Central Cass
End of the Year Newsletter, May 4, 2020
Message from Mr. Forness
Dear Students, Parents, Staff, and Patrons,
Our hope is to communicate specific plans for finishing out the year academically and announce the details for many of the year-end events in this newsletter. Please know that we are very sympathetic to our students and their families as we prepare to end a school year in a way we have never imagined.
I have been attending daily Superintendent Zoom meetings with Kirsten Baesler, North Dakota Superintendent of Public Instruction, representatives from NDCEL, NDHSAA, NDSBA, and other government and health officials. Even though we are seeking information from the State on what our options may be, we are still directed by the Governor to continue with our Distance Learning plans and ALL school buildings and facilities are to remain closed to the public.
One thing we do know is that the "Restarting ND" plan must adhere to the CDC and North Dakota Department of Health guidelines. Re-openings for businesses are voluntary. Large venues, such as the dome, civic center, and college venues, must remain closed. As far as schools, we were told today that they continue to work on guidance plans.
Of course, all these plans need to remain fluid as this could change in a moment. The fact that Cass County is considered a "hot spot" for COVID-19 spread and positive testing also complicates the matter. As things slowly open, a spike in positive testing, community spread, or hospitalizations can also shut things down again, so even the best-laid plans and intentions can be nullified.
We have tried to balance all factors and directives but also keeping student interest at the forefront as best as we can during this difficult time. Please see below for details on how we will plan to end the school year and as always reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns.
Email: Morgan.Forness@k12.nd.us
Phone: 701-347-5352
May 22nd ~ Last Day of School
May 24th ~ Graduation
May 27th ~ Technology, Textbook, and Library Book Turn-in (See below for more details)
Updates & Cancellations
We always try to keep the best interests of our students and staff in mind, working closely with the Center for Disease Control, North Dakota Department of Health and other local schools to make our final decisions.
Ending the Academic School Year
Parents, we need your help to ensure your child(ren) have completed the necessary requirements for the school year. Please work with your child(ren) to ensure all assignments are complete and turned in to your child's teachers prior to May 22nd so that trimester, semester, and yearly grades can be calculated.
Elementary:
Year-end reports will all be digital. Your child(ren)'s end of year standards scoring report can be viewed on Powerschool. Teachers will also be sending out an End of Year Report on Seesaw. These scores and report will be finalized and can be viewed digitally by May 27th.
Middle School:
Grade 5 - Year-end reports will all be digital. Your child(ren)'s end of year standards scoring report can be viewed on Powerschool. Teachers will also be sending out an End of Year Report on Seesaw. These scores and report will be finalized and can be viewed digitally by May 27th.
Grades 6-9 - Report cards will be finalized and handed out for grades 6-8 at the Technology and Textbook Turn-in.
High School:
The administration has determined to eliminate final exams this spring and therefore the semester 2 grade formula will calculate within the following way.
Q3=50% of S2
Q4=50% of S2
Report cards will be finalized and handed out at the Technology and Textbook Turn-In.
Ending the Athletic and Activity School Year
Technology, Textbook & Library Book Turn-In
Families are asked to turn in all technology, textbooks, library books, and other district-issued supplies on Wednesday, May 27th and at the listed times utilizing the Activity Entrance Doors. These sessions are for all students in grades Pre-K - Grade 12.
Wednesday, May 27th
Session 1 - 10:00 -12:00 - Last names beginning with A-H
Session 2 - 12:00 -2:00 - Last names beginning with I -N
Session 3 - 2:00 - 4:00 - Last names beginning with O-Z
In order to maintain proper sanitary and safety mandates, we ask that the following steps be taken by each family.
- One family member will bring in all of the supplies for your family. Please have the supplies separated by the child in disposable bags and labeled with the child's first and last name and grade level or Elementary Teacher.
- Please ensure all pieces of technology have the charging cords that were issued to the student.
- No children under sixteen will be permitted in the building.
- Please follow the signs directing traffic and do not linger in the building.
Class of 2020 Graduation
With the potential of our ceremony being held outdoors, we will watch the weather closely and may move it to Saturday, May 23rd or Monday, May 25th if needed.
We are awaiting specific guidelines promised from Governor Burgum regarding specific mandates, location options, and social distancing regulations that will have to be upheld for the ceremony. Stay tuned for more information as it is released to schools.
Please be patient as our plans have to remain fluid and are subject to change as mandates from our state leaders ultimately guide our actions during this unprecedented pandemic.
Prom
Governor Burgum announced on Friday afternoon that he will be issuing specific guidelines and options to allow schools to host Graduation Ceremonies to close out the school year, but schools are under the restriction to keep buildings closed for the remainder of the school year. With that being said, we have made the difficult decision to cancel Central Cass's 2020 Junior/Senior Prom.
High School Awards Convocation & Extracurricular Banquets
We will do our best to celebrate and honor our students by posting the honors and achievements on our website and on facebook on Tuesday, May 19th. We will have the awards and honors ready for pick-up with report cards on Technology and Textbook Turn-In Day.
National Honor Society New Member Induction
Summer Office Hours
Phone messages are checked daily and our office is staffed periodically so please feel free to leave a message with your questions or concerns.
We will keep you updated as restrictions are lifted and normal office hours begin again.
Outdoor Facilities Reminder
With the warmer weather and our outdoor facilities becoming accessible please remember to follow the rules we have in place.
- No wheels of any kind are allowed on the track.
- When using the track for running or walking please use the outside lanes.
- No pets, food or drinks (except water) are allowed on the turf.
In all cases, please remember the social distancing guidelines put forth by our governor. Thank you.
Summer Breakfast and Lunch Program
Registration for meals is open to anyone, regardless of financial or other needs to ensure children are able to receive a nutritious meal during this time. This is meant to be a convenience offered to ALL families in the district as everyone has different work and/or home responsibilities. In essence, if you would find this helpful, please let us know by filling out the form to sign up. If you have questions about the program or registration, please contact Kelly Everson at Kelly.Everson@k12.nd.us for more information.
Click HERE to sign up for summer meals for May 26th through June 30th. (We would like families to sign up again even if you are already receiving meals from the school as we know summer needs may change and we would like to get the most accurate count possible.) Thank you!
Driver's Education Registration
Students who have successfully completed the 8th grade & are 14 years old by August 1 may sign up for the course. The cost of the course is approximately $150 and will be submitted later in May.
Please register your Driver's Education Student using the link HERE to get follow-up information as decisions are made regarding the program format and payment.
High School Summer Weights
UPDATE: Tuesday, May 12th @ 12:30 Registration is full but students may Register utilizing the link and will be put on the waiting list in case spots open up! Participants will be contacted in the next week with further information and class specifics.
Who:
Students entering grades 9-12
When:
Tentative Start Date: June 1
Tentative End Date: July 31
Registered students will be sent up to date information as the date approaches.
Days of the week: Monday-Thursday
No class the week of July 4th (June 29-July 3) This could change if the start date gets pushed back.
This is a credited course so attendance is mandatory - more than 4 missed days=Loss of credit. In addition to the 4 missed days - all participants are allowed 5 days missed for an approved camp.
Click HERE to register.
Athletic Camps and Open Gyms
XC: Edmodo code 3y9dbq
FB: Remind App, text @2020squir to the following number 81010 for updates and schedules
VB: Remind App, text @squirrelv to the following number 81010 for updates and schedules
BBB: Edmodo code qdmsg7
GBB: Remind App, text @gccbball to the following number 81010 for updates and schedules
WR: Remind App, text @squirrelw to the following number 81010 for updates and schedules
North Dakota Department of Health
Keep informed with the latest information on COVID-19 at the ND Department of Health's website: https://www.health.nd.gov
Some resources you may find of interest are:
- COVID-19 Cases in North Dakota
- Resources for the Public
- Resources for Childcare and Schools