Coronavirus Update 3/30 4:50pm

Parents and Students of Brookville Schools, Today, Monday, March 30, we begin our third week of electronic learning.  Every indication is that those involved, students, parents and staff, have done an outstanding job of keeping the learning continuum active.  It is understood that this has not been easy but certainly the effort has been outstanding.  We appreciate your patience and help.  Also today,  the governor extended the closure of school buildings through  May 1, 2020.   As a result, we now know that beginning April 13, electronic learning will continue.  We have planned for several different scenarios.  Now that we know the most recent orders from the Governor’s Office, there are a couple of reminders worthy to give you: Teacher/Parent Conference Compensation Day is this Friday, April 3 and Spring Break is next week April 6-10.  Earlier today I expressed to staff my expectation that during this time they walk away from the computer.  I have asked that they respect the idea that no lessons or assignments go out during this break.  Frankly, I feel kids, families and staff need the time away. To those families that rely on breakfast and lunch food from school subsidized programs - food will be distributed Monday, April 6 and Monday, April 20 from 10am to 1pm in the circle drive in front of the high school.   Two weeks of food will be provided each of these dates.  If you have questions regarding this distribution or absolutely can not make these times please call, 937-833-2181.  If no one answers, leave a message on the voicemail and we will return your call. The OHSAA has extended the no contact period for all Spring athletic teams congruent to the closure of schools.  As of now extra curricular programs remain shut down through May 1. Between now and Thursday, I will be communicating further with everyone regarding what will (or will not) happen beginning April 13. Most importantly we hope your families and kiddos are healthy.  Hang in there everyone.  Stay the course, we can do this.

Monday, Mar 30 2020

School at Home

Good Afternoon All, School at home is HAPPENING!! View this short video with a smile as students continue their academics!!

Thursday, Mar 26 2020

An Open Letter to Our Parents and Caregivers

An Open Letter To Our Parents and Caregivers “These are the times that try men’s souls”   ~Thomas Paine, December 1776 Dear Parents and Caregivers, To say these are unprecedented and trying times would be a gross understatement. I want to publicly thank all of our staff.  Support personnel, teaching staff and administration have all given an amazing effort to keep a continuum of learning for our students. We believe that is important and a sound decision. We understand and concede that it may not be perfect. We acknowledge there will be more mistakes ahead. But I am confident that our staff has and will continue to give their very best. If something isn’t right for you, please let us know. I felt very compelled to communicate with you today out of concern for our kids. I have no inhibition in writing to you that I love kids. All ages, all sizes, all attitudes, it really doesn’t matter. Watching them grow and develop as individuals serves to fuel my passion for my lifelong career. However, sometimes part of loving kids includes worrying about them. I probably worry too much. I know they live with great parents, grandparents and people who care for them. My personal faith tells me they will be protected by an even higher being. And yet, I have concerns. Brookville’s kids have been through a lot in the last 10 months. Tornado, check. Mass shooting, check. And now, COVID19. Little to nothing has been normal about what is often the most normal part of their lives, school. And so, I am asking for your support. I’m asking that more than ever you look out for them. Physically and emotionally. Being unexpectedly separated from their friends and social routine is going to be hard. They may not show this. They may even refute it. But it will not be easy. Squeeze them tight, say the words “I love you”, have patience, have more patience, have empathy, be the adult and the calm in their lives. We need you more than ever to step up and be great parents and mentors. I’m prejudiced, but our Brookville kids are great kids. They have been through a lot and continue to go through a once in a lifetime circumstance. Let’s look out for them in every way. Thank you, Tim Tim Hopkins

Thursday, Mar 19 2020

Coronavirus Update 3/16, 3:30pm

Parents and Students, Here is the latest update to give you from the school: Building Closure: Buildings will be closed from tomorrow Tuesday, March 17 through Spring Break, Friday, April 10.  If there is any change in the length of this closure we will notify you as soon as possible.  We will NOT run this closure on the television since prior notification has been given.  Students in Grades K-2  are being sent home today with packets for all three weeks of the building closures.  Teachers have included a letter explaining the work sent home. Students in Grades 3-12  will receive work either in paper copy or electronically.  Students have been given direction from the teaching staff on how to proceed.   Staff will be available to respond to emails, phone calls and direct messaging in ParentSquare and StudentSquare (grades 7-12) if additional clarification  is needed. Today,  students were asked  to take home everything they need from school.  If you  ARE NOT ABLE  to complete that by the end of the day today, we will make lockers and desks available from 9am to noon, Wednesday, March 18  to pick up personal belongings or school books.  If you need a special exception to this, please notify the building office.   Special Notes of Interest: All athletic teams are done until further notice.  Please note that a student who participates with a summer league team or AAU track program during this time is subject to being ruled ineligible to return to high school sports this spring.  Information is available through the athletic director and coaches.  Spring Musical - Will NOT take place this weekend.  Every effort will be made to reschedule at a later time. Camp Kern  - Is still to be determined. We will keep everyone posted. Prom  - Is still to be determined.  We will keep everyone posted. Transportation Fees  - Is still to be determined and tied to spring sports.  We will keep everyone posted. AP Testing - Is still to be determined.  We will keep everyone posted. Tuition Students  - We will be informing you as to monthly tuition as we learn more.   In the likelihood that some information is still not addressed you can email or call with questions. We will make every effort to keep you updated as this situation continues to play out.

Monday, Mar 16 2020

Coronavirus Update 3/15 4:40pm

Parents & Students Here is the latest regarding our short term plan of action during these unprecedented times. School Tomorrow - Monday, March 16, we will be open.  This will be an important day for us to wrap up, clarify electronic learning procedures, send materials home with students and finalize communications.  Schools will not reopen for students beginning Tuesday March 17.  Spring Break  - There have been questions about Spring Break.  Spring Break will still be observed the week of April 6-10 regardless of what happens with the state directed closure.  Right now our  students are scheduled to return to school Monday, April 13, pending any future direction from the Governor.   8th Grade DC Trip  - The 8th grade trip to DC has been successfully rescheduled for May 26,27,28.  Eighth graders would leave the night of Monday, May 25 (Memorial Day) and return early morning Friday, May 29.  This is, of course, subject to how the national shutdown evolves over time.   Extra-Curriculars and Athletics  - All extra-curricular and athletic programs are suspended, including practices, until further notices.  The OHSAA has been very clear that practices and games are not to take place.   Communicate Your Needs  - If your child or family has a specific need that the school is able to help with, PLEASE LET US KNOW .  You can call your building office, the district office, email or otherwise get in touch with us.  We want to help one another anyway possible through this situation.  

Sunday, Mar 15 2020

Coronavirus - March 12 4:30pm

Parents, Staff and Students,  Based on the Governor’s Press Conference this afternoon.  The following is our current schedule for attendance at Brookville Local Schools: Friday, March 13, (tomorrow) school is closed as already scheduled. Monday, March 16, SCHOOL WILL BE IN SESSION. Tuesday, March 17, Schools will close through Friday, April 3 PER THE GOVERNOR'S ORDER. School Leadership will make a decision in the next few days concerning how to handle Spring Break.  That is scheduled for the week of April 6-10.  Notification of how Spring Break will be addressed is forthcoming.  Electronic Learning  - We will use all available communication tools to share with parents and students the plan to maintain the continuum of education through electronic means.  Parent Square, Student Square, Google Classroom and One Call are examples of how we intend to keep students' learning active during this unexpected break.        8th Grade DC Trip  - We continue to work with the travel agency on how to best provide this experience.  Currently, we are actively searching for some potential dates much later in the school year for this trip.  More to come.  Be patient, it is a work in progress. Extra-Curriculars  - Coaches have been given the opportunity to practice as usual, if they so choose, through Monday.  Beginning Tuesday ALL extra-curricular activities will end until further notification.  Coaches and advisers will be communicating directly with their students and parents.    Final Thoughts - Please know we are going to work with staff, parents and students to do the very best we can in supporting the academic, social and emotional and health needs of all involved throughout this unprecedented occurrence. PLEASE BE PATIENT AND UNDERSTANDING. This isn’t going to be perfect, there will certainly be obstacles. Most assuredly there will be more information to come. Be sure to check each communication. Just be reminded that last May we were taught we are #brookvillestrong!!! It will work out.

Thursday, Mar 12 2020

Coronavirus Update / Literacy Night Postponed

Parents, Caregivers and Staff, Kindergarten Literacy Night Postponed In an effort to respond to Governor DeWine’s request to limit large group meetings, we have chosen to temporarily postpone Kindergarten Literacy Night.  When an appropriate make-up date can be determined we will work to notify everyone.  If you know of family or friends who would have attended this evening but are NOT on our Parent Square communication list, we ask that you spread the word to those families.  We understand this will be disappointing to our incoming kindergartners and look forward to hosting this event at a later date. Correction In last night's communication regarding COVID-19, I inadvertently noted there had only been 1 death in the U.S. related to the virus.  That was wrong as the number is nearer to 40.  The 1 death reflects lives lost between the age of 10-18.  I do not want to give out bad information and apologize for that mistake. Letter from Public Health Attached Attached you will find a letter to parents of school age children from the Montgomery County Public Health Dept.  Please take time to read this valuable information.   Eighth Grade DC Trip One of the most frequent questions we are receiving is whether the 8th grade trip to DC is still planned.  Currently, we are communicating with the travel agency about what our options are.  The minute a decision has been made we will notify those families ASAP.   Fluid Situation   While I don’t want to sound alarming I do want to stress to all parents and staff that the COVID-19 information, restrictions and influence on decisions is a fluid situation.  We respectfully ask for your patience and willingness to understand that decisions may change daily if not hourly.  Our goal will be to over communicate, using Parent Square and One Call when necessary and to act in the best interest of our students, staff and parents.   Thank You!!

Thursday, Mar 12 2020

Coronavirus Update

Parents & Staff, We have and will continue to monitor the recommendations to K-12 schools regarding necessary response to the Coronavirus.  This afternoon I attended an informational meeting with representatives from Montgomery County Public Health.  We were updated on the latest medical data.  We also listened to Governor DeWine’s press conference.  Here are a few bullet points to share at this time: Right now, Governor DeWine is  NOT  recommending K-12 schools be closed. There have been 1,025 confirmed cases in the U.S. with 1 death. There have been 4 confirmed cases in Ohio and NONE in Montgomery County. We do know that COVID19 is primarily a health risk for those age 60 and over or at risk because of underlying health issues.  To date, only 2% of the confirmed cases in the U.S. have been individuals 19 years of age or younger.  Therefore, students in grades K-12 are considered a low risk group.   However, we also are aware that COVID19 spreads 3 times faster than the normal flu.  That is why “community spread” is a concern once the virus hits a specific location.   We have been given a letter from Montgomery County Public Health to share with parents.  That letter will go home with all our K-12 students tomorrow.  It will also be posted on our website.   We ask that you continue to encourage your children to practice good hygiene when it comes to hand washing and keep them home if they are sick.  We are making extra efforts to disinfect heavily used areas of the buildings.   There are two phone numbers I would like to share if you have questions specifically about the Coronavirus:   Ohio Dept. of Health:  1-833-427-5634 a 9am to 8pm Coronavirus Hotline  Montgomery County Public Health:  937-225-5700 an 8am to 4pm Coronavirus Hotline Lastly,  you should know it is not our intent to close schools.  However, if the proper authorities give us that direction we certainly will want to do what is right for the health of our students, staff and their families.  Therefore, you should talk as a family and be prepared in the event this would happen.  We plan to continue regular communication and keep you informed to the best of our ability.  Thank you. 

Wednesday, Mar 11 2020

Coronavirus

March 6, 2020 Dear Parents and Caregivers, We have continued to monitor developments with regard to coronavirus (COVID-19), and want to ensure you that we are seeking information and advice from the right sources.  The safety, health and well-being of our students, families and staff are a top priority.  At this time, Mr. Jeff Cooper, Montgomery County Health Commissioner, has assured us that the health risk to the general public in Montgomery County from coronavirus remains very LOW.  In fact, Mr. Cooper emphasizes that the concern for seasonal flu is far more prevalent.  Brookville has joined the other school districts in our county to ask that the Health Department provide a concise, specific and consistent informational guide for all school aged families.  It is our understanding that will be provided mid next week.  Please know we will pass the information on to you.   In the meantime, encourage your children to follow the same advice you have been given for years: Wash your hands frequently. Avoid touching your face. Cough and sneeze into a bent elbow or tissue. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Stay home when you are sick. If we all continue to work together and follow these important guidelines, we can keep our students, staff, and community healthy.  Please share this with your family and caregivers.  We appreciate your partnership in this and pledge to pass on information from our trusted sources as it comes available.   

Friday, Mar 06 2020