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WE Are Prepared for Distance Learning
~ Duval, Union, Sumter and Collier will begin implementing distance learning ~
Tallahassee, Fla., March 17, 2020 – Today, the Florida Department of Education praised Duval, Union, Sumter and Collier district leaders for their commitment to implementing distance learning once the districts’ extended spring breaks conclude. While the rest of Florida’s school districts will remain on an extended spring break through April 15, these four school districts will begin distance learning education while their campuses remain closed until April 15.
All NEWCorp Schools: Biscayne High School, Lone Star High School, Duval MYcroSchool, Pinellas MYcroSchool, and SIATech Gainesville will begin distance learning education on Monday, March 23, 2020. Please log in to your school website and complete the Student Family Survey as soon as possible!
The department has been working with individual districts to ensure students are still learning while they are out of the classroom.
“It is essential that students do not fall behind and are still receiving instruction, even when they are not in the classroom,” said Commissioner of Education Richard Corcoran. “I praise these districts for being prepared to swiftly implement distance learning. It is crucial that we keep students safe and healthy, and I will continue working with each and every district to ensure that they have all the resources necessary as we respond to COVID-19.”
Alachua County
Due to COVID-19, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced that students will not return to school until at least April 15.
Obviously this will have a huge impact on students, families, staff and the entire community. The Florida Department of Education will be providing more guidance over the next few days regarding graduation and other critical issues. As soon as we have more information, we will certainly let you know.
We expect to begin providing for ‘instructional continuity’ for our students soon after Spring Break. We will notify you when we have those plans in place.
In the meantime, please know that ACPS will do all it can to support students, families and staff during this very, very challenging time.
SCHOOLS CLOSED UNTIL APRIL 15
The Governor has declared that all schools will remain closed until April 15. State testing has been canceled this spring. All extra-curricular activities are and suspended until further notice. More information will be posted as it is known.
Greater Gainesville Chamber Update- good advice for all!
This afternoon, the President declared a national state of emergency, freeing up federal funding for the states to use in response to the crisis, and enabling them to tap into $42.6 billion that could be applied to tests, medical facilities, and other supplies.
Also, this afternoon, Florida Commissioner of Education Richard Corcoran instructed all Florida public school districts to extend their spring breaks by an extra week. This means Alachua County Public Schools will be closed from March 16th through March 27th. Currently, the plan is to reopen schools on March 30th following deep cleaning of both schools and school buses. All employees are to report on March 16. For information on when meals will be provided, visit the Alachua County School Board’s website.
Know Where COVID-19 is spreading. The Florida Department of Health is providing real-time information on rates and location of infection. Check this site to know if there is an uptick in COVID-19 spreading in your area.
Don’t get gouged. Florida law protects you from paying inflated prices for high-demand supplies during a disaster. If you suspect you are being gouged, contact the State Attorney General’s Price Gouging Hotline.
Stay up to date on CDC (Centers for Disease Control) guidance. The CDC is constantly issuing guidance on the most effective steps you can take to protect your business and employees from illness.
Know when school reopen. The Alachua County School Board is providing regular updates on the status of schools in the County. Currently, schools will be closed March 16 through 27th. To find out if and when this changes, check the School Board’s website.
Speak up if your business is affected. The Florida Business Damage Assessment Survey is a tool used to determine the need for business assistance in response to a disaster. With proper reporting, the state of Florida can activate this vital program providing up to $2 million to help eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, and most private nonprofit organizations meet financial obligations and operating expenses that could have been met should the pandemic not have occurred. In order to make the loan program available, states must make a request based on the need for a disaster declaration. Once a disaster is granted, the U.S. Small Business Administration will make the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program funding available. Take the survey here:
Pinellas County Schools extends Spring Break to March 27th
Pinellas County Schools Closure Announcement
Based on the direction of the Florida Department of Education (FDOE), Pinellas County Schools will now be closed from Monday, March 16 through Friday, March 27. All extra-curricular activities are also canceled for this time-period. During this time, deep cleaning of all school buildings will occur.
Alachua County begins Spring Break for students Monday the 16th
Important Message
- Late this afternoon, Florida Commissioner of Education Richard Corcoran instructed all Florida public school districts to extend their spring breaks by an extra week. That being the case, Alachua County Public Schools will be closed from March 16th through March 27th. Currently, the plan is to reopen schools on March 30th following deep cleaning of both schools and school buses.
- All employees are to report on March 16.
- During the week of March 16, free packaged meals will be given out to all children aged 0-18 at Eastside High, Buchholz High, Gainesville High, Newberry High, Santa Fe High, and Hawthorne High as follows:
March 16, 8-9 a.m.: Children will be provided with a packaged breakfast - March 16, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Children will be provided with a packaged lunch and a packaged breakfast for the next morning
March 17, 18th and 19th, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Children will be provided with a packaged lunch and a packaged breakfast for the next morning. - We recognize the difficulty school closures will create for families, but based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control, this step is needed to help safeguard the health and well-being of students, staff and the community.
Thank you for your patience and for your support of our schools.
—
Jackie Johnson
Public Information Officer
Alachua County Public Schools
(352) 955-7545
Catina Thomason
BISCAYNE HIGH SCHOOL RECEIVES AWARD
