March 12, 2020
 
Dear Parents,

At 2:30 p.m., Governor Mike DeWine held a press conference announcing that students in Ohio will not report to school for three weeks due to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.  We understand this will result in a great deal of stress for our families. Our staff has worked diligently to be prepared to transition to virtual learning. I am confident by next week we will seamlessly be operating in a virtual environment. Tomorrow, our staff will meet to finalize details regarding the implementation of our Flexible Plan for our Instructional Community .  The schedule for the next three weeks is as follows:

  • March 12 - 15 - All spring musical productions are canceled 
  • March 13 - No school for students, staff professional development
  • March 16 - Buildings open (See below for more details.)
  • Week of March 16 - Virtual contact will be made with students and parents.  We will support any technology issues via the online support link below.
  • Week of March 23 - Spring break for all staff and students
  • Week of March 30 - Virtual learning for all students
  • Week of April 6 - School resumes (unless otherwise ordered by Governor DeWine)

On Monday, March 16, buildings will be open for students to pick up necessary educational supplies and / or equipment that may have been left in the building due to the timing of the announcement.  Please adhere to the following schedule:

Students in grades 7-12:  Teachers will communicate via Google Classroom by the end of day on Friday, March 13 what supplies, materials and/or equipment will be needed.  The building will be open and staff will be in classrooms on Monday, March 16 for students to gather items from 8 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. If students have what they need, they should not report to the school and wait to receive communication from staff.

Students in grades Pk-6:  The elementary buildings will be open at specific times on Monday, March 16 for parents to pick up materials, Chromebooks and/or personal items that may have been left behind.  Staff will be in classrooms to assist parents with materials and to provide support related to online learning and/or home activities if needed. We ask that you adhere to the following times:

CFIS:
  • 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. -  Families with last names A-M
  • 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. - Families with last names N-Z

Gurney:
  • 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. - Families with last names A-M
  • 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. - Families with last names N-Z   

Early next week, parents will be receiving information from the building level regarding access to your child’s online learning tools.  We also have created an online support site that will be active throughout this school closure to assist with any technology-related issues. Parents who have indicated a need for a Chromebook in grades pk-3 will be able to pick up a device during the designated time on Monday.  Parents that have expressed a need for support with internet service will be contacted individually.  

It is our expectation that we will be utilizing virtual learning next week and after our scheduled spring break.  We are very fortunate to live and work in a community that supports public education, and I am confident we will continue to move our students forward in their learning during this unprecedented time.  Please reach out to your son/daughter’s building if you have any questions or have a conflict with the pick up times provided.   


Robert W. Hunt, Ph.D. 
Superintendent
Chagrin Falls Exempted Village Schools