Important information from Superintendent Michael Grego
and our Principal, Mrs. Annette Mavres
Community School Closure and Digital Learning Update
Today, Governor DeSantis and the Department of Education extended the closure of all school buildings in the state of Florida for the balance of the school year due to the COVID-19 health crisis. I, as your superintendent, and the Pinellas County School Board, believe this to be the absolute right decision. The safety, health and well-being of our students, families, staff and community are of the utmost importance. This means, that Pinellas County Schools will continue with digital instruction for the rest of the 2019-20 school year. We are excited that during the first three weeks of digital learning nearly 98 percent of our students are engaging online. That being said, I am committed to continuously improve our supports for our staff, students and families with the ultimate goal of reaching 100 percent participation.
Thank you for your continued support to ensure the learning of your student(s) continues. I know the transition for our students, families and staff has not been easy and our day-to-day lives have all drastically changed. I am beyond grateful to each of you for the understanding, grace and flexibility we have given ourselves and one another. The spirit of unity and cooperation I have experienced throughout our school community is truly remarkable.
I also want to thank our principals, teachers and staff for going the extra mile to create dynamic online lessons and to connect with students and families in this new way. I have seen incredible examples of the creative and innovative ways students and teachers are connecting and learning. We know digital learning does not replace the relationships or experiences of our classrooms; however, we are here to support you and your student(s) so they continue their learning.
We recognize that there are many end-of-year traditions and this time is exceptionally hard for our high school seniors and their families. We are working to ensure such celebrations, especially graduation, are honored and meaningful. With that in mind, all high school graduation commencement ceremonies for Pinellas County Schools will be conducted virtually, with each school also hosting a celebration at their school site once it is deemed safe by health officials to have large gatherings. Further details about virtual commencement ceremonies for the class of 2020 will be communicated to seniors and their families by principals next week.
As a reminder, all information and resources are available on the district website which is updated on a regular basis at www.pcsb.org/coronavirus including specific pages for:
- Digital learning resources for students and families, including frequently asked questions and updated how-to tutorials are available on our dedicated webpage for Digital Learning for Students and Families. Additional information regarding grading, testing, promotion/retention and summer bridge programming will be updated soon!
- Meal distribution will continue throughout the remainder of the school year. Distribution information is available at www.pcsb.org/foodlocations. If you are not able to go to one of the school sites, other local food providers throughout the county are offering free, nutritious meals for our students. A complete list of sites throughout our community can be found at the Pinellas County government website.
We continue to gather feedback from all our stakeholders to improve the experience for our students, families and staff. I am committed to ongoing communication with our families during this time. As I stated in one of my very first messages regarding COVID-19, we will work together, with care and compassion, to support our students and community through this challenging time. Pinellas County Schools remains dedicated to providing a high-quality education to our students. I sincerely appreciate your continued commitment, patience and support.
Sincerely,
Michael A. Grego, Ed.D.
Superintendent Pinellas County Schools
Meal Package Distribution
In response to CDC Guidelines issued today which recommend that citizens further limit running essential errands to help slow the spread of COVID-19, our Food and Nutrition Department will be reducing the number of food distribution days, while keeping the number of meals served constant. This will limit the number of interactions for both families and staff. Specifically, for the upcoming weeks food will be distributed as follows at the 22 school sites listed below, which includes the expansion of sites as previously communicated.
- Wednesday, May 6 – 6 days-worth of meals
- Wednesday, May 13 – 6 days-worth of meals
- Wednesday, May 20 – 6 days-worth of meals
- Wednesday, May 27 – 6 days-worth of meals
If needed, a full week’s-worth of meals will be distributed each Wednesday throughout the closure. The district will continue to evaluate school distribution locations, as well as community distribution locations, to ensure our families have access to the meals they need while they and our staff members reduce the risk of exposure to the greatest extent possible.
Schools below will distribute meals from 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.;
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Anona Elementary
Azalea Middle
Bay Point Elementary
Clearwater Intermediate
Dunedin Middle
Eisenhower Elementary
Fairmount Park Elementary
Garrison-Jones Elementary
Gulfport Elementary
High Point Elementary
John Hopkins Middle
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Kings Highway Elementary
Largo Middle
McMullen Booth Elementary
MK Rawlings Elementary
New Heights Elementary
North Shore Elementary
Oak Grove Middle
Plumb Elementary
Sawgrass Lake Elementary
Southern Oak Elementary
Tarpon Springs Elementary
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For a listing of all Grab & Go and BreakSpot meal distribution locations throughout Pinellas County, please visit the Pinellas County government website.
Student State Assessments
The Florida Department of Education (FDOE) has announced that all PK-12 student state assessments will be cancelled for the 2019-20 school year. FDOE will provide guidance to school districts in the near future regarding any potential impacts for students. As the district learns more information we will share this with our community.
State School Grade Designations vs. Student Grades
The Florida Department of Education (FDOE) has announced that all school grade designations will not be calculated for schools for the 2019-20 school year.
Students will continue to earn grades based on their progress in their classes. Student grades and credits will continue to count toward promotion and/or graduation.
Student Instructional Hours
The Florida Department of Education (FDOE) has announced that the Commissioner is evaluating how digital instruction will count toward student instructional hours. The Commissioner may reduce required K-12 instructional hours, as necessary, to accommodate for school closures.
Parents of students who receive special education services: Make your voice heard
Take the ESE Parent Survey at www.esesurvey.com.
The Florida Department of Education’s annual ESE Parent Survey is underway. The survey helps determine how well your child’s school is partnering with you and promoting your involvement in your child’s education.
The ESE Parent Survey is for parents of students who receive special education services. Your feedback helps the state and the school district improve special education services for students and their families.
The survey is confidential, but PCS receives overall results and makes changes based on your feedback. As a result of feedback, the district has created a helpline to help families navigate special education services and started hosting ESE Advisory Committee Meetings at sites throughout the county to give more families opportunities to participate.
Take the survey at www.esesurvey.com or complete the paper survey distributed by our school. The survey closes May 31. If you need a paper survey or want more information, please contact Tracy McMannus at 727-588-6062 or MCMANNUST@pcsb.org.
March Newsletter - Spanish
