April 27, 2020 12:00pm

Dear Parent/Guardian,

With Governor DeWine’s announcement last week in closing Ohio’s schools for the remainder of the spring, it brings great disappointment and sadness that we cannot get back together for a normal end to the school year. We are especially disheartened for our seniors who would normally be celebrating their last month of school together with concerts, banquets, prom and graduation. We will still want to celebrate our seniors even if it must be in a different fashion. Whatever we plan, we will still need to adhere to the guidelines set forth by Governor DeWine, Ohio Department of Health, Allen County Department of Health and the Ohio Department of Education. Last week, the Ohio Department of Education gave guidelines to all Ohio schools to plan on moving ahead with graduation virtually. Please see their guidance below.

“The Ohio Department of Education has been fielding several questions about graduation ceremonies and other end-of-year recognition ceremonies for students. Educators, students and parents are questioning whether they should attempt to hold in-person events of this nature. While we understand the significance, tradition and rites of passage many of these events represent, particularly for our seniors, schools should hold events virtually rather than conducting in-person events of this type and record these events whenever possible and practicable. Congregate graduation ceremonies should not be held. Additionally, we recommend holding a virtual or alternate recognition on the original intended graduation date or a date very close to that date. Therefore, school leaders should conduct graduation ceremonies and other recognition events in a remote manner that honors each student in a safe and responsible way, prioritizing the health needs of students, their families and the community.”

Mr. Jesko, along with Mr. Clark and Mr. Renner, will be sending out information relating to May events and the plan for the end of the year by Wednesday of this week. Some updates to other items:

E-Learning: As stated in previous communications, we will continue to provide distance learning each week. Please continue to communicate with your teachers, guidance counselors and/or principals with any and all assignments or issues.

Athletics: OHSAA has canceled spring athletic schedules per Governor DeWine’s order. Our athletic facilities and our playgrounds remain closed until further notice.

Access to Campus: We remain in a work from home scenario. Please call ahead if you must come to campus for any reason. This will hopefully begin to change as early as next week once we hear from Governor DeWine’s office regarding the “stay at home” order and the phases for re-opening the state. Each building principal will be communicating this week on how and when students and/or parents may come to the school to turn in books, laptops and get their things.

Meals: We will continue to provide meals as we’ve done through May, with our last meal delivery on Tuesday, May 26th due to the holiday.

Thank you for your continued cooperation and efforts during this unprecedented time!

Rich Dackin Superintendent