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Message to Families From Superintendent Kirby - January 17, 2021
January 17, 2021

Dear CH-UH Families,

We have officially completed the first semester of the 2020-2021 school year. In a typical year, we might not see this as a milestone per se. But in this unusual year full of challenges big and small, I believe it’s an accomplishment worth noting. I am proud of all of you, our staff, and above all, our incredible students for all of the hard work and dedication put forth. I thank you for your continued support and collaboration.

Later this week, we will share a survey asking for your feedback on the first semester of the school year. This will not be a selection survey; it’s simply to learn about what went well and what didn’t during the year thus far.

Student MLK Jr. tributes, local events
Earlier this month, News Channel 5 put out a call for northeast Ohio students to create 30-second videos explaining why they believe Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream lives on. Our amazing students submitted more than 20 videos for the station project, which is scheduled to air throughout newscasts on Monday. Here is a compilation of our students’ videos. I’m inspired by the deep understanding of Dr. King’s legacy our children display in their tributes.

On Monday, January 18, Karamu House will premiere “Infinite Hope,” a special celebration in honor of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This 50-minute virtual presentation of spoken word, song, and dance is free to the community, but registration is required.

Cleveland.com has compiled an overview of Cleveland-area MLK Jr. programs and celebrations. As a reminder, there is no school on Monday, January 18 in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

District to remain in remote learning through at least February 1
I have recommended to the Board of Education that our students remain in a fully remote learning status until at least Monday, February 1.

Cuyahoga County has been under a stay-at-home advisory since November 18, 2020. As of Thursday, that advisory has been extended through January 31. The county has also remained in Level 3 “red” alert level status in the Ohio Public Health Advisory System since October 15. The data released by the Ohio Department of Health Thursday show that Cuyahoga County remains at Level 3 (red) with high incidence and four of the seven indicators met. The District considers county, state and national guidance when determining recommendations for reopening. Read the summary of the January 12 board meeting and presentation here.

The next board meeting to discuss reopening will take place on January 28 at 6:30 p.m. We will share updates on next steps as we continue to consult with the Cuyahoga County Board of Health and receive their recommendations.

Because of the extension of the stay-at-home advisory, the District remains in its high-alert plan for staff.

COVID-19 case summary for the week of January 11
Since Monday, January 11, we have received reports of two staff members and one student testing positive for COVID-19. Of these cases, one of the staff members and the student had been working/learning remotely. These cases are reflected on the District’s case reporting dashboard.

When staff and students who have been in District buildings test positive for COVID-19, we send notices to the families whose children attend the affected schools and to the staff members of those schools. We also post the notices on chuh.org and our District app, available for Android and iPhone.

Hotspots still available
Hotspots are still available to K-12 families who do not have home WiFi or are having connectivity issues. To reserve one for your family, please contact the IT Department at 216-397-5910 or fill out a request form.

I hope you are enjoying the long weekend, while taking some time to reflect on Dr. King’s legacy. During a time when healing is needed in our country, his example and life is a reminder of how important it is to stay committed to freedom and justice for all.

Sincerely,
Superintendent Kirby