School Closed For Remainder of School Year

On April 20, 2020, Governor Mike DeWine made an announcement ordering all of Ohio’s public, community, and private K-12 school buildings to be closed to students for the remainder of the 2019-2020 academic school year due to the coronavirus health crisis.

We know the Governor’s order to close school for the rest of the school year presents a challenge to our 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 our school buildings are to remain closed, remote learning will continue through the remainder of the school year. 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.

This transition has been difficult for all families.  We are here for support; however, students are responsible for making sure that they complete work in a timely manner. If you have internet issues or other issues, please reach out to your child’s teacher or principal.  We want your child to be successful and ready to continue their education next year.  We are not sure what education will look like for the 2020-2021 school year. We are preparing for multiple options for next year already!

Will school staff be working?

Yes, our school district is providing food and 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.

During scheduled school days, our teachers will be available via email from 9:00 AM to 12 Noon to support our parents and students. Teachers and building principals will be sharing via email their remote learning plans and expectations with parents and students on an ongoing basis. For those students who do not have access to online learning, hard copies of assignments by grade level will be available either through delivery of assignments, pick up at the board office, or mailing copies home.

Administrators and support staff will also be working remotely and available between the hours of 9:00 AM to 12 Noon on weekdays via email and voicemail.

What about food service?

Feeding operations are ongoing despite the stay-at-home orders and will remain in place throughout the remainder of the school closure. Staff will continue to comply with the most current health guidelines.

For more information on our district’s meal distribution program, please email lisa.tuttle-huff@madisonmohawks.org 

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 will be monitoring emails and reaching out to our school 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 sent out a letter today regarding our graduation options when the ban on groups has lifted.  Should you have questions regarding our possible graduation dates, please email andrew.huber@madisonmohawks.org

What about state testing?

Governor Mike DeWine has called on the Ohio State legislature to waive state testing for the 2019-2020 school year. On March 24, Paolo DeMaria, Ohio’s Superintendent of Public Instruction, stated that he is pursuing waivers from testing requirements and other waivers from current federal requirements with the Ohio legislature.

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?

We have a dedicated email for parents and community members who have questions related to the COVID-19 virus and its implications. Please email  human.resources@madisonmohawks.org and your email will be returned in a timely manner. For all questions related to your child’s assignments, please email your child’s teacher or the building principal.

We also will publish under announcements on our website all the announcements, resources, and updates related to this closure.

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.

This is the time for our community to come together and navigate through this challenging situation.

Stay healthy!

Lisa Tuttle-Huff