March 19 1:10 p.m.

The "dark room" of COVID continues to evolve, but we get a little more light each day. Here is what we're working on today:

Enrichment: Teachers are working to stay in touch with students. For THS, this is from advisory teachers. For TES this is classroom teachers. TMS has allocated differently depending upon grade level. Every student should have one teacher to be in contact with. We're providing enrichment activities that families can do at home. You should not expect your children to do 6-8 hours of school work each day. It is important that kids have the time to play, explore, relax, do chores, etc. In addition, all learning is learning. Learning how to do laundry, cook, clean, pay bills, hang pictures, fix toilets, check the oil in the car (change the oil!). All of these are important skills that your kids can learn from you. Finally, lessons about how to cope with adversity, help neighbors and the elderly and participate in keeping everyone safe are critical right now.

Food Service: We continue to provide two meals a day at no cost for every child 0-18. We're operating bus routes according to our meal orders and food is available for pick up at curbside at TES from 2-3 p.m. daily and additionally from 9-11 on Mondays (two sets of meals on Mondays). If you haven't let us know your needs, the sign up sheet is here. We plan to continue to provide food service through our calendared Spring Break in April so that there won't be an interruption of service.

Childcare: The risks associated with the provision of childcare are enormous. We're awaiting guidance from the State regarding licensing, operations and safety. Since many of the people who work for our District are in the high risk categories, this may be difficult for us. We're looking at some innovative options, but I'm not confident we'll be able to provide childcare without additional supports. Local daycares may have openings given changes to parents' schedules. Please check with them first for your needs.

Class of 2020: THS is working to develop programming to allow seniors to finish credits and requirements. The State Board of Education is expected to provide guidance next week on this issue. Our team is working to develop plans to adjust so that all of our seniors are positioned to finish their diplomas by June 19. We do not have information regarding Commencement or other senior events at this time.

Staff: Currently, all staff are working from home with the exception of a few of our drivers, custodians, transportation and maintenance supervisors and our District Office staff. Those who are on-site are observing social distancing protocols, hand washing and respiratory etiquette. For teachers, working from home involves staying in touch with students, developing enrichment activities, book study and other professional development. Classified staff are doing clerical work from home as well as professional development. Staff who are in high risk categories are able to be placed on paid administrative leave while they self-quarantine. This is a benefit to us all as they are less likely to become infected and  burden the healthcare system.

Our District team continues to work hard to support the children and families of the District. When you're in contact with them, be sure to share your gratitude for their continued efforts.

Board Meeting: The regular monthly Board meeting is tonight at 7 p.m. I am working to deliver this meeting via zoom. The Open Public Meetings Act requires that a person be on site at the announced meeting space when a virtual (online) meeting is held. I plan to operate the zoom meeting from TMS. The public is welcome to be on site, however, only 9 others besides myself will be allowed in the room and we'll be maintaining a minimum of six feet of separation. Attendees will be asked to wash their hands prior to entering the meeting space. I recommend that members of the public interested in the meeting use the following zoom coordinates to call in:

Topic: Toledo School District Regular Board Meeting

Time: Mar 19, 2020 07:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting by computer or smartphone (audio and video):

https://zoom.us/j/997070017

Meeting ID: 997 070 017

Join Zoom Meeting by Telephone (audio only):

669.900.6833

Meeting ID: 997 070 017