COLUMBIANA EXEMPTED VILLAGE SCHOOLS
Hello Columbiana Clipper Families,
One of the things we have learned during the past few months is that the spread of COVID-19 has no boundaries. It doesn’t differentiate between school systems and communities. However, as a community, we have navigated many challenges presented by the presence of COVID-19. Those challenges will continue to be obstacles we will work together to overcome in the new school year.
In preparing plans to open Columbiana Schools, we want to assure you that the safety of our students and staff is a top priority. The district is working with the Columbiana Health Department when it comes to health and safety protocols. With COVID-19 things are constantly changing, and plans for the school year can change with little notice, including additional safety measures, preparing for the possibility of a building closure, or modified schedules. We will work to encompass foreseeable circumstances in our reopening for the fall, and we are committed to providing a high-quality education for every student ensuring continued academic success.
With the release of guidelines from the Ohio Department of Education and soon the Department of Health, we are working on a school reopening plan that is designed to protect everyone. Here are a few things that are already in place and in the works: securing additional hand washing stations, hand sanitizing dispensers, a sanitizing fogger, additional sanitizing products for daily use, and face shields. The district will secure additional protective equipment as determined by the Department of Health. Other logistical directives and protective equipment recommendations will be provided in the district’s final plan.
The district started discussing reopening plans in May through a committee made up of administrators, teachers, Board of Education members, classified staff, and parents. In June, families were asked to complete a survey about returning to the classroom, online learning, internet access, technology to complete assignments, and transportation. We want to thank families for completing the survey as it is assisting the district with reopening plans. From the survey, the district learned families would like different education options, and we are working on providing these options for students.
The district is working on having its reopening plans posted on the district website by the end of July for families to view. In early August, we will be personally reaching out to families to discuss the upcoming school year. Families will be asked if they plan on a full return to the classroom or prefer online learning. These conversations will allow us to make adjustments to student schedules and individual learning needs. During these conversations if you have any concerns, please let the district know.
The 2020-2021 school year starts on August 25. While it is unclear what the year of COVID-19 will bring, we want to assure you that we will do whatever we can to keep our students and staff safe and foster the learning and well-being of our Clipper families.
Sincerely,
Donald Mook, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Columbiana Exempted Village School District