Dear HMS Families,
In the week and a half since we last had school, much has changed in our world. I know that with change often comes stress and worry. Please know that what has not changed is our commitment and care for your student. We are continuing to work as a school district to develop and collect resources to support students. Please visit our district website or app regularly for more information; including educational resources, school meal locations, childcare and more. www.kelso.wednet.edu. You will also be receiving an email/call from a Huntington staff member tomorrow (3/26) to answer a few questions regarding student distance learning preferences. In some cases, this call may read as “blocked” on your caller ID as it is coming from a number off campus as we observe social distancing requirements.
I also trust that most of you have received emails or post cards from teachers checking in with you. Know that our hearts are with all of our families and our community during this unprecedented time. We hope that communication from us reminds you that although it may look different than it has in the past, we care deeply about your child’s health, happiness and growth. Also, please remember that we are serving sack meals between 10:30-11:30 a.m., Monday-Friday, out in front of Huntington for all children 18 years old and younger. We have both a walk-up and drive through option. In addition, there are many Lexington, Beacon Hill, and Catlin locations for your convenience.
Finally, as you may have noticed on Skyward, teachers are finishing up posting 3rd Quarter grades this week. These grades reflect your child’s progress when the quarter ended unexpectedly. Because this has meant that students did not have the full typical opportunity to complete missing work, some assignments may have been excused for now. There will be opportunities when we return to finalize these grades and show their learning for semester grades. Please know that teachers have approached this task with an open mind and a desire to give students the benefit of the doubt. Our goal is not to “ding” students, but to meet a deadline of reporting knowing that we will work together to solve individual problems or make adjustments as needed in the future. Please do not hesitate to email a teacher directly if you have a question regarding a grade. They will work with you to determine a solution that is best for the individual situation.
Please also keep in mind that your family’s health, safety, and connectedness is the most important thing right now. Know that although the situation around us changes daily, our commitment to our students remains strong. We Are a community who gets through this together.
All my best,
Laura Hiatt