Gov. Hutchinson: No high school graduation ceremonies prior to July 1 by Michael Tilley
Gov. Asa Hutchinson said Saturday (April 25) that traditional high school graduation ceremonies will not be allowed prior to July 1. Arkansas Department of Education officials also are reviewing options in the event it is not safe to fully open schools in the fall.
The governor and Arkansas Department of Education Secretary Johnny Key said during Saturday’s COVID-19 press conference they know the delay is disappointing to many, but is necessary for public safety.
“I’m very sympathetic because I have a granddaughter who is a senior in high school this year. But it’s really a risk whenever you bring thousands of parents and students together in one assembly to have a celebration, and that’s exactly the kind of gathering that could lead to a spread of COVID-19,” Gov. Hutchinson said.
Key said he would “encourage” school districts to wait until after July 1, but the department is open to alternative graduation plans. He said the department will contact superintendents this upcoming week to let them know how to submit proposals.
“There are a number of techniques that schools have already started exploring to see how they could make this happen as a celebration for their seniors, at the same time, taking into consideration and following our social distancing protocols, the restrictions of congregant gatherings of 10 or more people,” Key said.
He also said the department will continue to monitor data and work the Arkansas Department of Health to consider any modifications to the July 1 order. He also said social distancing guidelines and other directives issued by the governor will prevent private schools from having a traditional graduation.
Education officials and educators also are preparing options in the event COVID-19 spread remains a public health crisis when schools should open in the fall.
“We have teams of teachers we brought together, and principals and superintendents, that are planning out different scenarios and possibilities. It is something that we are looking at and hopefully we’ll be presenting the governor with options coming up in the next couple of weeks,” Key said.
Gov. Hutchinson said the “first option” is to have schools open as normal, but it’s important to have other options in place.
COVID CASES
Known COVID-19 cases in Arkansas totaled 2,830, as of Saturday afternoon, up from 2,741 on Friday. Of the 89 new cases between Friday and Saturday, 47 were inmates in the Cummins state prison.
Of the total of cases, 1,813 are active, with the remainder accounting for deaths and recoveries. The number of deaths rose from 46 to 49. The number of COVID patients hospitalized in Arkansas was 104 on Saturday, unchanged from Friday. Of the COVID-19 patients, 22 were on ventilators, down from 25 on Friday.
As of Saturday at 1 p.m., there were 924,376 U.S. cases and 52,782 deaths. Globally, there were 2,865,938 cases and 200,698 deaths.
School Choice: Reading is a BIG Deal in the Marion School District. Find out how big by clicking the link.
http://marionar.apptegy.us/article/237687?org=msd
Just a reminder, meals will not be provided until Friday. Beginning yesterday, meals will only go out on Tuesdays and Fridays. Tuesdays drop off provides breakfast and lunch to cover Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday. Then on Fridays drop off the meals cover breakfast and lunch for Friday and Monday.
COVID-19 for Kids.
A great infographic to explain to our kids about the COVID-19 virius.
A reminder that beginning tomorrow we will begin bringing meals out Tuesday and Friday's. Tomorrow we will bring breakfast and lunch to cover Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday. Then on Friday we will bring breakfast and lunch for Friday and Monday. See attached updated routes and times.
MSD wants to give a SHOUT-OUT to all those in the Child Nutrition department and those who help CN distribute meals to our community.
Last week alone they served a total 5,508 meals to our kids across the district. They've served a grand total of 20, 279 meals to our community.
Words can't express our thanks for the work CN and those who've helped them on the bus routes delivering these meals week after week. Thank You!
Beginning Tuesday April 21st Marion School District will implement changes to our meal delivery service. Until further notice all meals will be delivered on Tuesday and Friday’s.
Monday April 20th breakfast and lunch will be delivered as scheduled.
Tuesday April 21st a breakfast and lunch item will be handed out for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Friday April 24th a breakfast and lunch item will be handed out for Friday and the following Monday.
Additionally, the following subdivisions will be added beginning Tuesday. Updated delivery schedules will be posted on websites and social media sites soon!
Harden Village
St John’s Landing
Dr. Vickers-Ball usually takes a group of students to Graceland this time of year. Due to COVID-19 tours have been stopped but she didn't want that to stop her students from taking a tour of Graceland.
Checkout the links for Gates of Graceland parts 1 and 2 on YouTube.
https://youtu.be/ZhnExKsnkeE
https://youtu.be/_2HqwzYdzEo
Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera 25th anniversary special to be streamed for free on YouTube.
Musical maker Andrew Lloyd Webber will stream his anniversary production of The Phantom of the Opera on his new YouTube channel from 7pm on Friday (17 April).
Check out this link for more free Broadway shows https://bit.ly/3ck68Ng
Where to return AMI days 1-10:
Attention Current 6th Grade Parents and Students! Here is the form to fill out for NEXT year’s 7th Grade classes. Please contact Ms. Lovely, 7th Grade Counselor, if you have any questions. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf5TvpoyzgNlnjvHgehdT6_QtNcwJVLl1QCSrlRuQX_jU6Udg/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1
For as long as schools are closed, Amazon's audible is open. Right now, kids everywhere can instantly stream an incredible collection of stories, including titles across six different languages, that will help them continue dreaming, learning, and just being kids.
All stories are free to stream on your desktop, laptop, phone or tablet.
Click this link --> https://stories.audible.com/start-listen
and explore the collection, select a title and start listening.
Please see the picture for updated food drop off locations and times. Casa Terra and Skyline have been added to the Dollhouse route. The times for delivery have changed for Country View and the Doll Houses as well due to the addition of the two subdivisions.
A reminder for Patriot Parents/Guardian: Completed paper packets for days 1-10 can be turned in at the main office of the building where your student attends on Tuesdays ONLY from 8:00 am - 3:00 pm, or they can be turned in on Fridays ONLY to any of the buses that are delivering food. These packets will be accepted through May 1st. Stay safe, stay healthy, and GO PATS!
Patriot Parents/Guardian:
Completed paper packets for days 1-10 can be turned in at the main office of the building where your student attends on Tuesdays ONLY from 8:00 am - 3:00 pm, or they can be turned in on Fridays ONLY to any of the buses that are delivering food. These packets will be accepted through May 1st.
Stay safe, stay healthy, and GO PATS!
Do you have our MSD Patriots App? Download it for iOS or Android today. You’ll find quick links on our MSD Patriots App in the “About Us” section.
Spring Sports Cancelled Due to COVID-19 Pandemic
After multiple conversations with the Arkansas Department of Health, the Governor’s Office, the Arkansas Department of Education and with the announcement of the closure of Arkansas schools through the end of the school year, all remaining AAA spring activities, state championships, AHSCA Coaches Clinic, and All-Star games have been cancelled.
“Today’s heart wrenching decision is difficult for all members of the AAA family,” said Lance Taylor, AAA Executive Director. “We sympathize with the students, coaches, parents, and school communities, and especially our graduating seniors, but we recognize that the cancellations will allow our collective focus to remain where it is needed at this time – on the health and safety of all Arkansans. We all must come together to stop the spread.”
The AAA will continue to receive guidance from the Arkansas Department of Health, the Governor’s Office, and the Arkansas Department of Education. The AAA wishes to thank them for their leadership during this COVID-19 pandemic.
AAA Extends “Covid-19 Dead Period” For Schools
Due to the continued spreading of the COVID-19, and after the announcement of the closure of Arkansas schools through the end of the school year, the AAA will extend the “Covid-19 Dead Period” for all AAA member schools through May 30, 2020.
During this time, coaches shall be prohibited from engaging in any type of face to face contact whether it be practicing, training, weight lifting, tryouts, competition or travel. Further, school athletic facilities will be closed during this period. The AAA will work with the Department of Health, Department of Education, and the Governor's office later in May to announce plans following May 30.
We continue to encourage coaches to use technology to keep up with their students during this tough time.