Update 03.31.2020
Update from Superintendent Vondra
March 31, 2020
This week is the District’s officially scheduled Spring Break. The weather forecast looks to be improving, at least in terms of warming temperatures. Patches of grass are turning green and the daffodils and tulips are beginning to emerge from their winter hibernation. Each year, this week on the calendar marks a transition for school children as well as nature. In most (normal) years, Spring Break aligns closely with the start of the fourth and final quarter of the school year. This year’s Spring Break signifies something new altogether. And while it is new and different, we are all in this together!
Return to School Date: Recently, the governor has made reference to keeping all K-12 schools across the state of Michigan closed for the remainder of the school year. Governor Whitmer’s comments trigger us to think about many “what if...” scenarios. With the increase of COVID-19 cases through Michigan, this outcome seems more plausible every day. Having said that, school districts have not received any new notifications from the governor or the Michigan Department of Education. In the initial school closure, the school administrators heard the announcement at the same time as the rest of the public. The school district will be in contact with the families when we are notified of any changes to “return to school date.”
Distance Learning: Distance learning can be described as learning that is taking place when there is a physical distance or separation between the student and his/her teacher and peers. With the possibility of not reopening schools, Hillsdale Community Schools has been brainstorming and working on alternate plans for instruction through distance-learning strategies. Should this come to be, our teachers, support staff, administrators will work with families to provide educational opportunities through distance learning plans. Our district has the capacity to accomplish this through a combination of paper/pencil learning packets/books and technology devices. We know that reliable WIFI access is available for many of our students, but not all. We also know that students are not all the same. So, having options available to our students is important.
Take Out Meals Program: As of today, the food service program has served over 15,000 meals (7,657 breakfast meals and 7,650 lunch meals). The number of meals provided has increased with each service day. The next day for service is Friday, April 2, 2020. It is clear, this program has met a critical need in our community. The scheduled meal service plan will continue on Tuesdays and Fridays, from 12:00-3:00 PM at Hillsdale High School (gym) parking lot, until further notice.
With the weather improving, the coming days will be a great opportunity to get outside and go for a walk. This can be a great time to talk to one another without a newscast or social media posts in the background.