Panhandle Schools Closed for the Remainder of the School Year

March 31, 2020
For more information, contact:
Kim Engel, Director, 308-760-2415, kengel@pphd.org

Panhandle schools will be operating in an alternative learning environment for the remainder of the school year.

After consultation with COVID-19 Unified Command, it has been determined that all schools in the Nebraska Panhandle will remain closed and operate in an alternative learning environment for the remainder of the 2019/2020 school year. 

Traditional graduation ceremonies are not going to be possible this May.  Schools will be working to determine appropriate alternative methods to honor the Class of 2020 in each community, whether that be a ceremony at a later date or some other locally determined alternative graduation that complies with the guidance of health officials.

We continue to monitor the unfolding COVID-19 epidemic to anticipate its impact on the Panhandle.  We are working as a unified command with Region 21, 22, and 23 Emergency Managers, and Scotts Bluff County Health Department on this evolving situation.  We will continue to communicate important updates to the public and our partners.  The CDC is putting out updated guidance daily; for the most up to date information visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.  To learn more about COVID-19, go to https://www.cdc.gov/covid19.

Panhandle Public Health District is working together to improve the health, safety, and quality of life for all who live, learn, work and play in the Panhandle.  Our vision is that we are a healthier and safer Panhandle Community.  Visit our website www.pphd.org.

Week 1 Reflections on Remote Learning

(2 minute video)

Cardinal Counseling's 5 Bullet Friday for March 27th

WELCOME TO 5 BULLET FRIDAY! The Chadron High School Cardinal Counseling Department is excited to share our 5 Bullet Friday Newsletter for the 2019-20 school year!  Each week we will be providing readers with five facts, tips or tricks to help make the school year a success academically, emotionally, and socially!  If you do not wish to receive this email feel free to UNSUBSCRIBE using the button located at the bottom of this email. 1. Cardinal Cast:  Student, Parent & Teacher Expectations During School Closure 2. Digital School Counseling Open Office Hours! Email to Set Appointment! I am available virtually to talk with any student who has questions or wants to chat with their school counselor! I hope to set up ZOOM and FACETIME meetings to go over next year schedules as well! I have already told students they can also Facetime me at any point just by typing in my email:  loni.watson@chadronschools.net!  Today I held virtual office hours and got to FaceTime with 6 lovely students that I miss dearly!!     3. Tips for Parents During COVID-19 Pandemic 4. Know How to Sew?  Bored?  Help Our Community Make Hospital Masks! Contact Mrs. Watson to get free materials!   5.  Students and Parents:  2020-21 Schedules are Ready for Viewing and REVIEW! I plan on emailing students VERY SOON with a copy of their 2020-21 schedule draft!  After the schedule is received I'd like to set up a ZOOM meeting where we can talk about: 1.  Classes, likes, dislikes, changes. 2.  Future plans after high school 3.  Summer enrichment opportunities 4.  Career counseling Parents are invited to join these meetings as well!!  Once the schedule is reviewed ZOOM meetings can be requested and coordinated by emailing Mrs. Watson at loni.watson@chadronschools.net Look forwarding to virtually "SEEING" everyone soon!  Here's a "PEAK" at seniors schedule for next year and a few offerings in the new split 1a/1b section :) Readers, THANK YOU AGAIN for joining us! Whether you are from CHS or another school, If you find it worthwhile please continue to SHARE. THE. LOVE (and the link).

Video - Thoughts On Expectations At Start Of School Closure

Free Internet Service for 60 Days

Great Plains Communications is offering 60 days of free internet service and increased bandwidth!
View the full notice and signup information at: https://www.gpcom.com/covid-19-notice/

Thank you for serving our community in these unprecedented times!

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions (March 23rd)

We're all in this together!  This is one of those rare weeks when the teachers are probably learning more than the students!   :)

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

How do I sign up for the text messages?
Text to: 81010    Type the message:  @chsnote     Press to send.

What if I need a textbook or personal items left in school?
The student should call the office (432-0707) or email the principal to schedule a time so we have staff available to meet them at the door for a personal escort to wipe surfaces.

My teacher hasn't emailed yet?
Be patient.  Our goal is for all available classes to be provided by Monday, March 30th.  We're hoping for a slow start and staggering several start dates.

How can a parent be aware of student progress or assignments?
Teachers have been asked to include parents in a few opening emails. Parents are encouraged to email the teachers as needed for questions and concerns.  Some classes are provided via Google Classroom, parents will be invited to have guardian access. Finally, Infinite Campus may or may not be useful, we're waiting a week or two to see how we can record mastery progress.

Do students have to complete classes?
Only for credit!  :)   Some seniors are required to complete the current classes for graduation requirements. All students will be offered credit based on completion.   If a student does not finish the current class, and it is required for graduation (ex. a junior in US History), then they will have to reschedule for next year or complete summer school or other credit recovery before graduation.

What credit do I get for the classes that are not offered via remote learning?
Students will receive the full quarter or semester credit for any class cancelled.
  A list of classes that will not be offered via remote learning include:
Foods & Nutrition, Culinary Skills II, Woods/Manufacturing, Woods II, Drafting, Welding, Construction, 9th Transition, Speech 9, World Geography, International Relations, Basic Nursing, Stagecraft, Concert Choir, Guitar, Band, Instrumental Lab, Intro to Business, Advanced Computers, PE9, Lifetime Activities, Advanced Fitness.

I didn't complete the survey but can I still pick up Grab-n-Go meals for my kids?
Yep. The survey was to give an idea of starting numbers.  Extra meals have been provided but we may run out of meals a time or two until we get a better idea of how many families will participate.

What time is the Grab-n-Go pick up?
11:00-12:30 on Monday, Tuesday and Friday.  2-days worth of meals are provided on Monday and Wednesday, with a 3-day supply on Friday to help with the weekend.

Do I have to pick up the meals at the school my student attends?
Nope.   You can pick up all of your children's meals at the handiest location for you ...the Middle School or the Intermediate parking area.