Western Local Schools “Extended Spring Break” Plan
I’m rarely at a loss for words – a fact that most of you can probably attest to! However, we are in a situation in which there are more questions than answers. That is not a situation that I’m accustomed to or comfortable with. There are lots of things I’m unsure of at this point. How long will we be out of school, will we have prom, what about graduation, etc.? The list goes on nearly infinitely at this point. I can’t give specific answers about some of those and the many other questions that I hear regularly but I can assure of a few things
1. We will get through this because we are resilient.
2. We will have graduation – even if it’s in July!
3. All of our athletes who were on an athletic team when we shut down will get credit for the season (if we have to cancel the spring sports).
4. We will do our best to ensure that our kids are fed.
5. We will make sure that every single parent and student has access to instructional materials in some form.
6. We will, as staff members, use this time (if it is extended beyond the three weeks) to make ourselves better educators and servants.
7. When this is over, we will all be better people and better prepared for future crises.
8. This will look different than anything we’ve ever seen and we are making up the rules as we go – oddly enough, I don’t mind that approach sometimes!!
9. We will not leave our seniors behind and will be do our best to make up what’s been lost educationally.
10. We do have a plan!!!!
As of 3/17/20, here is our plan for meal delivery and the distribution of educational materials.
1. We are only providing meals/food packs for those students who are on our current powerpack/Indian cupboard lists and those who have asked to be put on a list.
2. We are providing a hot meal on Wednesday (3/18) for PICKUP ONLY (unless you have contacted us and made arrangements in advance)for those students who have asked for meal service. Pickup will be at the elementary pickup/dropoff area from 11-1. Please don’t come into building. We will bring the meals outside for pickup.
3. On Friday (3/20) we will be having buses deliver to central locations throughout the district (Bookmobile style for those of you over 35!). There will be no drop-offs at individual houses. We will be sending a one-call, FB messages, ect. to inform everyone of pickup times. Please remember, these food packs/meals will ONLY be distributed to those students who are on our lists. There is no way to add people to the list haphazardly. If this isn’t organized and efficient it will be a disaster. We are committed to providing food to everyone who needs it but we can’t just hand it out to whoever shows up or there will be kids who need food and who are expecting it going without. If you need food you MUST contact us and let us know.
4. Many students have already received educational materials through the meal delivery yesterday. Many others have contacted us and picked up materials today. If you haven’t received materials and you want them (or your parents want you to have them!!) please contact us through our Western Local Students Food Service and Educational Information Facebook page or by calling (740) 493-3113. If you don’t get an answer go through the options and choose “superintendent” and leave a message. You can also email me at brock.brewster@westernlocalschools.com and we can make arrangements for pickup or delivery. There are lists of websites on our webpage at www.westernlocalschools.com
5. This process is very fluid and will change. We may increase the number of deliveries each week and the type of food we deliver. We will do our very best to keep you informed. If you run out of materials or food please contact us through the above listed methods and we WILL get you what you need.
6. Teaching staff will be coming in in some form after next week but we aren’t sure of the schedule. We will adhere to the governor’s guidelines and recommendations regarding staff reporting after next week. Instructional materials and support will change at that point. Right now, the federal government is encouraging a 15 day period of self-quarantine and we are going to allow our staff members to follow that and protect their own families. Hopefully, our lives will be a little more normal after that and we can get a better plan in place.
I hope this clears up some confusion and answers some questions. Above all, please take this situation very seriously and protect those who are the most vulnerable in your families. It’s better to be vigilant and overly cautious than to be reckless and have someone you love get an avoidable sickness. Thank you for your continued support and please remember to help those who can’t help themselves during this time.
Contact Information (740) 493-3113
Brock Brewster, Superintendent brock.brewster@westernlocalschools.com
Bethany Whitt, Elementary Principal bethany.whitt@westernlocalschools.com
Carrie Gast, High School Principal carrie.gast@westernlocalschools.com
Heather Thompson, Primary Principal heather.thompson@westernlocalschools.com
Facebook Pages
Western Local Students Food Service and Educational Informational Page https://www.facebook.com/Weste...
Western Pike Local Schools https://www.facebook.com/Western-Pike-Local-Schools-378603485928/
Western High School https://www.facebook.com/westernlatham/
Western Elementary https://www.facebook.com/westernelementaryschool/