by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski
As
Superintendent, the first thing I would like to do is extend my wishes
for everyone’s health and safety during this difficult time. Our administrative
team has been on the front lines working to find solutions for our students’
educational needs. As you are aware, the Governor has directed that all schools be
closed through March 27 due to COVID-19 pandemic. Our Governor as well as the
President of the United States has asked everyone to abide by social distancing
and minimize gatherings larger than 10 people. The District is doing everything
possible to abide by the COVID-19 Health and
Safety Planning Checklist to ensure we are doing everything possible in
preventing exposure or the possible spread of COVID-19.
In
addition to the checklist, please use the following as a quick reference from
the Center of Disease Control (CDC) in dealing with COVID-19
- Stop The Spread of Germs and COVID-19
- Stop Germs Wash Your Hands
- COVID-19 Symptoms
- 10 Things You Can Do to Manage Your Life at Home (if you have COVID-19)
The
District has taken steps to make sure our children have the opportunity to
receive their nutritional requirements. Colstrip Public Schools will provide both
breakfast and school lunch for all students from Wednesday, March 18 through
Friday, March 27, 2020. Both meals will be provided at the same time. In-town
students may pick meals up from 7:45 AM to 8:15 AM at the activities entrance
of Frank Brattin Middle School. Students will not be allowed to enter the
building.
Out-of-town route bus students may pick their
meals up at their regular morning bus stop at the regular morning pick-up time
beginning Wednesday, March 18. Please be patient as bus meal delivery may delay
the regular scheduled bus stop. To assure your meals are available for pick-up,
please call the following number 406-748-4699 ext 3400 by 9:00 AM the day
before to confirm.
On
Tuesday, March 17, 2020 the School Board approved submitting an application for
the Summer Foods Service Program. If accepted the District will be able to
provide lunches to all children ages 0-18. The Program’s point of service will
change locations if the District is accepted. We will keep everyone informed of
those changes and places in which meals can be picked up.
We
have essential staff working during the shut down. Secretaries and principals
are available to answer phone calls. In addition, if you may pick up needed
medication or other items at your school. You may call in advance or simply
come to the front door of your child’s school building.
The
educational needs of the students are also being served. In an emergency
meeting, the School Board authorized the leadership team to work with teaching
staff on identifying and developing learning opportunities through the District
Website and other electronic services beginning immediately. Even though
teachers have been asked to stay home, we are working together to engage
students at their learning levels. The District is providing access to these
opportunities through the school website at http://colstripschoolsdigital.org.
Students are able to gain fluency and confidence in math, reading and language
arts! The identified programs and interventions help students master essential
skills at their own pace through fun and interactive questions, built in
support, and motivating awards. We have staff available to answer any of your
questions as well as a helpline for students. Please email:
colstrip@colstrip.k12.mt.us or call 406-748-4699 ext 3421 for more
information.
Additional
communication from building leadership will be coming soon via email, Facebook
and the District Website. The Superintendent’s Office will continue to send
urgent messages by phone, text and email. You may also visit the
Superintendent’s Blog for additional information: https://colstrip-superintendent-blog.blogspot.com/.
Additional
Links and Resources:
- Tips for talking with children about COVID-19: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/talking-with-children.html
- Montana COVID-19 Webpage:https://dphhs.mt.gov/publichealth/cdepi/diseases/coronavirusmt
- Local public health jurisdiction contact information: https://dphhs.mt.gov/publichealth/FCSS/countytribalhealthdepts
These
times are certainly unprecedented and uncharted. We ask that everyone is
patient. The District is doing its best to follow state and federal directives.
We understand the extreme sacrifices that are being made by everyone to contain
COVID-19 in order to save lives. Colstrip Public Schools will do its part in
helping where it can and sacrificing where is needed. Please take care of
yourself and others and stay home as much as you can.
Blessings
and prayers,
Superintendent
Bob Lewandowski
No comments:
Post a Comment