Weekly Update: March 13, 2020
Weekly Update: March 13, 2020
Dear Grinnell-Newburg Board of Education, Families, Staff and Friends:
Happy Friday the 13th! During the next week, I will be updating you regularly through Infinite Campus about COVID-19 as it relates to the Grinnell-Newburg School District. Please know that we will be advised by Public Health, local hospital, AEA, Department of Education, and other organizations that are collectively making decisions together for public school operations. At this time, the plan is that all students will return on March 23, 2020 as normal, however there will not be any large events or large gatherings in the evenings that would involve students and outside groups. Therefore, many evening events will be cancelled. This will be in effect until April 15, 2020. This will provide the time to evaluate the current situation. If you have a question about your rental or event, please contact Chris Coffman at chris.coffman@grinnell-k12.org
Travel:
Please keep in mind that if you are traveling during break to an area indicated on the CDC website that may cause exposure to our students, or has a high volume of exposure of COVID-19, I ask that you use caution upon returning and consider isolating yourself for the recommended time upon your return based upon CDC.
It is important that we keep Grinnell students and families healthy. The CDC has guidance on location concerns and travel. I have been asked if this includes domestic travel. I advise you to review the CDC website as this may change often. At this time there are no advisories for isolation upon return if you travel domestically, however there is guidance that you should read and consider if you are traveling out of the country or to a known location of high volume, domestic or international of COVID-19. I can only ask that you consider isolation if you are traveling to locations that have CDC specific travel advisories. This is a decision that you will have to make on your own. If you are experiencing any illness, please remain home until you are well, or cleared to return to school.
See recent communication about COVID-19 here.
Spring Break is next week. No School March 16-20. School resumes on March 23, 2020.
2020 Iowa Character Awards:
Let the nominating begin!!! We have so many wonderful people who deserve this recognition. Please take the time so we can focus on something positive!
Who do you know that shows good character by being trustworthy, respectful, responsible, fair, caring, and being a good citizen? Nominate them for an Iowa Character Award!
You can nominate an individual (youth or adult), school, educator, business, non-profit organization or community!
EASY nomination process!
Answer these 3 questions:
1. Introduce us to your nominee.
2. How has the nominee impacted your life and/or the lives of others?
3. In what ways do you feel the nominee has exemplified the Six Pillars of Character (trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship)?
Nominations are due May 3, 2020.
Learn more and submit nominations at this website: https://www.drake.edu/
Students working hard in first grade:
First grade students are working hard with Mrs Gohlmann at Fairview Elementary researching Presidents of the United States, each selecting 2 to learn about, one that is living and one who has passed away.
Students are creating a multimedia slidedeck using a Keynote template, and are adding pictures, a paragraph of what they learned, and an audio reflection.
Wonderful News!
We received a very generous donation of $5786.00 dollars from the Healthy Grinnell Initiative which was funded by the 100+ People Who Care-Grinnell. This donation will pay for all reduced students reimbursable breakfast and lunch from now until the end of the school year. If funding remains, this may continue into part of next school year also.
Above & Beyond:
Lisha Marsh and Jess Kite were nominated for the Above & Beyond Recognition.
Senior Band Concert:
Congratulations to our GHS Band on another successful concert. The GHS seniors were honored this past week. Take a look at some of our photos.
Upcoming Events:
Monday, March 16 - Friday, March 20 - No School - Spring Break
Have a wonderful well deserved Spring Break! I will continue to keep you posted about upcoming events and activities. Thank you for your patience as we navigate the unknown. I am very grateful to all of staff, parents, and Board for your continued understanding and support during these challenging times.
Sincerely,
Janet