Greetings Lennox School District Families,
Thank you for taking the return to learn survey, it was a great response rate with 1,034 responses. 999 responses indicated parents are prepared to send their child back to school for on-campus instruction and 35 respondents expressed an initial desire to take part in a distance learning model. The district fully intends to open its doors on August 26. Along with this information, you will find a link below to a DRAFT of a “Return to Learn” plan that outlines key details such as health screening protocols, PPE use, general cleaning procedures, food service procedures, district transportation use, and social emotional learning. I must be clear that this is a DRAFT. The school board has not approved any of these items, but I want to give you some idea of the conversations we’ve put to paper regarding the reopening of schools. We are exploring virtual learning options as part of the distance learning model for those students who will not be comfortable coming to school on August 26 for on-campus instruction. More information on this topic will be forthcoming.
FACE MASKS
Face masks have been a hot topic recently as research continues to reveal this as a method for significantly reducing the risk of spreading COVID-19. You will note in the attached plan, we listed face mask use for students as strongly recommended and required for staff when 6’ social distancing cannot be achieved. The Return to Learn plan does call for mandatory face mask use of students using district transportation. If you have not already purchased or made a face mask for your child, I am strongly recommending you do so between now and August 26. I would further recommend you have your child practice wearing the mask. I do not know with certainty what ordinances may develop over the next month and a half, but it would not be surprising to me if face masks became one of them. Of course, I also understand certain circumstances may prevent the use of masks by some children and perhaps even some adults. Should masks become a requirement to be on-campus, we will work with those individuals who have complications preventing mask use.
REGISTRATION
We are working to move all components of district registration on-line. I expect that we will be able to send this information out next week. August 4 will be utilized to take school pictures only. A Signup Genius is being created to schedule picture times for families. By doing this, we can control the amount of people in the building and honor CDC recommendations for 6’ social distancing. Again, more information regarding this and completing registration on-line will be revealed next week.
NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM
As a reminder, we extended the national school lunch program through August 4. We will continue to provide one pick up date every Tuesday between the hours of 11 AM and 12 PM. You will continue to receive breakfast and lunch for five days’ worth of meals. Locations and dates are listed below.
Pickup Locations
- Lennox Elementary
- Worthing Elementary
- Chancellor Reformed Parking Lot
Pickup Dates through August 4 are as follows:
- July 21—11 AM to 12 PM
- July 28—11 AM to 12 PM
- August 04—11 AM to 12 PM, This is the last pick up date.
FREE AND REDUCED MEALS
I am certain job loss, reduction in work hours, and general closures has had an impact on many of our families. I strongly urge you to take a look at the free and reduced application attached in this message or simply click the links below to explore this option. If your household income has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, you may find that you currently qualify for free and reduced meals. If you complete the application now, it is good for the entire year regardless of change in income.
Free and Reduced Information: https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/782734/2020-21_Free__Reduced_Application.pdf
Free and Reduced Application: https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/783056/FReduced_meal_App._SY2021_WORD__2_12318.pdf
FINAL NOTE
The COVID-19 pandemic has created a great deal of stress for everyone. I want to thank you for your patience and flexibility through all of this. My goal is to be open on August 26 and remain open as much as we are able. Every effort is being made to make feasible plans to reopen and mitigate the need to ever close our doors. I fully understand the burden it causes families for schools to be closed. I believe if we remain flexible and follow recommendations established by our health professionals, we can keep our students and staff healthy, which in turn, mitigates the need for short-term closures.
Link to "Return to Learn" plan: https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws...
I wish you a continued safe and healthy summer!
Dr. Chad Conaway, Superintendent Lennox School District