Hopkins Public Schools Closure Update March 18, 2020
Dear Hopkins Public Schools Community,
Although there are still many unanswered questions, I would like to provide you with updated information concerning our school closure.
What we know
- Schools will remain closed through the end of spring break. As of now, students are expected to return to school on April 13. However, this may very well change.
- All events, meetings, practices, and programs have been canceled or postponed until further notice.
- Custodians have wrapped up the deep cleaning of all buildings. They will return to work during spring break for additional cleaning and preparation of students returning.
What we don’t know
- How the state will be dealing with the missed days of instruction – The legislature left yesterday without addressing whether these instructional days/hours will be forgiven. I will not speculate on why this was left undone, but it prolongs the uncertainty for all of the school districts in Michigan.
- What will happen with state assessments and the 3rd Grade Reading law? – Yesterday, State Superintendent Dr. Rice and State Board of Education President Casandra Ulbrich wrote a letter to Secretary DeVos asking for federally mandated state testing to be waived this year. Dr. Rice also intends to work with our state legislators to waive the requirements in state law.
Providing for our students
- Free meals are available for pickup at 8 locations within our district on Tuesdays & Fridays. Special delivery options are also available. It is our intent to provide 14 meals per week for those that have a need. More information can be found at this link – https://www.hpsvikings.org/our-district/student-meal-offerings-communication/
- Unless we can ensure that all students have equitable access to quality learning opportunities, the MDE does not recommend we pursue a full transition to online learning.
- Many of our teachers have provided educational resources for our students. A document containing many of these resources and links is now available on our website. These are enrichment activities that will not be graded. This document can be accessed at the following link: https://www.hpsvikings.org/our-district/home-instruction-resources/
Other Information
- Secretaries will be in the offices of each school building on March 23 & 30 from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- The business office will be open Monday – Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Finally, I would like to thank all of you for your patience and support during this unique and challenging situation.
Yours in Education,
Gary Wood
Hopkins Public Schools Superintendent
Attached Files
Published: March 18, 2020