Superintendent Hayes Post's Archives
Santee Community Schools,
Due to some additional information that has been shared and released regarding the spread of COVID-19. We will be stopping tutoring at the end to this week. We will continue food service at this time with our normal hours; pickup is at the south doors. Please continue to check your emails as informational is provided to the administration, decisions are being made which may result in various changes.
Moving forward we will remain in our packet work and remote learning procedure. We are looking at how and if summer school can take place this year, and are in a waiting pattern until we know how the COVID spread continues/decreases. We will communicate this in the coming weeks as we continue to monitor the fluid situation. We are currently planning how to hold and structure an alternate graduation ceremony which will honor our 2020 seniors, we know this is vital to our school-community. We will share via our multiple communication platforms later this week these details.
We are trying to provide educational support and some emotional support for our students and staff, while still maintaining a safe, healthy environment for everyone. It is a very difficult situation and time for everyone, we thank you for your support and patience during this time.
Take Care,
Justin E. Hayes; Superintendent
Santee Community School Families,
We have some great things taking place and starting in the next week. We appreciate your support and partnership during these unforeseen times. I know this is a shift for everyone and we are grateful to work with the wonderful families, a great community and other vital partners to serve our students any way we can during this time.
Starting next week the front entry will be closed for usage. Food service will be conducted at the south doors (back of building). Please know that the front doors will be closed and locked without entry moving forward. This is due to our bond construction project that will be starting. We ask during this time if you can help us in keeping everyone safe by not being in the construction site area or removing the markings that are being used to identify specific items for our contractors. We need everyone to help with this!
Please remember we start optional tutoring on Monday and students need to be signed up for this as we are limited with amount of people in the school at one specific time. If you have any questions or are wondering about open slots please check our school Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/
We will also begin the Chromebook check out on Monday for grades 7-12. Students will need to make sure they have a signed check out sheet signed by their parent or guardian in order to complete checkout. We will have these available in person or you can print and bring with when you come to check out; Monday-Thursday from 8:30am-1:30pm. We will also have assistance to help with signing on the devices there too.
Take care,
Justin E Hayes, Superintendent
Santee Community Schools families,
In light of recent recommendations from our state leaders and the continued uncertainty regarding the COVID-19 virus, we are canceling all student classes and activities from March 31st through the rest of this school year. As conditions and recommendations remain fluid, we will continue to monitor and evaluate our status every two weeks and communicate with you.
We understand that this decision greatly impacts our community, and specifically our students and their families. Please know that we understand your concern about not having all the answers right now. We will continue to analyze information and make decisions that are consistent with recommendations and guidelines from our state leaders and in collaboration with our educational and community partners.
Beginning Monday, March 30 we will be moving to an alternate learning structure and will initiate Remote Learning opportunities and Optional Tutoring (please see below). Schools will continue to communicate with families updates on how to access the information. Please continue to check our website (santeeschools.org) for these updates. Beginning March 31st the front entry will be closed due to construction. We will continue to offer our food service but entry through the South doors will be required.
Beginning Monday the 30th we will offer the 1-1 tutoring for students to meet the unique needs and challenges we face in terms of social distancing and still trying to help our students’ progress. Optional individual tutoring in 30 minute time slots will be offered starting March 30th 8:30am – 1:30pm; Monday-Thursday. Four year old through 6th grade (Enter through South Doors) will offer tutoring by sign up only in the mornings from 8:30am-11:00am. Grades 7 – 12 (Enter through East Doors) will offer optional individual tutoring from 11am-1:30pm Monday –Thursday. Anyone attending the optional tutoring including staff will have their temperature taken prior to entering the building. We know this is uncharted waters we all face but together we will get through this; we thank you for your partnership throughout this outbreak.
You may signup during food service time at SCS (10:30am-12:30pm) or online through our social media platform; these signups will start Wednesday March 25, 2020. We are limited in spaces due to the recommendations and limitations with public gathering limits. It is a first come first serve basis for the optional tutoring spaces, so please signup if interested.
We are also going to have computer devices for check out with parent/guardian signatures for students in grades 7-12. Chromebook check out: Monday, March 30 from 8am-4pm and Tuesday March 31st from 8am- 4pm.
We are thankful for your patience and understanding. I am proud of how our staff and the community have come together during this time of crisis as we do our part to address the spread of the virus. During these unprecedented times it is more important now than ever that we continue to support one another.
Take care,
Justin E. Hayes
Superintendent
We are writing with updates on closure, reminders about the academic and community resources available for your student and family.
In light of the expanding COVID-19 pandemic, and the recommendations released on March 15th, 2020 by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding the limitation of gatherings and groups, it is my recommendation that public and parochial schools in the NCDHD health district begin a two week recess—starting Tuesday, March 17th. This initial recommendation is for a two-week period of time, with classes tentatively resuming on Tuesday, March 31st. The incubation period for COVID-19 is two to fourteen days. For this reason, a minimum of two weeks closed would be necessary to disrupt the incubation and shedding cycle.
In working with our local health department, the North-Central Health District, it has been recommended that we close for two weeks. As we announced last week, Santee Community Schools will be closed beginning Monday, March 16 as a preemptive measure to limit the spread of COVID-19 in our community. We will tentatively close for the next two weeks (through March 30th). At that time, we will reassess the community health situation and determine next steps. School activities and events are canceled during a closure. The health and safety of our students, staff and families is our priority.
Partnerships and Food Service
We will continue to work with our local and state officials to assist each other during this time. We are committed to serving our community and having open communication lines with tribal entities to assure we serve our students and community. Please see the schedule for the next two weeks concerning food service at SCS.
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday: Students/Families can pick up bagged lunches from 11:30 to 12:00 at the Community Center lot and the Swimming Pool lot (looking for the school van). At the school, you may continue to enter through the front doors, and we will hand out for academic packets and lunch bags from 10:30 - 12:00 (only extended place opening).
*Each lunch will include the next day's breakfast.
**Thursday's lunch will include breakfast and lunch for Friday.
Information is changing quickly. As we monitor developments, we are committed to keeping you informed.
Thank you for your partnership and support.
Justin Hayes, Superintendent
Dear Santee Community Schools Families:
We are writing to you because we value the health and safety of our students, staff and families. We continue to work with North-Central district Health Department and our local Santee Health Clinic on the evolution of COVID-19 in our community.
Beginning Monday, March 16, 2020, all Santee Community Schools will be closed as a preemptive measure to limit the spread of COVID-19 in our community. Please understand this decision was made after careful consultation with state and local officials. Student and staff health and safety is our top priority.
Continued Learning Opportunities for Students
We have plans in place to ensure students can stay engaged throughout this closure.
All Students
· SCS has printed packets to provide home learning for K through twelfth grade students. On Monday, March 16, these packets are available for pick up between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Packets can be picked up at your student’s school. The packets will also available on the Santee Community Schools website.
Questions for Teachers
Certified teachers will be available to answer questions via email for students and families.
Meal Service
We understand that many students rely on school meals. Due to the recommendation to limit large gatherings of individuals and in the interest of student and staff safety, meals will not be provided during the closure in an open meal fashion. We will provide grab and go food service. This service will be provided through specific times and settings or delivered to families and information related to this will be shared as we move through this fluid journey. This service will begin for Monday lunch. Please watch our social media page or check for updates related to this service.
Limiting Contact During the Closure
We want to reiterate that the goal of a community closure is to mitigate the spread of the virus. We ask that staff, families and community members follow the guidance of the CDC, North-Central District Health Department and the Santee Health Clinic. The CDC recommends the best way to stop the spread in a community is to limit exposure to others.
Next Steps
As of right now, we will close for one week. At that time, we will work with state and local officials to assess the current community health situation and determine the readiness to return to school. We will continue to work with the North-Central District Health Department to ensure we are providing updated information to our families and staff. More information can also be found at santeeschools.org. If you have school or classroom-specific questions, please contact your teacher or principal by email. If you have general questions for the district, please email jhayes@santeeschools.org
It is times like these that our community values are visible and we need to rely on each other. Help your neighbor, lend a hand, provide and spread positivity, together we will get through this time and be stronger because of it!
Sincerely,
Justin E. Hayes
Superintendent
