July 2020

Dear parents and community members,

Update on reopening of school in August
As promised, it’s the end of June, and I wanted to communicate the latest information about the reopening of school this fall.  We are taking a proactive approach to ensure that our students and families continue to experience high quality instruction tailored to their needs and comfort levels.  Our number one concern is the health and safety of our students, teachers and staff.

The news about the coronavirus changes daily and, as you know, recent increases in the number of reported cases is very upsetting.  Every day, we continue to monitor guidelines from the CDC, ODH, ODE, the Governor’s office and local health departments.  We expect to hear specific information from the Governor’s office later this week and anticipate making a more formal announcement about our plans at that time.

In the meantime, our administrative team has been working on a variety of options and plans in anticipation of offering different student instructional options next year.

I will be in touch as soon as we receive State guidelines and understand those expectations.  Thank you for your understanding and patience.

Sincerely,

George Joseph
Superintendent of the Kent City Schools

Class of 2020 scholarship winners
Students in the Class of 2020 received a number of generous scholarships from community members and groups.  For a complete list, check out this website:
https://sites.google.com/kentschools.net/scholarship/home

Register now for Kindergarten 2020-2021
All-day kindergarten is offered at no cost to Kent families.  Parents and guardians of children who will be five years old on or before August 1, 2020, should register their students as soon as possible to ensure that their child has space in their neighborhood elementary school.  Visit www.kentschools.net/kindergarten  for more details.

Rough Rider Reads returns this summer with free books
Students in kindergarten through twelfth grade who participate in Rough Rider Reads will receive a free book.  Due to COVID-19 concerns, students with last names beginning with A to M are asked to come between 5 and 6 p.m. and those with last names beginning with N to Z between 6 and 7 p.m.  Volunteers wearing masks and gloves will distribute the books to children, who must stay in their cars until their turn.  Walkers must maintain a social distance.  No food or activities are planned for this year.

• July 14, 5 – 7 p.m., Al Lease Park
• July 28, 5 – 7 p.m., Holden Elementary
• August 11, 5 – 7 p.m., Walls Elementary

Information on free summer meals
Summer meals will be provided free from June 1 to August 7 by LoveLight and Community Action Council of Portage County.  See more information at the Food Services link.

Thank you again for your support of the Kent City Schools,