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Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District

Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District News Article

Letter to Families Regarding Tier 3 Learning Plan

April 13, 2020
 
Dear CH-UH Families,
 
We hope this message finds you well. As we move closer to the implementation of our next phase of the emergency school closure plan, we want to communicate what upcoming learning will entail as schools remain closed.
 
On March 30, Governor DeWine ordered schools to remain closed at least until May 1. Our administrative, curriculum and technology leadership teams have been meeting virtually to lay out the next phase of our at-home instructional plan for all CH-UH students. 
 
The information you will be receiving from your child’s teacher will outline how learning will continue while adhering to the Governor’s direction to stay at home.
 
We want to remind our families that school attendance is requiredStudents are expected to attend and participate in school in the manner prescribed in the Tier 3 plan (distance learning and online). 
 
We empathize with families during this stressful time and recognize that these circumstances may impact the learning process. We are doing everything we can to foster the necessary partnership with you in furthering your child’s education. Our goal is to provide meaningful instruction and support learning with all students throughout our school closure.  
 
There will undoubtedly be some bumps along the way, but your child’s teachers, counselors, building principals, and support team members will be here working with your students every day we are in session at home. Education is an essential service and we take our responsibility to provide an excellent education to every student within CH-UH schools very seriously.  
 

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

Beginning April 16
 
We have pushed back the date of our Tier 3 academic plan to allow time for staff planning. Students should continue to follow the Tier 2 learning plan on April 14 and 15. We will publish the plan to our website and send the plan out to families once staff planning on the 15th has concluded.
 
Instruction will include online lessons and the use of videos and interactive activities to help create a stronger connection with students and better foster student learning over a digital platform. Students and parents will receive a weekly schedule of activities. This sample will help students and families manage time and learning expectations for the week. Teachers will hold student support labs to provide additional academic support. Information about grades and assignment due dates will be included in the plan published later this week.
 
There are still many questions to be resolved regarding issues such as future scheduled events and return to school. As information becomes available and decisions are made based on guidance from the Governor and the Ohio Department of Health, we will communicate with you. 
 
Enrichment Activities
 
Enrichment activities for use at home can be found on the district webpage or accessed directly by clicking here. These enrichment activities are great as stand-alone learning opportunities or as a complement to what students will be learning throughout the remainder of the school year.
 
Students with special needs (IEP/504)
 
Students with individualized education programs and 504s will continue to have their services and accommodations/modifications provided to the maximum extent possible. Deadlines for plans (IEP/504) and evaluations (ETR) will continue to be met in accordance with their end dates. These meetings will be held either via videoconference or telephone conference. Please reach out to your student’s case manager or principal if you have any questions or would like to discuss how we can work together to meet your student’s needs during this time. 
 
For students with disabilities, transitioning to distance learning can be challenging. Learn about the built-in accessibility features on Chromebook and how they might be helpful to students.  
 
Technology
 
Many families participated in our Chromebook distribution opportunities on March 16, 17, and 25. If your child has a technical problem with their district-issued Chromebook, please communicate that directly to your child’s teacher with a description of the problem and your cell phone number. The teacher will reach out to our Technology department on your behalf.
 
Comcast is helping connect more families to the Internet at home. New Internet Essentials customers will receive two free months of Internet service. To sign up, applicants can visit www.internetessentials.com or call 1-855-846-8376. Please check with your cellular device carrier to find out if you can use your smartphone as a hotspot for your child’s Chromebook, as many of the cell phone carriers are offering additional data because of COVID-19. In addition, the Heights Libraries welcome families to use their library parking lots to connect to free WiFi.
 
Social-Emotional Support
 
As the coronavirus pandemic has led to school closures, online learning, delayed celebrations, postponed events, and social distancing, all school leaders and educators must think about the social-emotional support for students. Our CH-UH support team has prepared a list of informational resources, articles, and guides to support you during this difficult time. We intend to continue updating this list as we attain relevant content.
 
Social-Emotional Support for Students during COVID-19
 
Parents and students can request social emotional support by completing this form. Responses will be routed to CH-UH counselors and someone will get in contact with you as soon as possible. 
 
Meal Pickup Programs
 
Each weekday, free breakfast and lunch can be picked up at all other sites from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This food is available for any child whether or not they are CH-UH students. On Fridays at all pickup sites, 3 total breakfast/lunch combos can be picked up per child to last through the weekend.
 
Meal Pickup Locations
Board of Education - 2155 Miramar Boulevard
Boulevard Elementary - 1749 Lee Road 
Fairfax Elementary - 3150 Fairfax Road
Noble Elementary - 1293 Ardoon Street (door 10)
Oxford Elementary - 939 Quilliams Road (door 2)
Monticello Middle - 3665 Monticello Boulevard
Heights High - 13263 Cedar Road
Zagara's Marketplace - 1940 Lee Road (starts at 1:30 p.m.)
 
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to your child’s teacher or your building principals. We thank you for partnering with us; we are truly in this together. 
 
Stay safe and healthy, Tiger Nation!
 
Sincerely,
 
The Educational Services Team
Superintendent Liz Kirby 

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