Dear Tiger Community,
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced so many of us to make tough decisions about the safety of our families. We’ve reconsidered our vacation plans, canceled playdates, or had to get creative with winter activities. Just like all of you, our district has put the safety of our students and staff at the forefront of all our decisions. Our goal all year has been to maximize the number of safe, in-person learning days for students.
Due to a large number of faculty and staff currently under quarantine, at this time, we simply do not have the capacity to return to in-person instruction safely. We plan to continue 100% remote learning until at least Monday, January 25th.
This wasn’t a decision that was made lightly and we are disappointed that we need to continue the pause to our in-person instruction. But we have well-established plans in place to support all students and to engage students with instructional packets and computer-based instruction.
We are excited and looking forward to returning to school on January 25th. In order to reopen our doors and to keep them open, we have to work together. During our extended pause, please do your part to stop the community spread. Wear a mask in public, wash your hands and physically distance yourself from others. Please anticipate a communication update about reopen plans on January 21.
When we do return, due to the surge in cases and per the recommendations of our health partners, every person must wear a mask 100% of the time they are in our buildings. Our policy on mask-wearing, as well as tips for safe handling of masks, is available on our website.
UPK and K Center students can expect delivery of instructional materials; more details to come from the principal of each building.
Students in grades 1-5 should continue to check into their Google Classrooms on January 19th for further instruction from their teachers.
Students in grades 6-12 should continue to join their Google Classrooms for synchronous learning as scheduled each day. Buses will depart from the High School for New Visions, Early College Career Academy, and CTE BOCES students. Athletic programs will also continue their pause for this period of time.
We will continue to serve meals Monday-Friday for any student that needs it. Meals are served at the Franklin Street side of our high school building from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. each weekday.
Outdoor internet access is available for any district-issued Chromebook device in the parking lot on the east side of the Middle School, as well as in the main parking lot of the Kindergarten Center. At the Middle School, look for the network called “HFCSD-MS-EXT.” Your school Chromebook will automatically join the network. At the Kindergarten Center, look for the network “HFCSD-KC-EXT” and your Chromebook will automatically join as well.
Let’s continue to work together to follow state COVID regulations. Wear a mask. Avoid gatherings. Avoid travel. For more information, visit the Washington County Health Department COVID-19 tracker page daily.
Sincerely,
Jon Hunter, Interim Superintendent