There has been so much change around us as we continue to provide instruction, food, and support during COVID. I wanted to take a moment and update you on some recent changes and the status of our plans for what lies ahead. I also include below a survey link so that we can better learn from you about what is working and what needs to improve, and your thoughts as we look towards the coming weeks and months.
Balanced Calendar Adjustments
As you may have already heard, at the School Board meeting late last week, it was decided together that we will delay the start of the balanced calendar until at least the second semester. We need to be responsive to the many unknowns in the weeks and months ahead and also want to be sure that when we launch balanced calendar we are positioned for it to have the amazing impact we have all been planning. We are working on what the revised calendar will be and also figuring out other implications and we will have more information to you soon. For now, know that it means we plan to start somewhat later than July 29th and not have intersessions in the fall, but may include intersessions in the spring. Please be patient as we work through options and we will be in touch with more details soon.
Update to Learning Plans for the Remainder of 2019-2020
As we approach the final weeks of this school year, we want to make the best use of the last 2-3 weeks in this unusual environment. What this means is that after the learning plans that you have already received from teachers, we then plan to use the final 2-3 weeks for an individual check-in (virtually) with each student and family. We want to find out from each student how s/he is doing right now, what has worked and not worked with learning this spring, and ideas they each have for a successful upcoming school year. This will be scheduled fairly soon with your child (and you).
Planning for Instruction and Schools in 2020-2021
We are in an unusual time when so little is a "given" to be planning for with the start of the new school year. We have done some initial planning work, but the potential scenarios are large in number. We have heard that there will soon be guidance and phases released by the state that will enable us to be planning for more specific scenarios. At that point, we will be able to share more information. All divisions are in a similar situation right now and we need to be patient a bit longer until state decisions are made, and then we will keep you informed and involved as we begin to make plans for what teaching, learning, and schools will look like in the months ahead.
Return of Chromebooks
If your student has a Chromebook checked out this spring, you may hold on to it if your child is returning to school for the upcoming school year. If your child is a senior or is moving from the area or not returning to Hopewell, we need you to return the Chromebook before the end of the school year. Please return this to school on an upcoming Tuesday or Thursday, as school offices are staffed those days at 10-5. Please know that the Chromebook is property of the school division and must be returned if your child is not returning this fall.
Report Cards and Student Belongings
The end-of-year report cards will be distributed at the end of the year in a manner somewhat similar to normal. For students in middle and high school, report cards will be mailed home in mid-June as they typically are. For these students, if you have belongings that have not yet been picked up, you may arrange to do so on an upcoming Tuesday or Thursday from 10 to 5. For elementary students, report cards will be available on Tuesday, June 9th and Thursday, June 11th, along with any belongings that had not yet been picked up.
EBT Cards
Several weeks ago, we informed families that there will be an EBT card distributed to every student. We expect the cards/funds will be distributed by the state sometime during the next month. Please see the recent update that was posted on Hopewell social media for more information.
Hearing YOUR Voices and Ideas
Finally, it is very important to us throughout this time to hear your voice so that we can make the best possible plans for the new year. I ask that you please take about 5-10 minutes to share your thoughts with us in the survey link below. We value your input and ideas as it will help us all be better in our work to serve students and families.
Please be safe and be well and we can't wait until we are together with your children again.