March 19, 2020 Update

March 13, 2020

Dear Panther Families,

As you are all well aware, last night, Governor Whitmer announced the mandatory closing of all Michigan K-12 public and private schools, effective Monday, March 16th through Sunday, April 5th to slow the spread of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Michigan. Our district has closely monitored all information and recommendations that have been circulated by the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  We have also continued to be in close contact with the Chippewa County Health Department throughout this past week. All cleaning/disinfecting, communication and information sharing, and prevention strategies have been put into place as they have been recommended to us.  

We understand that this extended closure will be a hardship for all involved: students, parents, staff and community. We will continue to work together to find solutions for several issues.  Here are a few things that we already have in place:

Ongoing access to academic content/skill practice --All Students in grades 4th-12th will be encouraged to bring their laptops/chromebooks home.  We have completed a student survey today to attempt to determine levels of internet access across our district and by our students. It is possible that additional resources will become available to try to boost that connectivity, but those plans are still in initial stages and dependent upon other entities.  A resource page is being created on the District website that will list specific websites and resources by grade span. These resources are intended to provide students with opportunities to practice learned skills and investigate content appropriate to current classroom curriculum. Some teachers may also load content into their Google Classrooms or push out resources via Class Dojo.  If your child’s teacher regularly utilizes one of these platforms, please check to see what is available. We will attempt to notify as resources are added. Offline resources are also available. Some classroom teachers sent skill practice and enrichment packets home with their students today. If you are concerned about finding resources for a student at a particular grade level or within a particular content area, please let us know.

Grading -- At this point, all teaching staff have been asked to ensure that all assignments are graded and entered into their gradebook as soon as possible so students are aware of any missing work.  It is likely that we will extend quarter 3 into quarter 4 and give a semester grade (end of the year) only. This is still an open discussion, so no final decisions have been made.

Meals/Food Service -- We are working very hard to ensure the families  have meals during the mandatory school closure issued by Gov. Whitmer. A survey entitled “Free School Meals” has been created and can be accessed on the home page of the district website https://pickford.eupschools.org/.  This survey will allow us to collect information (CONFIDENTIALLY) from families who would like to receive free meals for their children during this closure.  Meals will be dropped off at student residences by our bus drivers. Delivery dates are yet to be determined. Please watch for announcements on Facebook and via our School Messenger system regarding dates and times, along with more specific details.

School Access -- The building will be locked during this closure.  Administrative and other essential staff will report to work. All teaching, support, and coaching staff will continue to have building access, but are asked to limit their presence in the building due to the cleaning and disinfecting work that will be occurring.  There will be NO school sponsored activities, student extra curricular events, or athletic practices (including open gym or weight room access) during this closure period.

Please remember that the best prevention for viruses, such as influenza, the common cold or COVID-19 is to: 

• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for 20 seconds. If not available, use hand sanitizer. 
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands. 
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or upper sleeve when coughing or sneezing. 
• Avoid contact with people who are sick. 
• If you are sick, stay home, and avoid contact with others. 

Statewide, citizens are being asked to avoid large assemblages and events. Remember that individuals can carry the virus without exhibiting any symptoms, but could pass it on to others who may be more susceptible, especially those with weakened immune systems and the elderly.   The latest information on COVID-19 is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.  Families are encouraged to check email, watch for notifications from the Pickford Schools app, and monitor our social media accounts for ongoing updates specific to Pickford Public Schools. 

Let’s work together to keep our families and community safe and healthy.   Thank you to our Panther family and the Pickford Community for your patience and flexibility as we navigate through this unprecedented event.  If you have questions, please contact me directly (906) 647-6285 ext. 2204 or angelan@eupschools.org.