Dear HGSD Parents, Staff and Community,                                                 May 21st, 2020

I hope this letter finds all of you healthy and safe.  Thank you for all of your continued work and diligence as we continue our virtual learning.  As the end of the year winds down the focus for virtual learning should be on finishing projects, collecting assignments and concluding learning.  Typically, the end of a school year is filled with culminating activities and a celebration of learning.   Of course, this is no typical year but we are all trying hard to make things as typical as possible.

Graduation is still a weekly discussion. We have two potential dates, July 12th and August 2nd.   As soon as we have direction from the State and County Health Departments on gatherings, we will finalize our plans.  A virtual graduation is also being planned and will be incorporated in to any option we have.  In addition, there will be a senior graduation parade on June 7th, the original graduation date, which has been coordinated by the senior parents.  A flyer regarding that parade will be posted on our website.  The PTO is also coordinating other parades for the schools.  Please watch for more details.

As you are aware, summer school in June has been cancelled.  Mrs. Zizis has been working with staff to coordinate several virtual school offerings to run from July 27th through August 7th.  We certainly realize that many of you have “virtual learning fatigue” and hope that a break will rejuvenate you and your child to consider some of the virtual options. While virtual learning will never replace in person learning, staying academically engaged is very important.  Class descriptions will be available in early June.

We continue to work on how we will re-open schools next year.  I am in weekly, often daily, meetings with state leaders on the procedures we will have in place for a safe return in September.  There are many things to consider regarding how we bring students and staff back as safely as possible.  We have already been taking steps to acquire additional cleaning materials and personal protection equipment.  As things materialize, I will continue to share updated information. 

Tomorrow, Friday May 22nd, is a no school day.  It was intended to be a snow make-up day.  Since we did not have any snow days, the day will be off.  There will be no virtual learning tomorrow.  Enjoy the long, 4-day weekend.  Hopefully the weather cooperates.  Of course, students can work on getting caught up if necessary. 

I also want to extend big congratulations to Mr. Dale Nennig on his recent retirement and to Mr. Dave Schmid on his recent selection as the new Valders High School Principal.  Mr. Nennig has been in education for 33 years and with Howards Grove for 26 years.  Mr. Schmid has been with our district for 18 years teaching high school math, many coaching positions including head football coach, and the district athletic director.  Good luck to both on your future endeavors. 

Please don’t hesitate to reach out for help or support at any time.  We are all in this together and are here to help.

 

Sincerely,

Chris Peterson, Scott Fritz, Heather Zizis, Jason Cole, and Tracy Bandt