COVID-19 Update: Remote Learning Mandate In Effect Until January 15, 2021

Earlier this morning, Mayor Joe Hogsett and Dr. Virginia Caine shared that they are ordering all public and private K-12 schools to transition to remote learning no later than the end of the day on Friday, November 30th. Out of an abundance of caution, and in response to rapidly rising positivity rates in our county and surrounding areas, today, Thursday, November 12th, will be our last day of in-person instruction for grades K-8 through Tuesday, January 19th.  The county also has mandated that K-12 schools must remain in remote learning through Friday, January 15th.
 
Excerpt from Head of School Sherri Helvie’s email to families:
“While I don’t think this news comes as a surprise given the rapidly rising rates of COVID-19 in our county, state, and country, nevertheless I know that it’s a transition that brings a sense of loss.  Our time together across these past 12 weeks has been filled with enthusiasm and appreciation that we have been able to come together at school safely for in-person teaching and learning.  I am so proud of our students, teachers, staff, and families for what we have accomplished together, including the great care and attention of our faculty and staff in making sure that we are fully prepared to transition to remote learning.  We look forward to welcoming back our students on campus when we are allowed to do so by Marion County, and to partnering with our families to make sure that our Orchard students are well supported by the love, connection, and learning that will guide our work through these upcoming weeks.” 



Our teachers are strong—their hearts are sad, but they are ready to shift into the next thing. As you’ll recall from remote learning last spring, they will take this challenge and find opportunities to apply the “Orchard way” in a virtual setting. In the meantime, families, know that we’re here for you, and like before, it’s a team effort and partnership that will keep our momentum, and our Owls strong!
 
ICYMI: Below is a video highlighting the results of our collective efforts to be in person here at Orchard. Enjoy the holidays and we’ll see you before you know it.
 
Owls forever!
 
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