Dear Emmanuel Family,
We are now preparing for the move into the next phase of our building return plan.
Administration has been in constant contact with the local health department as well as collaborating with other county schools and their return plans.
We will begin a “phased” return to school on February 8th with details forthcoming next week. This “phased” return is designed to start with getting our upper elementary students back into the building while using additional classroom space, especially for our 6th grade class. We will then plan for a gradual return of 7th - 12th graders as we continue to monitor our building, the county and other mitigating factors. Of course, families will still be able to stay remote if they choose.
The considerations that we are still working to manage are:
Continued average of over 7,000 new cases daily in Ohio
Slower than hoped for roll out of the vaccine for our teachers and staff
Several positive student cases identified and quarantined in the last two weeks
In the past two weeks, Emmanuel has had three positive student cases in the 5th - 12th grade. This could have possibly forced the school back into remote learning again, however, due to distancing and following protocols, these cases have had minimal impact on other students within the classroom setting.
The Hybrid model has provided the needed distance for additional students to not be infected or contact traced. Previously, with all students in the building, a significant number of students (upwards of 40-50) would have been quarantined to remote learning. Once again, the Hybrid model has protected our school from remote learning. One of our major goals is to not have to enter a “fully remote” mode again.
Our institutional objective is to continue to pursue our mission while providing a healthy and safe atmosphere for our teachers, staff and students. Easing back into another modality change will benefit the students from a perspective of consistency and habit. The return to the school building has had a positive impact on our student body as well as our teachers. Our goal is for continued academic growth of our students without having to take a step back a few weeks later.
We appreciate your continue support and cooperation Let us know if you have any questions or concerns.
Blessings,
Dan Moore, Building Principal
John Essig, Superintendent
