Dear Students and Parent(s)/Guardian(s),
With the announcement that state-wide school closure will continue through Friday, May 1 due to the COVID-19 public health crisis, it has been encouraging to see and hear the positive stories from the past few weeks of our students adapting and engaging with distance learning as they earn certifications, complete coursework, and utilize all the technology at their fingertips.
Our teachers are preparing additional lessons for students. Teachers will check-in via online platforms, email, conference call, Remind, or other means of communication to make sure you have and understand the material presented. Teachers are available to you by email as well, and you may log into ProgressBook to see how your student’s grades are progressing. If you do not have ProgressBook access, please contact Clang@ohiohipoint.com to obtain access. Also, you may be getting calls from “unknown callers” which could be OHP teachers who are using Google Voice numbers or *67 to contact you and/or your student. Please answer these calls, so the lines of communication remain open.
As we enter the fourth nine weeks, there are many questions regarding the final quarter of the school year, especially graduation. As the state continues to direct the public schools, we will plan accordingly.
In the interim, here are important pieces of information and updates for students and families.
Testing
Ohio State Testing, including WebXams, for the 2019-2020 school year has been cancelled. ODHE and ODE are exploring how to address the impact of COVID-19 on CTAG credit—especially with the passage of HB 197, which eliminates all state testing (including WebXams). We anticipate guidance in this area to be released soon.
Credit Requirements
Ensuring that the Class of 2020 is on track to graduate is an important priority. Governor DeWine recently signed HB 197 into law, which allows school district’s to grant diplomas to high school seniors who were on track to graduate or completed their IEP prior to school closing. Ohio Hi-Point issues certificates of completion for those finishing a career pathway. Directors, counselors, and teachers will be working with our partner districts and students to make sure they are on track to graduate from their partner school.
Achievement Recognitions and Convocation
The district is currently discussing options on how to best celebrate and recognize the outstanding achievements of our students while adhering to health and safety recommendations. Additional information and details will be shared in the coming weeks.
Technology
If you have any questions regarding technology, laptops, chargers, or online educational resources please email Ohio Hi-Point’s Technology Department at helpdesk@ohiohipoint.com, call 937-599-7601, or message Mr. Case, Technology Director, on Remind.
Student Meal Plans
Our partner districts are providing student meals during this closure. Please visit our website to see what our partner districts are doing to prepare/deliver meals.
Mental Health Resources
During this time of uncertainty, we encourage you and your student to stay connected with family and friends while practicing physical distancing. It’s important that we support one another during this time. Please visit our website for a list of mental health resources as well as links to free activities like workout apps, virtual tours, and more.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate through this unprecedented time. We miss seeing our students every day, but our teachers will continue to support your student and provide them the best instruction possible to prepare them for their next chapter, whether that’s employment, enrollment, or enlistment. If you have any questions, please visit our website at www.ohiohipoint.com.
Thank you,
Rick Smith, Superintendent