April 21 Joint Letter from Pastor John Essig and Principal Dan Moore
Dear Emmanuel Family.
Governor Mike DeWine’s Monday announcement evoked a range of thoughts and emotions for me. We now know that we will finish the school year with distance learning. I almost instantly said to myself, “Well, that is one less uncertainty”. Then as he talked about the rest of 2020, I realized that there are many more “uncertainties” to manage. The Emmanuel Family will no doubt manage those moving forward. I say this with confidence because we have done so thus far and because we have so much going for us. I then started counting specific blessings that remain constant, no matter what the future holds.
Let me share a few of our blessings with you…
We have a viable and active community
Our families, teachers and staff genuinely care for each other. Sure, we are not perfect, bu we share the common goal as Christ followers to “love one another”.
We innovate
For example, we creatively devised a safe drop off and pick up system for study materials
We have a wonderful faculty committed to teaching and discipleship whatever the format.
Though the challenges were great, none of our faculty or staff complained about the extra work, the long hours, or the changes COVID-19 forced upon them.
Our purpose and mission
We are incredibly committed to the pursuit of academic excellence, communicating a biblical worldview in all classes and settings, and to spiritual growth in Christ.
I am sure we can all count many more blessings than the ones that were on my mind this past day. Emmanuel literally means “God with us”. He loves us intensely. Look for Jesus in the daily challenges and as you prepare for the coming months.
Blessings to you!!
Pastor John Essig
Superintendent
ECA Family,
I want you to know that we understand that this has been a difficult and unexpected time. I know that we have all worked hard to make the best of the situation. We look forward to getting back to the building with our ECA students. As we look forward to planning for the return to school in August, we continue to research and collaborate with other schools so that we can provide a smooth transition for students to come back to the building. Emmanuel has an advantage in that we are smaller and have the flexibility to build contingencies and opportunities that many other districts won’t have. We are eagerly working on plans for the 2020/21 school year.
Below are several areas I want to make sure we address:
SCHOOL YEAR/CALENDAR
The order to commence remote learning happened quickly however, our teachers, students and parents responded quickly. We continue to learn and improve our methods and are working on balance and academic load for each student. In light of this, we are looking at the following dates:
May 8
Seniors will be finishing up academic work and will complete their program.
Fifth and Sixth grade students will complete their academic work.
See the notes below for Fine Arts/PE
May 15
Assignments given by all other grades will be geared toward completion on May 15 (TK-4, 7-12)
May 18 -21 (Final week to turn in work, missing work, books and pick up belongings)
A schedule will be developed in the upcoming weeks for students to make final drop off (books, assignments) and pick up any personal belongings.
Final week to turn in work
SCHOOL EVENTS
Prom: The junior class officers, seniors and administration have come to an agreement to cancel prom.
Senior Trip: The seniors have decided to cancel their trip and work to reschedule something together when they can.
Senior Chapel: We are discussing options for how to honor our seniors
Graduation: We are still working through options with our seniors and their families
ACADEMIC ANNOUNCEMENTS
Don’t stress! Focus your student to do their best
Fine Arts/PE
Music/Band
5th through 12th grade band and music programs’ final assignments will be due May 8th
K-4 logs will be due May 1 and the program will be complete
Art/PE: TK-12 programs will now become optional to finish the year.
Summer Enrichment
We are encouraging teachers to develop “optional” summer enrichment packages for our students and families. If there is anything that we can do to help in this area please let your teacher know!
JH/HIGH SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Students are encouraged to “finish strong”. Be diligent. The end is in sight!
Teachers are focused on students turning in work and trying their best
There will be no final exams for this semester
Next year’s 9th - 12th grade: Please turn in your schedule planning form, if you haven’t already done so.
ATHLETICS AND SUMMER CAMPS
ECA Spring sports have been cancelled by the OHSAA
Our Athletic Director, Rick Herring, will have a detailed email on Wednesday in regard to sports.
We are going to continue to plan camps and activities but are working with timelines to be compliant with mandates.
PICK UP/DROP OFF: WEDNESDAYS UNTIL MAY 20 FROM 4:00PM - 6:00PM
Many of our classes have moved to completely online formats, however please continue to work with your teacher about what you may need to pick up and drop off.
You may pick-up/drop off at any time during the 4:00PM - 6:00PM time slot.
We will work with you for a pick-up/drop off if this time doesn’t work (please contact your teacher)
Please remember: Remain in your car, return in a paper bag or envelope (no plastic) and have the student’s name indicated on the packet.
DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS FOR US?
“Open Office Hours” through Google Hangout
Google Hangout Meeting ID: https://meet.google.com/kue-htex-bye
Phone Number (US): +1 414-858-7115 PIN: 789 130 611#
Parents’ and students’ questions and dialogue Monday 9:00AM - 11:00AM (Dan Moore, John Essig and Alicia Kidder)
Ask questions and come and go as you please in the “Google Hangout”. We will be available anytime during that time frame.
You may also contact us at any time to talk or set up an appointment via email.
OFFICE NOTES AND HOURS THROUGH REMAINDER OF THE SCHOOL YEAR
Monday - Wednesday: 8:00AM - 3:00PM
Thursday and Friday: 8:00AM - NOON
By His Grace,
Dan Moore
Building Principal