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Message to Families From Superintendent Kirby - September 18, 2020

September 18, 2020 


Dear CH-UH Families,


I’m writing to share important District updates with you as we head into the weekend.


Week 2 Surveys

I would like to give you and your children the opportunity to share your thoughts on remote learning thus far. Your answers will give us a better understanding of what we can improve upon and what is going well in remote learning. Please find links below to surveys for families (parents/guardians) and students. Of course, you may assist your student in answering the questions if they need it.


Survey for families

Survey for students (this has also been emailed to students in grades 6-12.)


MAP Testing

NWEA MAP testing began remotely this week for grades 3 through 11. Grade 3 is being tested in math and reading; grades 4-8 in math, reading and science; and grades 9-11 in 

Algebra I, Geometry, English I and English II. MAP testing will serve as an important tool to assess where our students are academically in light of the spring school closure and remote learning impact.


We recognize that some students have experienced issues with connectivity or other technical problems related to the testing. In particular, some students received an error message about the resolution size of their Chromebooks. Step-by-step instructions to resolve this issue are available in this 1 minute video. Teacher Nadine Davis put together a short video for families that walks students through steps to get their testing window to appear.


Like many other aspects of remote learning, there is a learning curve involved in administering and taking these assessments outside of the classroom. We’ll continue to work with you on alleviating these problems and ensuring that testing goes as smoothly as possible for our students.


September 22 Board Work Session

During the Board meeting on Tuesday, September 22, we will provide updates on various components of the start of school, including remote learning, technology, special education services, and more. We will also discuss the Postsecondary Planning System, a tool we will soon begin using that will allow us to identify students’ needs and track their progress on the path to postsecondary education. Watch the meeting live on our YouTube channel beginning at 7:30 p.m.


Childcare options for K-5 to begin September 29

We are working with our before and after care provider, Right at School, to offer childcare for grades K-5 at our Wiley campus. We expect to begin offering this service on September 29. We will send out an application and more details to elementary families early next week.


Preschool family engagement initiatives

Preschool has officially been underway for two weeks. It is amazing to see the students interacting with their friends and teachers. Who knew that bubbles could still be so much fun, even when done virtually?


District early childhood leaders will soon be scheduling virtual Family Action Team meetings for Noble and Gearity families. The Family Action Team meets once per month to plan family engagement activities. If you are interested in joining an Action Team, please contact Danielle Foran at [email protected].


Ohio Online

Ohio Online elementary school student workbooks are now available. Please contact your elementary school principal to arrange for pickup of these materials that correspond to the Lincoln Learning platform activities. Visit the CH-UH Ohio Online Google Site for important news and information related to this online learning platform.


Food service - meals now available for all children, and on weekends

Thanks to a waiver extension from the USDA, the District is now able to serve meals to all children through December 31, 2020. Weekend meals will also be provided during Friday pickups. And, Zagara’s has been added as a pickup site Monday through Friday. View this flyer for more information.


Reporting positive COVID-19 cases in children

As a reminder, the Ohio Department of Health is asking that parents/guardians report positive COVID-19 cases for their children. Should your child test positive for COVID-19, you may report this to his or her school when reporting your child absent, or you may call or email your school principal.


Your child’s name will not be made public or shared with anyone outside of a need-to-know basis. Notifications sent to the District will be as general as possible in order to protect students’ privacy. The goal is to help our health department conduct timely, accurate contact tracing.


Tutor.com

Heights Library patrons now have access to Tutor.com, a comprehensive service that includes live online tutoring, ACT/SAT prep, homework help, and also assistance for job seekers such as resume reviewing and interviewing tips. Tutor.com can be accessed through the Heights Libraries website.


Census Deadline is September 30

The deadline to complete the 2020 U.S. Census is September 30. The Census happens every 10 years and shapes funding, representation, and more for our community.


Census workers will be coming to the doors of those who have not yet completed the Census. To complete the Census without having in-person contact, visit my2020census.gov or call 1-844-330-2020.


A District parent shared this great PDF that describes ways that the Census affects services - including education - that our community receives.


I hope you all enjoy your weekend and the cool fall weather we’re having. I look forward to connecting with you again soon.


Sincerely,

Superintendent Kirby