-
South Adams Schools Communication:
April 2, 2020 - Governor's Orders Update
Starfire Families,
First of all we want to say THANK YOU for your constant support, understanding, flexibility and willingness to come alongside us as we all navigate this unprecedented time in our history. Many of you have heard that the Governor has ordered that all Indiana schools remain closed for the remainder of the school year. While we understand how difficult this is for our families, our teachers and our entire community, we know that this is what we must do in order to save lives. We will continue to do our best to engage our students and support families in every way we can.
The plan that we put in place at the beginning of this closure will continue for the remainder of the school year. The schedule is included in the calendar within this document. Based on this schedule, the last student day will be May 20 as originally planned. We will have many more details to communicate in the coming weeks. We appreciate your patience as we work through these details in the coming weeks. Please continue to check email and our social media accounts for additional information.
PARENTS OF HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS:
State school superintendent, Dr. McCormick, and Governor Holcomb presented today that Indiana schools will remain closed for the remainder of this school year. Dr. McCormick stated that 160 school days as we have planned will count as a completion of this school year. Seniors that are currently enrolled in courses to complete their graduation requirements will be given credit in these courses upon completion of the 160 school days. This will allow them to graduate this school year. Freshmen, sophomores, and juniors are required to complete courses in our current manner to continue on with their high school credits. Graduation requirement exams are cancelled for this year and will not be required for this year’s seniors. You can watch Dr. McCormick’s and Governor Holcomb’s press conference at https://www.wane.com/news/indiana/indiana-schools-to-have-remote-learning-for-remainder-of-school-year/
We also wanted to update you on items related to eLearning for families.
Clarifications are below:
How is extended eLearning different from the eLearning we are used to experiencing?
Weather related eLearning days are isolated and allow students to continue learning while they are not at school. This extended time of eLearning requires all of us to look at eLearning differently. During this time, we want students to participate in learning activities as often as possible throughout the week. Although eLearning days are officially scheduled for Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, we understand that doesn’t always fit into everyone’s schedules. Therefore, we understand that students may have to work on these assignments on days designated other than ELearning Days. Teachers will be available for support every day from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
What is an instructional waiver day?
These days are non-eLearning days when students can continue to work on eLearning assignments if needed. Teachers will be participating in Professional Development, planning, grading, and are available from 8:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. to answer questions and assist students as needed.
How do I turn my paper assignments in to my teacher?
A completed assignment drop-off location for K-12 will begin on Monday, April 6th. The drop-off location will be in the main foyer at the ES/MS office (Door N5) . Drop off times will be from 7:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m. Monday-Friday. There will be labeled bins with teacher’s names from Grades PreK-8. There will be a separate bin labeled for the High School. Please label all assignments with the teacher’s name to help us keep track of which assignment goes to which teacher. Students in Geneva may drop off any completed assignments on Wednesdays at the Limberlost food pick-up site from 4-6:30 p.m. As we collect work each day, it will be placed in your teacher’s mailbox for them to assess. Please continue to monitor your email and our social media accounts for additional information related to this.
When are eLearning assignments due?
Elementary - Weekly assignments are due no later than Sunday evening of the week they are assigned.
Middle School - Teachers will communicate due dates of their assignments. In general, the assignment will not be due before the evening of the following day.
High School - Teachers will communicate due dates of their assignments. In general, the assignment will not be due before the evening of the following day.
Grades will be updated on a weekly basis in PowerSchool. Please do not rely on Canvas to see your students’ grades.
What can I do if I cannot download assignments, because we do not have reliable home internet service?
The Berne Public Library, Geneva Public Library, Geneva Town Hall, Geneva Fire Station, McDonald’s, Berne Pizza Hut, East of Chicago Pizza, The Filling Station, Spare Time Lanes, White Cottage (PW: broasted62), and The Bridge Church South - 406 E. Parr Rd. (Wifi: Bridge_Guest; PW: Bridge_Guest) all have free Wi-Fi services and have graciously agreed to allow our students to pull in and park in their parking lots, access their Wi-Fi and download academic content. We are so thankful for these community partners for providing this service to our families during this time. Please consider showing your appreciation by choosing to carry out a meal from one of these generous places.
Will meals continue throughout this closure?
Yes, we will continue to provide meal distribution for students every Wednesday from 4-6:30 pm. Pick up locations are: South SA Circle Drive and Limberlost parking lot Geneva. Students will receive 5 breakfasts and 5 lunches. If you have not signed up for meals and are interested in participating, please click the link below. If you have already signed up, you do not need to do so again.
Who do I contact if I have a question?
For Elementary information, please contact Shellie Miller 260-589-1104 or smiller@southadams.k12.in.us
For Middle School information please contact Jeff Rich 260-589-1106 or jrich@southadams.k12.in.us
For High School information please contact Trent Lehman 260-589-1107 or tlehman@southadams.k12.in.us
For general information please contact Michelle Clouser-Penrod 260-589-1133 or mclouserpenrod@southadams.k12.in.us
For information related to our meals program please contact Joe Meyer 260-589-1105 or
For technology, related questions, and device pick-up please contact Myra Moore 260-589-1117 or mmoore@southadams.k12.in.us
Please click here SA Calendar to view an overview of what eLearning will look like for the remainder of the school year.
March 29, 2020 - Return from Spring Break
Starfire Families☺
As we prepare to return from Spring Break, I wanted to reach out and make sure that our families received all of the most updated information.
We will be continuing our Monday, Wednesday and Friday Elearning. Tuesday and Thursday will not be Elearning days. However, teachers will be available from 8-3 Monday through Friday for student support. We plan to continue this schedule throughout the Governor’s mandated school closure.
We will continue to provide meals for students and those meals will be available for pick up on Wednesdays, starting this Wednesday, April 1, from 4-6:30 at the SA South parking lot and also at Limberlost parking lot in Geneva. Students will each receive 5 breakfasts and 5 lunches. This is open to all SA students.
Also, most of you know, the state of Indiana is under a stay at home order through April 7th. Our school offices will remain closed for the duration of this order. If you need to contact us during this time, please feel free to reach out to us using the following information:
For general information please contact Michelle Clouser Penrod 260-589-1133 or mclouserpenrod@southadams.k12.in.us
For information related to our meals program please contact Joe Meyer 260-589-1105 or jmeyer@southadams.k12.in.us
For technology, related questions please contact Myra Moore 260-589-1117 or mmoore@southadams.k12.in.us
THANK YOU!! Please continue to monitor email and our social media posts for updates throughout this time.
March 26, 2020 - Food Distribution Continues Next Week
Good Afternoon Starfire Families,
Please see the attached flyer for information concerning food pick up sites and times beginning next week. If you have not already done so, please fill out the form at this link https://forms.gle/gFcvJ1rDBRjA29Ph9. If you already have done so, you do not need to do it again. If you have any questions please call Joe Meyer at 589-1105 or email him at jmeyer@southadams.k12.in.us.
March 24, 2020 - Stay At Home Order
Starfire Families☺
Most of you know, the Governor has issued a stay at home order that takes effect tonight at 11:59 and goes through April 7th. We will be closing our school offices for the duration of this order. If you need to contact us during this time, please feel free to reach out to us using the following information:
For general information please contact Michelle Clouser Penrod 260-589-1133 or mclouserpenrod@southadams.k12.in.us
For information related to our meals program please contact Joe Meyer 260-589-1105 or jmeyer@southadams.k12.in.us
For technology related questions please contact Myra Moore 260-589-1117 or mmoore@southadams.k12.in.us
HOWEVER, EVEN THOUGH OUR SCHOOL OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED, WE WILL STILL BE FOLLOWING OUR MWF ELEARNING PLAN AND CONTINUING OUR STUDENT MEALS AFTER SPRING BREAK. More detailed information related to providing student meals will be sent out later this week.
THANK YOU!! Please continue to monitor email and our social media posts for updates throughout this time.
March 19, 2020
Good Afternoon Starfire Families☺
As many of you may know, the Governor has ordered that all Indiana schools be closed until May 1st. While this does change the original timeline that we had here at South Adams for students to return to school, it does not impact our Elearning plan that we have in place. As planned, we will continue our original combined Elearning/Waiver plan of Monday, Wednesday and Friday Elearning and Tuesday and Thursday as Instructional Waiver days. Please keep in mind that Friday, April 10th is Good Friday and will not be an ELearning day.
Please know that we are so humbled and thankful for the amazing way our staff, students, families and this entire community have provided such support and encouragement throughout this unprecedented time. We will continue to pull together as we all navigate this uncertainty together and we will be stronger as a result.
As we go into our week of spring break please just take some time to be with your family and put aside any thoughts about Elearning or school work.
ELearning will resume on Monday, March 30th. We will be sending out additional information after spring break related to this extended closure so be checking your email and our social media posts. Please know that we will continue to provide meals after spring break. If you have not signed up to participate in this, please click the following link and sign up. https://forms.gle/Rk8DhRVSKr5tfsfL9
As always, please reach out if you have any questions at all.
With much appreciation,
Michelle and the entire SA Administrative Team
This attachment below explains how the governor's announcement today affects state-mandated assessments in Indiana. As of now, all state-mandated assessments are not going to occur. At this point, we will continue to update parents and students on HS Advanced Placement testing as we get information.
March 19, 2020 - Reminders for our SA Families
Two reminders for our Starfire families . . . if you have not picked up your K8 student device and wish for your child to have theirs, please pick up today by 6 p.m. in the cafeteria TODAY! If you have any problems once the device is at home, please call the SA Tech Hotline 260/589-1108.
Also, we are going to continue food delivery after Spring Break. If you have not signed up yet, please go this link https://forms.gle/2TRTZVXx3naN6Br18. ANY South Adams student can receive a school provided lunch. If you have already signed up you do not need to sign up again.
March 17, 2020 - Update on K8 Device Pick-Up
Update for K-8 Device Pick-Up: We are altering our drive-up plan and will have parents pick up the device(s) in the cafeteria. Pick-up time: Wed (3/18) from 8 AM-6 PM, and Thurs (3/19) from 8 AM to 6 PM. ONE ADULT PER FAMILY, NO STUDENTS! Please enter the K8 office doors.
March 16, 2020 - Parent Update on Daily Schedule, Food Delivery, and Device Pick-Up
Starfire Families,
As we continue to navigate with the COVID-19 virus we wanted to update you on a few items. Please be sure to regularly check your email, social media outlets and Remind texts. We will communicate and update you throughout this time.
Here is some important information for this week:
Tomorrow (Tuesday) will be a waiver day. We will not have eLearning. This will continue to allow for parents to focus on making alternate plans for the week without worrying about eLearning or schoolwork for their children. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of this week will be eLearning days. The building will be open tomorrow, March 17, from 8-4 to pick up any needed books or supplies.
DEVICE PICK UP: Device pick-up will occur on Wednesday from 8:00 AM-6:00 PM, and Thursday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. THIS WILL BE A DRIVE UP PICK UP. Please drive up into the North or South circle drive by the K-8 Cafeteria. Please stay in your car, a staff member will come to you and assist you in getting your students devices. Please stay in your car. We ask for your patience and understanding as we work to distribute the devices!
FOOD DELIVERY: Those that have signed up to receive meals, will receive an email within the next 24 hours. If you would like to sign up and have not yet done so please go to this link https://forms.gle/paMpvUvdH1mXrqBN8 . Further information about food pick-up will come within the next 24 hours.
Thank you thank thank you so much for your continued understanding and support as we work through this together. Please, as always feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns.
With SO much appreciation,
Michelle
Michelle Clouser Penrod
Superintendent
March 14, 2020 - School Cancellation Beginning Monday, March 16
HI AMAZING STARFIRE FAMILY☺
As you know, the health and safety of our SA family is always our first priority. Considering the latest information related to the Wells County confirmed adult case of COVID-19, and in speaking with local health officials, our School Board and Administration team, out of an abundance of caution, have decided to close effective immediately, through Sunday, April 12th. This closure includes all extracurricular and curricular activities.
Many of you might know that the Governor is allowing schools the flexibility to use Instructional Waiver days throughout these closures. We will be utilizing a portion of these days in the upcoming weeks. In the next few days we will be communicating specific learning plans for our closure after spring break.
FOR NOW, HERE IS WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
- Monday and Tuesday of this week will be Waiver days. We will not have Elearning. This will allow for parents to focus on making alternate plans for the week without worrying about Elearning or schoolwork for their children.
- Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of this week will be ELearning days.
- We will be working on a plan to provide devices to those families who wish to have one.
- We will continue to work on plans to provide meals to our kiddos. If you have not filled out the food delivery survey and are interested in the off-site program, please click on this link. https://forms.gle/azsksQuoUAPewaSw7
- We will continue to do our best to stay on top of things and keep everyone informed. If you have questions please ask.
We realize that closing school places a heavy burden on many families, please know that we are working hard to help make things easier for our families. Throughout all of this, I keep reminding myself that it will be impossible to know if we overreacted and we did too much, but it will be VERY apparent if we under reacted or did too little.
Thank you for your understanding and support during this time. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions at all.
With much appreciation,
Michelle Clouser Penrod
Superintendent
March 13, 2020 - Food Delivery Survey
Starfire Families,
The well-being of our students is our top priority. Making sure our students have what they need throughout the closure after Spring Break is very important to us at South Adams. Please know that providing meals to our students is something we are continuing to investigate and plan. To help us as we prepare for the days ahead, parents, please click the link below to complete a brief survey so we can get an idea of who would participate in an off-site breakfast/lunch program.
Additionally, we want to provide recent information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Indiana State Department of Health concerning COVID-19.
CDC-COVID-19 Parent
Indiana State Department of Health DOE COVID-19 Guidance
March 12, 2020 - School Activity
Starfire Families,
As you are aware, we have been closely monitoring information related to the COVID-19 virus, from the Centers for Disease Control [CDC] and State Health Department. We have also been working very closely with our local Adams County Health Department. Administration from the three county school districts, officials from local government and the Adams County Health Department met this morning and we wish to share the following information:
EVENTS & ACTIVITIES:
Effective today, all Adams County Schools have cancelled all extra-curricular, co-curricular, community meetings and/or events at our buildings/district through March 20, 2020.
SCHOOL:
March 12th-March 20th:
At this time, school will be in-session through March 20th. No events may be held; however, practices may continue. If, at any time between now and March 20th, a student or staff is found to have the virus, we will close school beginning that day. We will notify you immediately should that occur.
March 23rd-March 27th:
School will be closed for Spring Break March 23-March 27th. No classes or practices will take place.
March 30th-April 10th:
At the request of the CDC and the Adams County Health Department, school will be closed for two weeks following Spring Break (March 30th – April 9th) to prevent anticipated exposure and spread of Coronavirus that may occur during social interactions and travel throughout Spring Break. All three school districts in Adams County will be closed during this time. Between March 30th-April 12th, no practice, events, meetings and/or activities will take place at school.
Due to increased social interaction and exposure to the virus during travel, health officials are asking students to stay at home during the 2 weeks that schools are closed. This time at home will allow any exposure or infection to run its course and reduce the spread of illness to others.
During this time (March 30th - April 9th), all school/classes will be held via eLearning. Our staff and teachers will be reporting to work during this time to continue to maintain cleanliness of our facilities and be available to assist students with any assignments, questions or eLearning difficulties. (Please note: Friday, April 10th is Good Friday and school will be closed, no eLearning)
Please be aware that these precautions are being taken to reduce or limit our community’s exposure and potential spread of the virus. Once again, we encourage students to stay home during this time and continue to follow with the recommended health hygiene practices to reduce or prevent the spread of illness. As a reminder, those practices include:
- Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Stay home when you are sick
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and throw the tissue in the trash
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
The Indiana State Department of Health has also established a hotline for the public. Should you have questions or concerns regarding Coronavirus (Covid-19), please contact the following phone numbers for assistance
P: 317-233-7125 from 8 AM – 8 PM
P: 317-233-1325 from 8 PM – 8 AM
Thank you so much for your support and cooperation during this time. The safety of our students, staff and families is our number one priority. We will share additional information regarding eLearning plans and procedures, as well as other important updates over the course of the next week. Please be watching for additional information to be shared.
Should you have questions regarding this information, please feel free to contact me at our Central Office at 260-589-3133.
March 9, 2020 - COVID-19 Update
Starfire Families,
I wanted to reach out to all of you and let you know that we have been informed by Dr. Ainsworth, Adams County Health officer, that Adams County has a person who has tested Presumptive Positive for the COVID-19 (Coronavirus). At this time Dr. Ainsworth emphasized that this is a presumptive positive and they are awaiting confirmation from the Indiana State Health Department.
Dr. Ainsworth has informed us that this is an adult with no school age children in the home. The Indiana Health Department is also conducting an investigation related to how this adult is connected in the community and be able to advise of any risk factors related to our school community and beyond. I have attached the communication from Adams County Hospital related to this to provide additional information.
THANK YOU to our entire staff for continuing to go above and beyond to ensure that our students are safe. Dr. Ainsworth has assured us that the measures we have in place are exactly what we should be doing to help keep students and staff healthy. We will continue to make sure that all rooms have adequate supplies of disinfectant, hand sanitizer, soap and paper towels. Please continue to remind your children of good hygiene related to coughing, sneezing and washing their hands etc.
Thank you so much for partnering us on this journey.
March 4, 2020 Letter to Parents and Community
Parents and Guardians,
By now, you may be familiar with public health and media reports of the Coronavirus. We have been closely monitoring the information and guidance from public health officials, and we have been in communication with our local health department regarding safety measures and planning. Mar
While there are no confirmed cases of the coronavirus in our area, we wish to assure you that student, staff and our school community’s safety is our number one priority. To remain proactive, as a district, we already have a team, including our school nurses, that is actively evaluating our existing health and safety plans in effort to contain or avoid the spread of illness in our district and community. We will continue to monitor the information as it is released from the Indiana State Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and communicate any relevant information as it exists.
As with all illnesses, precautionary measures such as staying home when you are sick helps stop the spread of illness to others. In light of preventing the transmission of any illness (the flu, a common cold, etc.), below are some steps that you can take to protect yourself and those around you:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. (If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.)
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth especially with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cough or sneeze into your arm, not your hands; if you use a tissue, throw the tissue in the trash and be sure to follow up with handwashing.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
This information is being shared as a reminder to all students, families, staff, and community members of the importance of healthy hygiene practices to avoid the spread of illness, including viruses, as well as information to inform you that, as a district, we are alert to the virus, evaluating our plans for preparedness and communicating important information as a response to safety throughout the health advisory.
For additional information about the Coronavirus, symptoms and prevention, you may visit the following places for resources:
The Indiana State Department of Health: https://www.in.gov/isdh/28470.htm
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
Please also keep a copy of the following guidelines shared by the Indiana Department of Education on illness so you may refer to it if your child becomes sick with a cold or virus, at any time.
If you have any questions regarding this information please contact South Adams Community Schools Administration Office at 260/589-3133.
