Dear CH-UH Families,
The announcement that Cuyahoga County is once again at a Level 3 Advisory is naturally generating questions. Yesterday, I attended a meeting with Superintendents in Northeast Ohio and the Cuyahoga County Board of Health to discuss the level 3 status extensively. Districts across our county are responding to this new status in different ways. Many seem to be opting to stay the course with the instructional model they are currently providing, whether that is in-person, blended or fully remote. After weighing our options and the recommendations from the Cuyahoga County Board of Health to implement remote learning in a Level 3, I have decided to recommend to the CH-UH Board of Education that we begin the second quarter in remote learning, the instructional model that we currently have in place.
There are other questions that have been raised about this new status, and I address those below.
Students with disabilities
In CH-UH, more than 60 students having the most intensive needs have been attending school and receiving services in-person for 3-half days weekly beginning Sept. 29. As I have mentioned in previous communications, we have this in place in accordance with state and federal guidelines, putting forth a good faith effort to serve our students with disabilities. I have visited many of these classrooms and have been extremely impressed with the work the teachers and staff are doing with their students. These educators skillfully provide remote and in-person instruction with care, grace and professionalism. I thank them for their hard work and adaptability.
During the meeting with the Cuyahoga County Board of Health, I specifically asked if we should discontinue offering in-person services to these small groups of students, given the Level 3 (red) designation in Cuyahoga County. They indicated that our model for in-person services aligns with the guidance in their framework and that we can maintain this instructional plan. We will continue providing these services and will reach out to the parents individually to let them know that our current model of in-person support will still be available for their children. Parents who do not want to send their children to school for in-person services may keep them at home.
Third grade OST
On Monday, we shared that the District must administer the Grade 3 Ohio State Test in English Language Arts in person, in our school buildings, as directed by the Ohio Department of Education. This has not changed at this time. Each school has determined dates and times for testing within the window of October 21-30 and is in the process of sharing their schedules with families. Safety measures, including desk shields, social distancing, masks, and providing students their own pencil to use (and take with them) will be in place for students as they take the test.
If families choose not to participate, students’ next opportunity to take the Grade 3 ELA state test will be April 2021. Dates will be determined in the beginning of 2021.
We will discuss this turn of events more in-depth during the Board meeting on Tuesday, October 20 at 7 p.m. It will be streamed live on our
YouTube page and I will also send a follow-up message on what was discussed and decisions that were made. Further, I will provide weekly updates to all staff and families.
Enjoy your weekend and stay safe.
Sincerely,
Superintendent Kirby