UPDATE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

CLICK HERE FOR PREVIOUS UPDATES AND MESSAGES

May 22, 2020

Dear Families,

As our unforgettable school year comes to an end, we are continuing to work and plan as best as we can for the fall during this situation that continues to evolve. The Ohio Department of Education (ODE) released some preliminary guidance on restrictions for the start of the school year. While the ODE’s plan is currently a draft, the physical/social distancing requirement will make it impossible to resume school as it once was. We know that we will have to plan for multiple scenarios and situations. There is not a one size fits all solution.

Wrapping Up Remote Learning
As a reminder, May 26th through June 3rd will be a time for students to have virtual experiences that give them closure and opportunities to say goodbye to their teachers and classmates, as well as opportunities for students to receive support as needed. The last day for accepting assignments in grades K-11 is June 3rd.

We Value Your Feedback...Looking Ahead to 2020-2021
As we develop recommendations and operating procedures for the fall, please continue to submit your questions for our Virtual Community Conversation on June 4 at 6:30 p.m. We also ask that you complete our Remote Learning Survey for each child in your family:

• Grades PK - 4 Remote Learning Survey
• Grades 5-12 Remote Learning Survey

 
Additional opportunities for parent feedback and collaboration will be offered throughout this process. 

Closing of Berea-Midpark High School
The district is hosting a Community Walk-through at Berea-Midpark High School on Sunday, June 7, 2020 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. All attendees participating in the walk-through will be required to wear a mask or facial covering. Please visit our website for important information and updates about the closing and walk-through.

Visitors to Our Buildings
Based on the guidance from the Ohio Department of Health and the CDC, all visitors to the district MUST wear facial coverings upon entering any district building, with the exception of those individuals with specifically documented legal, life, health or safety considerations.  

Use of District Indoor/Outdoor Athletic Facilities
On May 21st, the Lt. Governor announced that non-contact sports/leagues can resume May 26th, and OHSAA announced that sports training can also resume on May 26th.  Even though this guidance has come out, the district has not made a determination on how we will proceed with regard to the use of our facilities for athletics.  

Food Program 
Reminder, Grab & Go Meals are available for pick up from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays throughout the remainder of the school year. Meals are distributed from our school buses outside the elementary schools, middle school, and at the transportation department building. ANY student or child ages 1-18 in the District is eligible for the Grab and Go Meals. Summer meal information will be available soon.

Transportation/Busing Needs for 2020-2021
In order to arrange the safest and most efficient bus routes, we need to identify eligible students who will and will NOT use school bus transportation for the upcoming school year.  Please complete the BCSD Transportation Form for the 2020-2021 school year with your current intent.  Please note, we do understand that your intent could change. Your indication for transportation use can be changed at any time. This form MUST be completed by June 30, 2020.  

Commencement and Celebrating the Class of 2020
Next week is commencement week and we are asking for your support in celebrating our seniors. Show your Titan pride for the Class of 2020 by tying an orange or blue ribbon around a tree or light post in your front yard during commencement week! Then watch the ceremony on the district YouTube channel this Thursday, May 28th at 7 p.m. with a pre-show beginning at 6:30 p.m. The ceremony will re-air on Sunday, May 31st at 4 p.m. on channel 43/WUAB.

We will continue to update you to ensure that you are informed with the latest, most current information as we continue to navigate and make decisions for the upcoming school year. Please remember to continue practicing good social distancing to ensure you remain safe, healthy, and well.

Tracy L. Wheeler
Superintendent