From Sarasota County Schools - Released on March 18,2020...
Dear families and employees,
We wanted to share a few clarifying details based on the recommendations that the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) issued yesterday, as well as address some of the common questions that we’ve received from families and employees recently.
Instructional Continuity Plans & Mobile Device Needs Survey
The week of March 23, school district staff will be completing their instructional continuity plans and communicating with families on their technology needs. We have been in contact with Comcast – their Internet Essentials program is available to anyone who needs internet connectivity in Comcast service areas. Please go to www.InternetEssentials.com as quickly as possible to begin the connection process. If you need a laptop, please let the school district know by completing the Mobile Device Needs Survey, found at www.sarasotacountyschools.net/deviceneedssurvey. If you can’t access the survey, please contact the district’s Information Technology department at 941-927-9000, ext. 31350.
Beginning Monday, March 30, teachers will be trained on how to deliver distance learning. The school district is planning a complete rollout to all traditional public school students on Wednesday, April 1. Teachers who have connectivity issues will be allowed to work from their classrooms.
Update on AICE, IB, and AP courses
At this time, the school district intends to provide instruction for all AICE, IB, and AP courses and opportunities to take the culminating assessment. We will continue to follow the guidelines and updates from College Board, Cambridge, and International Baccalaureate.
Senior Prom and High School Graduation Ceremonies
We are currently following CDC guidelines with regards to mass gatherings like prom and graduation. Decisions regarding these events will be made at a later date.
All other events are postponed until further notice. This includes kindergarten roundup and award ceremonies.
Third Quarter Report Cards
Third Quarter grades will be available on the Family Access Portal on Tuesday, April 7.
Meals for Students
During the week of Spring Break (March 16—March 20), we encourage any families looking for meal support to reach out to local food banks and food pantries. Please visit All Faiths Food Banks’ Food Distribution Schedules on their website for location information.
Any/all children 18 or under will be provided meals starting on Monday, March 23. The meal service will run Monday thru Friday each week until schools reopen. The following locations will be open for drive-thru meal service:
- BookerHigh School – 3201 North Orange Avenue
- FruitvilleElementary School – 601 Honore Avenue
- Garden Elementary School-700 Center Road, Venice
- NorthPortHigh School – 6400 West Price Blvd, North Port
- AtwaterElementary School – 4701 Huntsville Ave, North Port
Parents and guardians can pick up a meal for their child from 9:00 AM until 1:00 PM during the day. Children must be in the car for staff to verify in order for parents and guardians to receive a meal. The meals will consist of a lunch, as well as a breakfast for the next morning. Parents and guardians should follow the signs when entering each of the school campuses.
Our Food & Nutrition Services department will attempt to accommodate a child's allergens – parents and guardians will need to email Kristen.Pulfer@sarasotacountyschools.net with allergen considerations, school location for pick up, and approximate time of pick up.
The school district will be communicating updates with families and employees as new information becomes available to us. We appreciate your patience and understanding as state and national guidelines are changing daily, at times hourly. Please continue to practice good health habits such as social distancing and frequent hand washing with soap.
Thank you!
--Sarasota County Schools