December 3, 2020
Dear Independence Local Schools’ Families,
This week, district leaders have been examining every piece of information possible to determine the best decision for the status of our instructional model for the remaining two weeks before Christmas break. We all agree in-person instruction is best for our students. We want our students in school. We also know that a combination of student, staff, city, county and state infection and quarantine numbers may keep that plan out of reach, keeping us in a remote setting.
Unfortunately, we are still seeing a number of staff and students who are testing positive or having to quarantine due to possible exposure. While these numbers are not yet overwhelming, they are consistent and increasing, and with only two weeks of instruction before break and the predicted spikes from family gatherings during Thanksgiving, the Independence Local Schools will stay in a remote setting through December 18. I want to acknowledge the challenges remote instruction may present to your family and student(s). I want to encourage you to keep open lines of communication with your student’s teachers and principal on how we can continue to connect with and instruct our remote learners as we work to be our best. I know our staff, students and families have all been working hard to keep as much schooling happening as possible. I promise we will continue to work hard in connecting and meeting our students’ needs. We will continue to allow small-group student activities such as various academic clubs, winter sports, and behavioral and related service supports to take place with a significant increase in safety protocols and distancing, to the greatest extent possible.
Within the next few days, you should be receiving an email containing a survey regarding your student’s overall well-being. We are acutely aware that the social structures and relational connections that a school day provides have been taken from our kids during this remote time. We want to continue to focus on the emotional health of our students and provide extra supports when necessary. Your observations of your student at home are an important part of that focus. You should also receive an emailed survey with the opportunity to switch your student’s educational model - moving from the in-person (with remote pivots) to the all-virtual I-Pride Academy or from the I-Pride Academy to the in-person model. You will only need to complete this survey if you wish to change models. This will determine your student’s second semester placement.
Sincerely,
Ben Hegedish
Superintendent
