Weekly Update: May 1, 2020
Weekly Update: May 1, 2020
Happy May Day! This week I have spent a lot of time diving through guidance that continues to be released from the Department of Education (DE) as we navigate the COVID-19 crisis. I am very grateful to our Central Rivers AEA for being a part of a team that is serving on the DE committee to write our “return to learn plan” for students and staff. It has been awhile since students walked the hallways of our buildings and this “Return to Better” plan will assist our students and staff to ease back to school this fall. The draft plan is still being developed and our administrative team, once released, will collaborate with their building leadership teams to work through the requirements.
As you may be aware, Poweshiek County is one of the 22 Counties that are still closed. Therefore, our buildings and school facilities still remain closed except for those employees that have been identified as essential workers. On May 15, 2020 we will evaluate if we can safely have teachers return to classrooms using social distancing and other mitigation strategies to limit the spread of the virus. Thank you for your patience as we navigate this crisis.
Masks made available to our families:
I want to thank our community member Monique Shore for assisting us with the coordination of a generous donation to our families of safety masks. These masks are being donated to the community by a group of Grinnell College Chinese students and alumni. They will be handed out during packet pick up on Monday at each of our schools. Approximately 5,000 masks have been donated.
Helpful hints for wearing a mask
Grinnell High School Ranked #5 in Iowa:
U.S. News and the DesMoines Register shared the list for the top ranking schools in the country as well as by State. I am proud of GHS that received a ranking of #5 in the State of Iowa! Way to go! This ranking is determined by several factors that include assessment scores, Advanced Placement courses, and students who perform well on a variety of college level exams.
WiFi Locations:
We are lucky to have a few different locations in Grinnell offering parking lot WiFi access for our students during COVID-19. Refer to the email and Infinite Campus message that was sent to Grinnell Newburg families earlier today with locations, hours and maps. Please respect these businesses and follow a few guidelines when utilizing this service.
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Stay in your vehicle and adhere to social distancing guidelines
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Keep in mind there are no restrooms available.
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Please note the wifi hours at each location and only visit the locations during
those times.
This last week we celebrated School Lunch Hero Day! Grinnell Mutual provided our Kitchen Staff with bouquets of flowers!
Students display their art from this week's virtual art class with Mrs. Johnson.
Be sure to send your School Principal a note today wishing them “Happy Principal’s Day” It is their special day! We are grateful for the work that they do to help our students and staff each and every day! Thank you Mr. Smith, Mrs. Seney, Mr. Harrold, Mr. Conway and Mr. Seney for your leadership!
Sincerely,
Janet