Holly Academy News & Views

As Thanksgiving approaches and I think about all of our blessings, I do so with a grateful heart. This year has been so challenging for all of us. One shining example of everyone working toward the greater good is our Husky family. Through everyone's diligence, we have done what I would have believed to be unthinkable before we opened in August - 12 weeks of uninterrupted face-to-face teaching and learning!

Please continue to be vigilant over the short Thanksgiving break. Holly Academy staff and Board of Directors wishes you a safe and happy Thanksgiving! It's great to be a Husky!

MORNING DROP-OFF

PLEASE be prepared to drop off your child(ren) when you enter the drop-off lanes. Traffic becomes backed up when students are putting on their mask, saying a long good-bye after leaving the car, and then putting on their backpack. This creates a traffic problem, and some cars are also trying to move forward as this is occurring. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE – Please have students prepared prior to entering the drop-off lanes, and please avoid the long good-byes. Thank you.

There has been a lot of parent concern and input regarding Holly Academy's plans for teaching and learning over the next month. Please understand that no decision is made lightly. If your Husky family is hesitant about having your student return on January 4th, you are welcome to have your child continue learning virtually. The date to return from virtual learning to in-person learning is January 19th, which is the first day of the third marking period. Everyone is welcome to provide input at our monthly Board of Directors meetings, as each month the Board must approve any revisions to our Extended COVID-19 Learning Plan.

We are asking that all families use caution and be vigilant following all health and safety guidelines as we return to in-person learning after both Thanksgiving and winter breaks. The continued health and wellness of our school community depends on it. Character defines us!

Yesterday, Holly Academy administration sent a parent letter via Skyward regarding changes to our learning mode for the week of December 14th - 18th. Next week, you can expect to receive a schedule of learning for that week. Students will be attending Zoom meetings Monday through Thursday of that week. Teachers will have virtual office hours on Friday morning of that week to meet with students who need assistance or have questions.

Reading and mathematics will be prioritized with Zoom instruction during remote learning in our Y5’s through 5th grades. Other subject areas will continue through Google Classroom and Loom videos. Middle school students will follow a schedule that mirrors what they are doing in school a little more closely. Please look for more information to come home next week. As always, if you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Potteiger at potteigj@hollyacademy.org.

Open Board Position

Holly Academy has an open Board seat on the Board of Directors. We are looking for a community member or parent who is interested in the value of education and would like to promote Holly Academy within the local area. If interested, please contact Holly Academy at 248-634-5554 or email Dave Cruickshank, Board President, at David.cruickshank.jr@gmail.com, or Julie Kildee, Director, at kildeej@hollyacademy.org.