April 21, 2020
Dear GMS Families,
We hope you are finding success in navigating our new learning plan rolled out at the beginning of last week. Just so you are aware, the district plan was approved; however, we may also need to adjust the plan based on feedback, new learning and/or requirements. We want you to know that we understand this is a difficult, scary and unforeseen situation that our families are in. If you are feeling overwhelmed with everything going on right now in your household, please have your child do what they can from the weekly agendas/assignments. All we ask is that each student try their best and we all put forth a good faith effort.
We are all learning new ways to communicate, teach and present material. This may take time to get a routine or plan that works best. We want to continue to emphasize that, if you have a question, please reach out to your child’s teacher or the building principal. Teachers have posted office hours that you can use to ask questions and make contact (listed at the bottom of this letter). Teachers and principals can also be emailed at any time and will respond back as soon as they are able. Please remember that we too are looking to find balance and normalcy during these uncertain times. While flexible and accommodating, we are not on call. In an attempt to not inundate your inbox, we will limit the number of mass communications coming from the office. If you are in need of technical assistance with a borrowed device or google classroom or similar, please email TechHelp@goodrichschools.org and someone will assist you.
Paper packets will continue to be available to students who do not have internet access at home. They will be available bi-weekly on Mondays at 9:00 a.m. outside of door #11 at Central Office (connected to the HS building, near the flagpole). The next set of packets will be available starting on Monday, April 27th. The packets will be left out all week.
We know there are questions about locker clean out, library book return, yearbook order pickup and more. When we have a better idea of what that looks like, once the Stay at Home Order is lifted. At that time, we will communicate a plan for retrieving belongings. Please keep school items in a safe place at home and we will keep your items safe at school.
Questions have also been raised about refunds of school events. The sponsors of individual events are making plans to reschedule or refund, depending on the circumstances. They will be in contact with you when details are finalized. Our accounts payable department is doing their best to process school-based refunds for the entire district, so your patience is appreciated. Youth Ball: a decision in regards to summer youth ball has not been finalized yet. Details will be communicated once a decision has been made.
Lastly, we want to tell you about a resource available through our Genesee Intermediate School District (GISD). The GISD has a Social Emotional Resource phone line. The phone number is 591-HELP (591-4357). Students or parents can call this line and be connected with a licensed professional from the GISD (social workers, counselors, therapists) during the hours of 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday - Friday. Callers are able to leave a message after hours and will receive a call back during operational hours. The licensed professional answering the call may assist in the following areas:
- Provide support to assist students and parents dealing with stressful situations.
- Provide assistance in accessing resources and getting the help students/families need.
- Refer students/families to other local and county agencies for additional support.
It is important to note that the intention of the phone line is not to provide telehealth therapy. If it is deemed that therapy may be needed, families will be assisted through a referral process.
We hope you and your loved ones are staying safe and healthy during this time. Please reach out to us by email if we can help in any way.
Kapeka Salter, GMS Principal
Tom Wozniak, GMS and Oaktree Assistant Principal
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