Notice to Parents

Friday, April 24

by Superintendent Jorth

Dear Central Lyon Families & Staff,

Thank you for your continued interaction with one another as we become accustomed to distance learning. Our priorities remain the same for teaching and learning through the end of the school year on May 15:

1. student mental health and social/emotional needs,
2. maintaining the health and safety of students, and
3. making DLRs accessible for all students.

It is important to remember our goal is to continue to deliver the essential learnings that would have normally been taught if students were still in school. Teachers are available eight (8) hours each day to students and families. If you would like to schedule a 15-minute video-conference or phone call to review questions you have regarding the resources you are currently studying, please do not hesitate to contact your teacher or building principal.

Pick-up of Belongings at School

Students and families may pick-up materials their personal belongings next week. The high school commons will be transformed into a “post office” and will be open for pick-up from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 29, and Thursday, April 30; and on Friday, May 1, from 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Please enter the high school using the main entrance to the office (1010 S Greene St). Central Lyon administrators will be onsite to enforce the following “stop the spread” strategies and social distancing techniques to protect the health and safety of all:

1. Only 10 individuals will be allowed access to the high school commons at any one time.
2. Face coverings should be worn.
3. Families will be limited to one (1) adult per family for collection of materials.
4. Student drivers (those with school permits or licenses) should attend by themselves.

PK-4 students will have a bag containing their materials in the commons that has been sorted by their classroom teacher, while 5^th-12^th grade students/family members will be allowed to walk to their locker and clean it out.

Return of Laptops & Learning Resources

Students and families will return laptops, learning resources, and materials utilized during the school closure starting Monday,

May 18. More details will be shared as we get closer to that date.

Meals Pick-up Locations to Change

Due to the pick-up of student belongings, and in an effort to stop the spread, our free grab-and-go meal program will change pick-up locations in Rock Rapids starting Monday, April 27. Students and families should make plans to pick-up meals at:

• The Bus Garage: 603 S 2^nd Avenue East – 11:15 a.m. to 12:00 (noon)
• The Soccer Field Parking Lot Entrance: 1100 S 4^th Avenue – 12:00 (noon) to 12:45 p.m.

Students and families in Doon may still pick-up meals at the public library parking lot, and meals will be delivered to those living outside the city limits of Rock Rapids and Doon. To receive this service, call the high school office: (712) 472-2664.

Thanks to the generosity of our community partners, Central Lyon has served more than 4,800 children/students with an average of 210 meals distributed daily. Meals will continue to be provided until the last day of school on May 15. Individuals and businesses who wish to financially support the meal program should email Jackie Wells at jwells@centrallyon.org.

Class of 2020

I hope you have been able to read about members of the Class of 2020 by going to the Central Lyon Facebook page. Seniors are sharing their most memorable moments, advice for underclassmen, and their plans for the future. At this time we are excited to announce preparations have begun for a Class of 2020 parade on Friday, May 15. It is our hope that each member of the Class of 2020 is able to participate, and our community partners can join us in celebrating their impact on our school and community. Seniors be sure to look for an email next week from Mr. Engleman with more details.

Commencement exercises are still planned for Sunday, June 28. In the event we must delay again, our alternative date is Sunday, July 19.

Retiree Recognition

The Class of 2020 parade will provide us an opportunity to celebrate Central Lyon retirees: Laureen Schram-elementary teacher, Kay DeGroot-elementary secretary, Marla Freese-district administrative assistant, and Mark McCarty-bus driver. We will be working with the retirees and community partners to find locations that are safe for us to travel throughout our community while honoring the 87 years of combined service to students, families, and staff.

Community partners who are interested in participating in the parade should contact Mr. Jorth via email at bjorth@centrallyon.org  – space is limited.

2020-21 School Start Date

Governor Reynolds has issued a waiver to Iowa’s schools regarding the start of school in the fall of 2020. While no decisions have been made, school leaders are considering all options. Leaders are developing a survey to gather feedback from students, families, staff, and the community. Like we have all learned, it is important for us to remain flexible. While we plan for a return date, alternate plans are also being developed if the peak of the disease is delayed, or a second wave occurs next school year. Please look for a message next week regarding the survey on calendar priorities.

Public Health Reminders

Governor Reynolds’ emergency disaster proclamation concerning the closure of schools also includes the closure of school grounds and parking lots – including playgrounds, the track, baseball and softball fields, and green spaces. While these measures are increasingly difficult due to the improved weather conditions, please continue to do your part to stop the spread. Individuals who utilize these public spaces will be asked to leave, and law enforcement will be contacted if groups do not adhere to the reminder.

Onward Lions,

Brent Jorth