Ohio Governor MikeDeWine announced Thursday during a COVID-19 press conference that he has ordered all kindergarten through 12th grade schools to close for a period of three weeks, which officially begins at the end of the school day Monday.
On the heels of this announcement, local teachers devoted their time Friday to developing remote lesson plans and online learning for students for this period.
Several area districts, including Bellefontaine and Benjamin Logan schools, also opted to close school to students Friday to provide instructors additional time to prepare these materials. For the school districts that remained open Friday, students were able to pick up their assignments from their teachers and receive instructions.
Schools districts provided detailed information to families via social media and their websites, with Bellefontaine High School Principal Dr. Pam Noeth posting a message to her pupils on the BHS website, also noting that all school facilities, practices and events are canceled through April 5:
“We are living in an historic time. In light of the recent events across the state, the nation, and in the world, we want to make sure we are communicating with one another and taking care of one another in Chieftain Nation.”
Indian Lake Superintendent Rob Underwood also addressed families via the school’s website in an online video.
“I want to thank you for your patience and understanding during this trying time. I know it’s really difficult for our staff, students and the community to receive information at the last minute.
“We ask that parents help their students and that they make sure they are keeping up on their studies. We want you to know that teachers will be available to assist students during regular school hours.”
With schools being closed for a three-week period in the middle of the school year, educators and other residents also expressed their concerns that pupils would not have access to the school lunch program.
Quickly addressing that issue, many of the area school districts have developed plans for students to obtain meals during this time.
The United Way of Logan County and other community leaders also met Friday to discuss these issues, stating “no one will go hungry in Logan County” Local food and child care resources available during the school closure is available at www.uwlogan.org/covid-19-help-logan-county.
Riverside Local Schools announced through its website that the district will provide lunches for as many students and families as possible from Monday through Friday during the weeks of March 16 and March 30.
Riverside’s spring break was previously scheduled for the week of March 23, and district officials said they are working with area churches to feed students during that week.
For the upcoming meal times, the district said at 11 a.m. on these dates, it will have five different buses parked at five different locations at the American Legion in DeGraff, Cornish Drive and Miller Street in DeGraff, Mead & Humble drives in DeGraff, the Quincy United Methodist Church, and the Quincy Ball Park.”
In addition, the delivery of Riverside school lunches will be made available via school vans and a bus, as needed. Call the school office to set up a provided lunch at (937) 585-5981 ext. 4310 or 4300. When you call, provide your name, address, number of meals needed and if you need it delivered or you will pick up. If one of our secretaries does not answer, leave a message with this information.
“Please be patient with our staff as we head into uncharted waters. We will provide as much support as possible for our students during this time,” district representatives said.
Bellefontaine City Schools is partnering with Lutheran Community Services (Our Daily Bread) to provide meals for students, beginning Monday March 16.
Bellefontaine bus drivers will deliver lunch to five drop-off locations between 11 a.m. and noon Monday through Friday, including Brookstone Apartments, Heritage Court, Red Bud Apartments, Southern Meadows and Union Station.
Lutheran Community Services, 223 Oakland Square, Bellefontaine, will provide a daily hot meal from 10:30 to noon and 4:15 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. A sack lunch is available between 8:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Indian Lake food service employees will prepare meals for all students beginning Tuesday, March 17. Students will receive one standard meal from a unified menu each school day.
Bus drivers will deliver those meals daily to area residences and bus stops with the assistance of educational aides. This service will begin Tuesday, March 17. Underwood provides additional details about how the district’s meal delivery will work at the district’s website, www.indianlake.k12.oh.us.
Beginning Monday, Benjamin Logan Schools also will be delivering student lunches to communities within the district at designated locations between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, district officials said via Facebook Friday.
Meals will be available at the following locations: Rushsylvania Village Park by the ball fields; the Belle Center Memorial Building at the Park; Middleburg United Methodist Church; Veterans Park in Zanesfield at the parking lot near the Fire Station; East Liberty Post Office; and West Mansfield Veterans Park Alpine Parkway playground parking lot
Participants should “look for the school bus,” officials said. In the lunch bag, students will receive that day’s lunch and the following day’s breakfast.
If this timeline does not work for families, they should call the Food Service Director Jann McBrien at (937) 593-9211.
“Thank you to our staff, especially our food service and transportation staff, for making this possible,” district representatives said.