UPDATE 3.13.2020

Dear CCS Families,

After consulting epidemiologists and infectious disease specialists and the Hamilton County Health Department, we have decided to close Carmel Clay Schools starting Monday, March 16^th through April 10, 2020. We will assess the spread of the virus and will communicate if additional time off is needed prior to April 10^th.

We will be in school tomorrow so teachers can communicate with students and make sure that they have all of the materials needed for virtual learning, and their personal possessions. The closure includes cancellation of all after school practices, extra-curricular activities, as well as, all school and PTO sponsored events. The plan is for all students and staff to return to school and resume normal activities following spring break on April 13th. 

While the experts confirm that COVID-19 is a very low risk for students, there is a risk that the spread of the virus is a threat to other more vulnerable members of our community. While we do not have a confirmed or suspected case, with the limited number of test kits available to diagnose the illness, we believe waiting for a confirmed case is no longer a valid reason to stay open. Social distancing and the elimination of public gatherings has been recommended by the Hamilton County Health Department and other health experts to help control the spread of the virus. All Hamilton County School systems will close on Monday as well.

On Monday and Tuesday, CCS staff will be collaborating and planning virtual lessons. We will be using Canvas and G-Suite Tools to deliver instruction and learning experiences for our students.  Virtual learning will begin on Wednesday, March 18th.

In preparing for virtual learning, students and families can do the following:

• If you are using a personal device at home, test for connectivity and ensure that your student can log in to their Canvas account. For frequently asked questions regarding Canvas, you can click here.

• If you do not have access to a device (computer, laptop, tablet, smartphone, etc.) for virtual learning, we will provide a device for your family. To do so you can click here to submit the “Family Mobile Device Check-Out” form. We will contact those families who still need a device.

We understand that some of our families rely heavily on breakfast and lunch service in our schools. Our Food Service Department will be in contact with information on access and delivery of food.

Again, this a very unusual and challenging situation, but we are confident that our staff and families will work together to meet this challenge and continue to provide our students with great experiences to learn and grow.

We will continue to provide updated information via school messenger and on our website at www.ccs.k12.in.us. 

More to come,

Dr. Michael Beresford
Superintendent
Carmel Clay Schools

 

UPDATE 3.11.2020

CCS Families,

We understand there are many questions surrounding COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and its impact on our schools.  We want to emphasize that there are no suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 in our schools at this time.  As you know, this is a fluid situation. Our plans are being updated on a daily, and even hourly basis. We will share new information with you as it becomes available.

Our plan is to follow national, state and local health department guidelines and recommendations. If we are directed to close one or more of our schools, our staff is prepared to use Canvas and G-Suite Tools to deliver instruction and learning experiences for our students.

In addition, we have created a new web page to answer common questions such as spring break travel, attendance, district/school events, and more.  To access the web page click here.

Below are two steps you can take to prepare for virtual learning if one or more of our schools are closed.

• If you are using a personal device at home, test for connectivity and ensure that your student can log in to their Canvas account. For frequently asked questions regarding Canvas, you can click here.
   
• If you do not have access to a device (computer, laptop, tablet, smartphone, etc.) for virtual learning, we will provide a device for your family. To do so you can click here to submit the “Family Mobile Device Check-Out” form.

Any school closures or other emergency information will be communicated using the district’s standard channels of communication, including phone calls, emails, text messages and the CCS website. Parents and guardians should verify that their phone numbers and email addresses are correct in PowerSchool to ensure notifications are received. For phone numbers registered within PowerSchool, CCS families can receive text alerts by texting YES to 68453 on your mobile device.

This is an unusual and challenging situation, but we are confident that together we can do whatever is needed to best serve our students. Thank you for your partnership and support.

All for now,

Dr. Michael Beresford
Superintendent
Carmel Clay Schools