020 school year.
We are currently discussing grading policies for the 4th Quarter report cards. We will give an update on these as soon as we have completed that plan.
If a family does not have internet access available, there are several companies offering internet service during the shutdown. You can find out more information by clicking the link below:
More information
Amity Elementary Updates:
Next week, Amity teachers will be developing packets for students just like what was passed out three weeks ago. Rather than have parents come to the school building to pick up packets, all of them will be mailed to students on April 8. We anticipate these will be in hand for students by the following week, beginning April 13.
Teachers may also be providing online assistance and/or additional assignments for students online. If a student does not have an educational device, the district will be providing devices to these students. Please fill out the form below to request a Chromebook (Grades K-6):
Fill out here
Regarding Chromebook distribution: All families who filled out a form indicating a need for a Chromebook will be able to pick them up on Wednesday, April 8 from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Parents will not need to leave their car, and the computers will be delivered from the back gymnasium entrance of Amity from gloved volunteers. If the device cannot be picked up during this day, please contact your building administrator to arrange an alternative pick-up option.
Junior/Senior High School Updates
Students will continue to receive assignments via virtual means moving forward. Teachers will use next week to develop assignments and plans, and then share those out with students. Students who do not have internet access and need paper assignments must fill out the form below in order to request these items be sent. The deadline to fill out this form is Tuesday, March 31. Items will be mailed to students on April 8. We anticipate these will be in hand for students by the following week, beginning April 13.
Fill out the form
I have already received many emails from teachers and administrators detailing and showcasing the hard work your students are putting in each day. We have begun developing ways we can share out some of these great features as well as finding ways we can bring the student body and the community together and turn this negative situation into a positive. Much more on that to come soon!
Thank you all for your dedication and flexibility as we navigate this trying time. We are truly all in this together. We will continue working hard every day to ensure we are giving students the best education possible with the tools available. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you ever have any questions.
Sincerely,
Jay Phillips
Superintendent