(Posted March 18, 2020)
By Kristy Zurbrick, Madison Editor
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine ordered all schools closed to limit the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). As a result, area school districts are working out plans for distance learning and grab-and-go meals for students.
All Madison County school districts closed all of their schools on March 16 and suspended all extracurricular events and activities.
Circumstances surrounding school districts’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic are subject to change as the situation is ongoing. As of the Madison Messenger’s deadline on March 17, schools were ordered closed through April 3, and these are the responses of Madison County school districts:
Jefferson Local Schools
Jefferson Local Schools has implemented full-scale electronic learning for middle school and high school students. Elementary school students were sent home with three weeks’ worth of paper copies of lessons. If necessary, at the end of those three weeks, elementary students will go to electronic learning.
March 23-27 remains as the district’s regularly scheduled spring break.
The district is offering free grab-and-go meals for lunch and breakfast for all of its K-12 students. At this time, grab-and-go meals will be available for pick-up on March 19, March 30, April 1 and April 2. Times are 11 a.m. to noon. Pick-up locations are Norwood Elementary and the high school student parking lot. Those picking up meals must have the student’s ID or PIN number that they use during lunchtime. For more information, contact Christine Elkins at celkins@westjeff.org or (614) 879-7681, ext. 2400.
“This is all new for us as it is for everyone. We’re trying to work through it and make the best of it,” said Superintendent Bill Mullett.
Jonathan Alder Local Schools
Jonathan Alder Local Schools began remote learning on March 18. Students in grades K-12 receive daily lessons. Additionally, teachers are available for at least one hour per day for learning support through a teleconference system.
March 23-27 remains as the district’s regularly scheduled spring break. Remote learning will resume on March 30.
The district is offering free grab-and-go meals for breakfast and lunch for all of its K-12 students. At this time, grab-and-go meals also will be available for pick-up March 18-20 and March 30-April 3. Times are 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Pick-up locations are the parking lots of Plain City and Monroe elementaries. Those picking up meals must have the student’s ID that they use during lunchtime. For more information, contact Rebecca Rings at rebecca.rings@japioneers.org.
“We understand the difficulties and significant impact this will have on our families, and we truly appreciate your cooperation and support,” state Superintendent Gary Chapman in a statement posted to the district’s website regarding school closures.
London City Schools
London City Schools is observing the district’s regularly scheduled spring break March 16-20. Staff members will spend March 23-24 finalizing plans for electronic learning. Starting March 25, students will be able to access lessons through teachers’ Google classrooms.
The district will offer free “Raider Rack Food Sacks” for breakfast and lunch starting March 23. District employees will make deliveries between 11 a.m. and noon each day to 13 locations. Those locations are listed on the district’s website, london.k12.oh.us; go to Menu, click the Parents tab, then choose “COVID9 updates and resources.” Additionally, food sacks will be available at the high school from noon to 1 p.m. each day.
Sufficient Grace, a local non-profit that provides food for school students, continues to operate. Any student who wishes to receive food from Sufficient Grace should contact Melissa Canney at (740) 852-5700, ext. 2109 or melissa.canney@london.k12.oh.us. Distribution dates are set for March 27 and April 3.
The district’s regularly scheduled spring break is being observed this week, March 16-20.
Madison-Plains Schools
Teachers at Madison-Plains Local Schools were sent home on March 13 with assignments to complete through distance learning. Students can access assignments and directions on how to complete and submit them through links at mplsd.org. Some teachers are provided instruction through Google classroom and other online platforms.
Regarding food, the district is developing a plan to assist to the extent it can those students who are food insecure. Arrangements will be announced on the district’s website and social media pages.
“We are trying to figure out how, with a district our size, we can support our families in need, especially those who are food insecure,” said Superintendent Chad Eisler.
Shekinah Christian School
According to information posted on the school’s website, Shekinah Christian School will move to online classes starting March 30. Teachers will be in contact with students through Quickschools and email after spring break.
The annual Info and Vision Meeting and Chili Cook-Off has been postponed, as have the pancake breakfast and yard sale. There will be no drama practice until at least April 6.
St. Patrick School
St. Patrick School will go to distance learning starting March 23. School leaders made sure every student had an electronic device at home and Internet access.
“If schools are ordered closed for the year, our goal is to continue distance learning through May 21,” said Deb Adamczack, principal.
The school’s regularly scheduled spring break is being observed this week, March 16-20.
