Per Governor Whitmer's press conference Thursday, April 2, 2020 face-to-face learning across the state has been canceled for the rest of the calendar school year. This does not mean that learning will stop! We have developed a Continuity of Learning plan which has been approved. The plan can be accessed on the budget transparency page by clicking on the transparency logo below or under district.
Athens Area Schools
4320 K Drive S – East Leroy, MI 49051
(269) 729-5427
www.athensk12.org
April 14, 2020
Dear Parents, Students, and Community Members,
On April 2nd, Governor Whittmer closed all schools for the remainder of the school year. A part of this closure was a requirement that all schools develop a Continuity of Education Plan to provide educational opportunities to students during the closure. When completed, each district’s plan needed to be submitted to the local Intermediate School District to make sure it follows the state guidance and to receive implementation approval. Last week Athens Area Schools personnel worked in collaboration with our state educational organizations, as well as numerous other school districts, to develop a plan that included the many requirements of the Governor’s Executive Order. We submitted our plan on Friday of last week and received approval this weekend.
When we were working on the plan we had a few options for delivery. We could provide lessons by paper/pencil, blended paper/pencil with some online, or exclusively online. Given the fact that we have to provide the same opportunities for all students and the fact that a large percentage of our students do not have internet, we made the decision to go with paper/pencil. Even the use of mobile Wi-Fi devices was not really viable because there are so many locations in the district that have no coverage for cellphone. After being forced to accept this conclusion, we were able to start working out the details of the plan.
This week our teachers are contacting families to get a sense of how everyone is doing during this unprecedented event. They will be asking about how families want to receive the lessons for the kids and will offer encouragement and feedback on completing the assignments. They will then prepare lessons to go home for the students. The lesson can be sent electronically if parents prefer, but we plan on delivering the vast majority by bus starting on Monday April 20th. We will continue to deliver lessons each successive Monday. Volunteers will hand deliver the vast majority of lessons to our school of choice kids with a very small percentage being mailed. Going forward, teachers will make contact with kids to assist students, check for understanding, and provide feedback based on the methods recommended in our guidance documents for the State. It is truly a new dynamic for all of us and like all new things will have some glitches to work out as we go.
The success of our Continuity of Learning Plan depends on how much effort everyone is willing to put forth to make it successful. Staff, students, parents, and the community as a whole, all need to work together to make the plan work. Given the way this community bands together and helps each other I am confident that we can continue to have learning happen under the current conditions. I thank all of you for your support in advance. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers as well. Our wish is that your family continues to be healthy and safe.
Sincerely,
Joseph C Huepenbecker
High School Principal/Superintendent
Athens Area Schools
4320 K Drive S – East Leroy, MI 49051
(269) 729-5427
www.athensk12.org
April 14, 2020
Dear Parents, Students, and Community Members,
On April 2nd, Governor Whittmer closed all schools for the remainder of the school year. A part of this closure was a requirement that all schools develop a Continuity of Education Plan to provide educational opportunities to students during the closure. When completed, each district’s plan needed to be submitted to the local Intermediate School District to make sure it follows the state guidance and to receive implementation approval. Last week Athens Area Schools personnel worked in collaboration with our state educational organizations, as well as numerous other school districts, to develop a plan that included the many requirements of the Governor’s Executive Order. We submitted our plan on Friday of last week and received approval this weekend.
When we were working on the plan we had a few options for delivery. We could provide lessons by paper/pencil, blended paper/pencil with some online, or exclusively online. Given the fact that we have to provide the same opportunities for all students and the fact that a large percentage of our students do not have internet, we made the decision to go with paper/pencil. Even the use of mobile Wi-Fi devices was not really viable because there are so many locations in the district that have no coverage for cellphone. After being forced to accept this conclusion, we were able to start working out the details of the plan.
This week our teachers are contacting families to get a sense of how everyone is doing during this unprecedented event. They will be asking about how families want to receive the lessons for the kids and will offer encouragement and feedback on completing the assignments. They will then prepare lessons to go home for the students. The lesson can be sent electronically if parents prefer, but we plan on delivering the vast majority by bus starting on Monday April 20th. We will continue to deliver lessons each successive Monday. Volunteers will hand deliver the vast majority of lessons to our school of choice kids with a very small percentage being mailed. Going forward, teachers will make contact with kids to assist students, check for understanding, and provide feedback based on the methods recommended in our guidance documents for the State. It is truly a new dynamic for all of us and like all new things will have some glitches to work out as we go.
The success of our Continuity of Learning Plan depends on how much effort everyone is willing to put forth to make it successful. Staff, students, parents, and the community as a whole, all need to work together to make the plan work. Given the way this community bands together and helps each other I am confident that we can continue to have learning happen under the current conditions. I thank all of you for your support in advance. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers as well. Our wish is that your family continues to be healthy and safe.
Sincerely,
Joseph C Huepenbecker
High School Principal/Superintendent
Athens Area Schools
Community Letter 4-2-20
Athens Area Schools
4320 K Drive S – East Leroy, MI 49051
(269) 729-5427
www.athensk12.org
April 2, 2020
Community Members,
I assume most of you are aware that by Executive order Governor Whitmer officially closed schools to face-to-face learning for the rest of the 2019-2020 school year. However, she did not say that schools would not continue to educate kids and to offer learning opportunities!
Schools have been charged with developing a Distance Learning Plan so that we can continue to provide for our students needs in these surreal times. Tomorrow the Michigan Department of Education is going to release guidance on the specifics of what schools can do so that each district can develop their own plan. The reason for each district creating their own plan is that each school has its own strengths, weakness, and resources. People are referencing this learning as “online” because they assume learning outside of the classroom is only done via the internet. That is not accurate and given the percentage of students in the district that lack internet access it would be grossly unfair to try to do it exclusively through that model. Learning can take place in a multitude of ways, and our goal is to develop a plan that offers quality education in a way that gives everyone equal access. Thankfully the entire county is collaborating on this endeavor so that each district can share ideas and information. After a school has developed a plan it will be approved at the Intermediate School District level and forwarded to the State. Our hope is to have the plan completed by the end of next week so that we can start educating kids again. This is a daunting task to try to change a system that has been in place for literally centuries, but in times of great need, things must change quickly.
I know some people will say that we should have already had a plan in place, and that everyone knew this was coming. I point out that this week it was reported that we would go back in session in May, that we would just be “done” for the year, and that we would have school during June, July, and August. Literally the story changed on almost a daily basis. Also, until we get the rules and regulation, hopefully tomorrow, we would not know what we are required to do in our plan. If a great deal of thought had not already been invested in this matter, I would not have hope that we could implement the plan after Spring Break. The State deadline to have a plan completed is April 28th. They realize that it takes time to try to create something that is workable and beneficial.
To be honest, the success of any people relies on the buy-in of the people that are involved. The administration will have to work to get a plan in place with the proper components. The teachers will have to be creative in delivering lessons that have value and promote learning. The parents, as well as the entire community, will have to support this new and different model of education that we are now undertaking. It will be a real change for all of us. Even with all the obstacles and challenges that we face, I am confident that this wonderful community will do what it has done time and time again by pulling together and supporting each other!
Sincerely,
Joseph C Huepenbecker
High School Principal/Superintendent
Athens Area Schools
4320 K Drive S – East Leroy, MI 49051
(269) 729-5427
www.athensk12.org
April 2, 2020
Community Members,
I assume most of you are aware that by Executive order Governor Whitmer officially closed schools to face-to-face learning for the rest of the 2019-2020 school year. However, she did not say that schools would not continue to educate kids and to offer learning opportunities!
Schools have been charged with developing a Distance Learning Plan so that we can continue to provide for our students needs in these surreal times. Tomorrow the Michigan Department of Education is going to release guidance on the specifics of what schools can do so that each district can develop their own plan. The reason for each district creating their own plan is that each school has its own strengths, weakness, and resources. People are referencing this learning as “online” because they assume learning outside of the classroom is only done via the internet. That is not accurate and given the percentage of students in the district that lack internet access it would be grossly unfair to try to do it exclusively through that model. Learning can take place in a multitude of ways, and our goal is to develop a plan that offers quality education in a way that gives everyone equal access. Thankfully the entire county is collaborating on this endeavor so that each district can share ideas and information. After a school has developed a plan it will be approved at the Intermediate School District level and forwarded to the State. Our hope is to have the plan completed by the end of next week so that we can start educating kids again. This is a daunting task to try to change a system that has been in place for literally centuries, but in times of great need, things must change quickly.
I know some people will say that we should have already had a plan in place, and that everyone knew this was coming. I point out that this week it was reported that we would go back in session in May, that we would just be “done” for the year, and that we would have school during June, July, and August. Literally the story changed on almost a daily basis. Also, until we get the rules and regulation, hopefully tomorrow, we would not know what we are required to do in our plan. If a great deal of thought had not already been invested in this matter, I would not have hope that we could implement the plan after Spring Break. The State deadline to have a plan completed is April 28th. They realize that it takes time to try to create something that is workable and beneficial.
To be honest, the success of any people relies on the buy-in of the people that are involved. The administration will have to work to get a plan in place with the proper components. The teachers will have to be creative in delivering lessons that have value and promote learning. The parents, as well as the entire community, will have to support this new and different model of education that we are now undertaking. It will be a real change for all of us. Even with all the obstacles and challenges that we face, I am confident that this wonderful community will do what it has done time and time again by pulling together and supporting each other!
Sincerely,
Joseph C Huepenbecker
High School Principal/Superintendent
Athens Area Schools
Athens Area Schools
4320 K Drive S – East Leroy, MI 49051
(269) 729-5427
www.athensk12.org
March 23, 2020
Community Members,
The landscape of our lives seems to be ever changing and evolving as we endure the COVID-19 health threat. Daily we get new direction and guidance on how we are supposed to live our lives. So we adapt and try to move forward. Today Governor Whittmore said, by Executive Order, to stay home unless it is critical to health or safety for you to leave your homes. The hope is that by slowing the spread of the virus it will give hospitals time to prepare. It is the soundest medical advice available so I hope that it helps. What it does not help with is, answering the multitude of questions that people have about how this Pandemic is going to impact schools and their many functions. Here is what I know and am comfortable sharing.
Everyone is talking about if online materials provided by schools that were closed will count as instructional time. No, it does not count as instructional time. The Governor closed all the schools. You cannot count time when you have been ordered closed. When the decision was made to close schools I do not think anyone was thinking about that part of it because they wanted to save lives. I cannot fault them for their priorities!
The next part of this online issue concerns if the closure gets extended, would schools then be able to provide online classes to students as the means of learning? To do so legally you would have to be able to guarantee that every child has internet access and a device on which to do the work. Every kid. Also, the laws says a smart phone does not count as a device. A few years ago, we asked parents if they had internet access at home. Around 40%, did not have it, if my memory serves me correctly. I know from talking to parents about Skyward that a lot of people still do not have it. I know some companies are offering free internet, but I am not aware of one yet that is available at every home in this district. Further, you would have to guarantee that kids would have the technical support for the device, the skill level on the device to do the work, and teachers that have the appropriate training to provide online instruction. Add to this that any kids that qualify for any type of additional services under state or federal law will have to get the services they are afforded. It is not a simple problem to solve, and I think there has been some confusion about what schools have been trying to do with all the stories about how they have transitioned to online classes. What schools have done which the state is encouraging, is sending supplemental work home for kids. The purpose is to keep kids engaged, minimizing any loss of skills, and also to add some comfort from having a connection to the school since that is part of their normal life. They will learn from the supplemental work even if they do not get a grade!
The Federal Department of Education has tentatively given the State of Michigan a waiver for standardized testing this year. The waiver was requested because when we get back, time would be better utilized teaching kids than taking a test. Also, the accuracy and validity of a test given after kids were out of school for a month is suspect.
I hope everyone stays well during this health crisis. As things change and we get more information, we will keep you informed!
Sincerely,
Joseph C Huepenbecker
High School Principal/Superintendent
Athens Area Schools
4320 K Drive S – East Leroy, MI 49051
(269) 729-5427
www.athensk12.org
March 23, 2020
Community Members,
The landscape of our lives seems to be ever changing and evolving as we endure the COVID-19 health threat. Daily we get new direction and guidance on how we are supposed to live our lives. So we adapt and try to move forward. Today Governor Whittmore said, by Executive Order, to stay home unless it is critical to health or safety for you to leave your homes. The hope is that by slowing the spread of the virus it will give hospitals time to prepare. It is the soundest medical advice available so I hope that it helps. What it does not help with is, answering the multitude of questions that people have about how this Pandemic is going to impact schools and their many functions. Here is what I know and am comfortable sharing.
Everyone is talking about if online materials provided by schools that were closed will count as instructional time. No, it does not count as instructional time. The Governor closed all the schools. You cannot count time when you have been ordered closed. When the decision was made to close schools I do not think anyone was thinking about that part of it because they wanted to save lives. I cannot fault them for their priorities!
The next part of this online issue concerns if the closure gets extended, would schools then be able to provide online classes to students as the means of learning? To do so legally you would have to be able to guarantee that every child has internet access and a device on which to do the work. Every kid. Also, the laws says a smart phone does not count as a device. A few years ago, we asked parents if they had internet access at home. Around 40%, did not have it, if my memory serves me correctly. I know from talking to parents about Skyward that a lot of people still do not have it. I know some companies are offering free internet, but I am not aware of one yet that is available at every home in this district. Further, you would have to guarantee that kids would have the technical support for the device, the skill level on the device to do the work, and teachers that have the appropriate training to provide online instruction. Add to this that any kids that qualify for any type of additional services under state or federal law will have to get the services they are afforded. It is not a simple problem to solve, and I think there has been some confusion about what schools have been trying to do with all the stories about how they have transitioned to online classes. What schools have done which the state is encouraging, is sending supplemental work home for kids. The purpose is to keep kids engaged, minimizing any loss of skills, and also to add some comfort from having a connection to the school since that is part of their normal life. They will learn from the supplemental work even if they do not get a grade!
The Federal Department of Education has tentatively given the State of Michigan a waiver for standardized testing this year. The waiver was requested because when we get back, time would be better utilized teaching kids than taking a test. Also, the accuracy and validity of a test given after kids were out of school for a month is suspect.
I hope everyone stays well during this health crisis. As things change and we get more information, we will keep you informed!
Sincerely,
Joseph C Huepenbecker
High School Principal/Superintendent
Athens Area Schools
Meals Letter 04-10-20
April 10, 2020
Community Members,
There seems to be some confusion about the meals program that I wanted to clear up so that there are no misunderstandings.
Today we provided approximately 320 meals or, if you prefer, approximately 960 meals. I would like to again thank our food service staff, the volunteers that help so much with this program, and the people in the community that support us in many different ways. Thank you all!
Sincerely,
Joseph C Huepenbecker
High School Principal/Superintendent
Athens Area Schools
April 10, 2020
Community Members,
There seems to be some confusion about the meals program that I wanted to clear up so that there are no misunderstandings.
- We plan to provide meals through at least the rest of the school year calendar, which ends June 2, 2020. We do not have any idea if we can be authorized to do so beyond that date, but new guidance is being released daily. The only thing that could interrupt this is if we cannot get the food to make the meals. That should not be a problem based on what we have been told by our suppliers. We may have availability issues with vegetables or fruit, but our vendors are working with us to make sure we are provided with what people need.
- We are changing the times and days of the week for pick up at East Leroy Elementary. Starting April 15, 2020, meal pick up time will be moved to 2:30-5:00 pm. We did this because no one has been showing up after 5:00 pm, so moving the time should not affect anyone. We are also going to distribute meals on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. We will provide 2 days’ worth of meals on Monday and Wednesday. On Friday we will continue to provide 3 days’ worth of meals. This should ease some of the stress on the people picking up meals, the workers preparing meals, and the volunteers delivering meals.
- We have not changed the times or days of food distribution at Athens Area High School.
Today we provided approximately 320 meals or, if you prefer, approximately 960 meals. I would like to again thank our food service staff, the volunteers that help so much with this program, and the people in the community that support us in many different ways. Thank you all!
Sincerely,
Joseph C Huepenbecker
High School Principal/Superintendent
Athens Area Schools
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Please contact Joe Huepenbecker, Superintendent, with questions or suggestions.
Athens Area Schools
4320 K Drive S, East Leroy, MI 49051
Telephone (269) 729-5427
Photo and Banner by Jeff Benoit for Athens Area Schools
