I'd like to use this update to highlight a few significant milestones that have passed in the last several weeks. School began for the 2020-2021 School Year in a remote setting for students in grades 1st through 12th on Wednesday, September 9th. Kindergarten students began the school year on September 14th and 15th respectively. As we have toured the buildings during the first several weeks of the school year, the remote learning process is successfully underway, and students and staff members have been excited and engaged. Students and staff are making the most out of learning via screen, but learning is taking place, nonetheless. I thank everyone, including the families, our staff, and our students, for working hard all summer to prepare for this moment. Your flexibility and patience are very much appreciated.
I also thank the individuals who participated in the Chromebook and educational materials distribution during the final week of August. This effort was underway at each building to ensure that students and families had the resources they needed to be prepared for the temporary remote learning period. Thank you to the Board members who showed their support. The organization of the materials, the distribution process, and the happiness shown by the families was evident, as the entire community prepared to continue their educational journeys, once again.
Keep in mind that at the moment, our plan is to resume in-person learning in a Hybrid Setting on Monday, November 9th. As we approach that date, the District is dedicated to sharing exactly who will attend school in-person... and when. The District will also communicate what measures have been, and will be taken, to ensure the safety and security of the staff and students in the building. Please stay tuned.
In other news, the Strategic Planning process for the District will resume as evidenced by our facilitators' presentation at last Monday's Work Session. The COVID-19 pandemic compelled us to press pause on the kick-off last year, but we are resuming, and the community can expect to learn more about the Garfield Heights City School's initiative to refresh our mission, vision for the future, our goals and what a Portrait of a Garfield Heights Graduate will look like. Stay tuned for more information in the coming weeks and months relative to the District's Strategic Planning efforts.
To close, I want to wish my condolences to the Psenicka family, our friends at the Neighborhood News, on the unexpected passing of the owner and editor, Mike last week. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Thank you all for your continued patience! Stay safe and GO BULLDOGS!
Go Bulldogs!
