Dr. Theodore Caleris
Superintendent and CEO
Dear Brooklyn Families,
The Cuyahoga County Board of Health (CCBH), in partnership with Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson and County Executive Armond Budish, released a Stay-At-Home Health Advisory earlier this week that, due to the unprecedented levels of the spread of COVID-19, recommends that all universities and K-12 schools (public and private) who are in-person or hybrid, transition to remote learning after Thanksgiving and remain virtual for two COVID cycles, which is 28 days.
While the time Brooklyn students and staff have spent in the classroom has been beneficial from an instructional and mental health standpoint, the District recognizes that the pandemic is surging throughout the county, and an increasing number of cases are emerging where students and staff are required to quarantine due to exposure to the coronavirus. Although case numbers for the Brooklyn City Schools continue to be relatively low, with all confirmed cases originating from outside of school activities - national, state, and county statistics are increasing at an alarming rate. Consequently, it is imperative that the district follows the CCBH stay-at-home advisory, and make a shift in the learning mode to limit student and staff exposure.
With the above in mind, and in the hopes of continuing to provide consistent instruction, beginning on November 30, all students in grades PK-12 will shift to Remote Learning through December 18th, which is the last day of classes before winter break. Schools will send detailed information regarding building schedules, expectations, and our Hurricane Meal Program.
BCS Tentative Learning Schedule over the next five (5) weeks as described below:
|
Dates
|
Learning Model
|
|
Week of November 23
|
No School for Students - Thanksgiving Break
|
|
Week of November 30
|
PK-12 Remote Learning; All after school activities/athletics on “pause” until the advisory expires or health conditions improve
|
|
Week of December 7
|
PK-12 Remote Learning; All after school activities/athletics on “pause” until the advisory expires or health conditions improve
|
|
Week of December 14
|
PK-12 Remote Learning; All after school activities/athletics on “pause” until the advisory expires or health conditions improve
|
|
Week of January 4
|
Basis of the learning mode decision will be dependent on the county health advisory system designation and CCBH advisory; If health conditions improve, we will evaluate the possibility of safely moving back into our Hybrid Learning schedule; Please plan for Remote Learning as a possibility if health conditions do not improve.
|
Our goal of making decisions in smaller increments to allow for as much in-person learning as possible also helps with our ability to quickly adjust to the ever-changing health conditions in our area. While the district continues to closely monitor the county health data, we ask our families to review all COVID-19 prevention strategies.
Without question, our partnership during this time is essential for success throughout this school year. Challenges and complexities are certain to emerge for all of us, but District leaders are confident that with your continued support and patience, we will make the best decisions we can with the information available. As a result, our students and staff will continue to be successful and safe.
Wishing our entire Hurricane Family a wonderful fall break and Thanksgiving holiday!
Sincerely,
Dr. Theodore Caleris
Superintendent/CEO
Brooklyn City Schools