April 6, 2020
Good morning,
I hope that this letter finds you safe and healthy. Several significant decisions, at both the state and school level, have been made over the last few days. As we head into Easter break, it is important to keep you informed of how these changes impact you and your student(s). I’ve tried to write this letter by topic, so you need only read the sections that pertain specifically to your family.
Senior Graduation Requirements
Governor DeWine and the Ohio Department of Education announced changes to graduation requirements late Friday afternoon. The following passage is taken directly from Friday’s announcement:
Governor DeWine and the Ohio General Assembly have given flexibility to schools and districts to award diplomas to students who have successfully completed the
curriculum requirements
while forgoing all other additional requirements for a diploma. Additional components for a diploma that are no longer requirements for students given this flexibility include assessment requirements and any alternative pathways to graduation. It is up to a student’s principal, in consultation with teachers and counselors, to determine whether eligible students have successfully met the curriculum requirements or if the individualized education program team has determined the student has met the individualized education program.
Read the entire document
.
I will be working closely with our teachers and counselors to audit each senior’s transcript to ensure successful completion of the curriculum. Because this is a process that we already practice multiple times each year, we feel that the vast majority of our seniors are on a clear track to graduate. In the event that a problem is identified, we will contact you before school resumes on April 20 with a plan specific to your student. It is critical that students continue working through the online curriculum to ensure successful completion of the requirements.
Graduation Ceremony
If we are not back in school to hold our regularly scheduled graduation festivities, an alternative graduation ceremony has been scheduled for
Tuesday, July 21
at the Akron Civic Center.
Capstone Experience
As of April 6, Ohio schools are set to return to school in early May. That could change and we need to be prepared for that possibility. As a result of the uncertainty, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the Capstone program for the Class of 2020. While this is an extremely worthwhile and impactful program, we feel that the risks of sending our seniors out into the community at this time far outweigh the benefits.
Students should reach out to their Capstone sponsors to thank them for the opportunity and to notify the sponsors that the program has been canceled this year. Many of the Capstone sponsors have already offered to Skype with students for an informal interview to share insights about certain careers. This is not a requirement, but definitely something to consider if offered by the sponsor.
Therefore, seniors should plan to participate in their 4th quarter courses for the weeks of May 11 and May 18.
Final Exams
There will be NO finals for the second semester. Students’ second semester grades will be generated by averaging the third and fourth quarters.
AP Exams
Scroll below the signature of my letter to see important information pertaining to the AP exams that has been compiled by the STVM Counseling staff.
Students on IEPs
If your student is on an IEP, please note that the ODE is updating policy frequently. In order to stay in compliance, it is imperative that you review the email sent by Mrs. Widders on March 31, 2020. To ensure that your student receives the appropriate services and the scholarship will pay for these services, you will need to electronically sign any documents sent by Mrs. Widders regarding the Jon Peterson and Autism Scholarships. Email
kwidders@stvm.com
with any questions.
Progress Reports
Teachers have been asked to send progress reports on Thursday, April 9th. Please use the information to gauge your student’s progress during the first half of the fourth quarter. I encourage you to contact individual teachers with any questions or concerns.
End of the Year Calendar
It is too early to announce any changes to the end of the year calendar dates. Should the governor extend the closure of schools through the end of the year, adjustments will be made. However, the school year will NOT extend beyond the regularly scheduled last day of school (currently June 2).
As we begin this extended spring break, it is my hope that your family can appreciate the hiatus from daily school work and enjoy the improving springtime weather together. Please know that we will continue to monitor and adjust our program to meet the needs of the students while ensuring an authentic education.
Stay safe and God Bless,