From the desk of Jody Phillips
April 29, 2020
Good evening Ponca parents, staff, and students. We are in week 6 of remote learning. This week’s email update contains informational reminders and important information regarding the end of the school year. We continue to work with our local Public Health Departments, the Commissioner of Education, and the Governor to carry out recommendations and guidelines regarding the safety of our students and staff during the remote learning period. Decisions regarding the end of the school year will be made in conjunction with their recommendations and guidelines.
- New learning/content will conclude on Friday, May 8. All new assignments and materials will be presented by May 8.
- Seniors last day will be Wednesday, May 6
- All students are encouraged to finish all assignments and work by May 8.
- The week of May 11th and May 18th will be dedicated to review, practice, and remediation.
- There will be no new assignments, materials, or tasks assigned. This will allow extra time for students to complete work.
- Teachers will be working and communicating with specific students during this time to make sure all students have the opportunity to successfully complete the second semester of the school year.
- Because of the challenges our students have faced the last 6 weeks, we want to give them extra time and opportunities to complete assignments and ensure the successful completion of second semester.
- The week of May 18th will also be dedicated to closing out the school year.
- THE LAST DAY OF SCHOOL WILL BE FRIDAY, MAY 22.
- We will try to coordinate the check in of books, materials, and Chromebooks the week of the 18th. We are working with the Public Health Department to determine acceptable procedures for checking in materials. Further information will be provided as it becomes available to us. Stay tuned!
- At last Monday night’s Board of Education meeting, the recommendation was made to move forward with a “virtual” graduation due to the uncertainty of the summer months. After feedback from students and parents, we will be postponing this decision and all decisions regarding plans for graduation. Plans for graduation will be communicated as decisions are made.
- This is a reminder that all testing for the 2019-2020 school year has been cancelled. This includes all State tests, Semester Tests for 9th-12th grade students, and all testing for K-8th graders.
- The Ponca Music Trip scheduled for this year has been cancelled. Arrangements are being worked out for the trip to take place at the end of the 2020-2021 school year.
- Please remember to take care of your schoolbooks and Chromebooks. If you have any damaged materials or equipment, please report it to the school as soon as possible.
- As a reminder, all school facilities and activities are closed through May 31. We continue to work with the Governor’s Directive Health Measures through that time and await any recommendations to extend or release the DHMs.
I continue to thank our students, parents, and staff for all their efforts during this time. As we approach the end of the school year, please continue those same efforts to ensure a successful completion of the 2019-20 school year. Stay safe!
Jody Phillips