No School; Good Friday
April 2: Good Friday. No school
Spring Break
April 5-9: Spring Break. No school.
April 12: Classes resume
Memorial Day
May 31: Memorial Day No school.
Graduation
May 23: Graduation
Last Day of School
June 11: Last day of school without makeup. Dismissal 11:10 am
Pittsford Area Schools
9304 Hamilton Pittsford, MI 49271 517.523.3481
Kindergarten Roundup
Welcome Little Wildcats!
Pittsford Schools Extended Covid-19 Learning Plan
On August 20, 2020, Governor Whitmer signed House Bill 5913 into law as Public Act 149. Section 98a states that in order to receive state aid for 2020-2021, districts must provide for instruction under an extended COVID-19 Learning Plan (“Plan”) that has been approved by an intermediate district or authorizing body. The Plan does not replace the District’s/PSA’s COVID-19 Preparedness and Response Plan, it is an additional plan that includes new assurances and sections on educational goals, instructional delivery, grading, and equitable access. PA 149 does not apply to districts that operate as a cyber school.
Pittsford Area Schools Re-Entry/Back to School Plan (7/15/20)
To the Pittsford School Community: The link below will take you to the plan developed by the county schools and the Hillsdale ISD. Please read it carefully. Our collective and unwavering commitment is to put the needs of our students and staff above all else. We value collaboration as a necessary driver for advancing student learning and school safety in Hillsdale County.
Dear Parent or Guardians:
As we conclude what has been a rewarding, yet unprecedented school year, I want to thank you for your partnership in the journey we have gone through together! In my twenty-five years in education I cannot remember a time where parents had to juggle so many responsibilities with their families, including taking on an educational role at times! Thank you for all that you have done and thank you for your patience as we navigated the waters of remote learning.
So where do we go from here? We obviously don’t know the scenario we will be faced with in the Fall of 2020, but please know this: we will provide a quality education for your child no matter what your preference, no matter what the guidelines, no matter the situation! While we prefer to begin the school year 100% in person, we know that we must have a robust customized remote learning plan should you, the parent, prefer it or should the circumstances require it.
A plan that resembles what we teach in person and when we teach it so that kids have a similar experience in either delivery model. One that provides a great deal of student-teacher interaction and support, and one that allows the parent to return to being the parent and the school re-assuming the major role of educating every student.
We have teams working on our in person re-entry to school and remote learning instruction. In addition, we are preparing for facilities that are safer than at any previous time. We will be ready to begin next August 19, 2020.
A survey will be sent out following this letter that will provide Pittsford Area Schools and our county with some very important information regarding both the experience your student(s) have just completed and what you are thinking at this point in time in regards to the Fall of 2020 learning preferences for your child. Please know this survey is confidential. The data will provide good information as we plan to meet your needs for next school year.
Things appear to be changing rapidly with each week that passes. I assure you that we will be ready to provide the top-notch education you have come to expect from Pittsford Area Schools.
Again, thank you for your continued partnership. We look forward to an exceptional 2020-2021 school year!
Educationally,
Deanna Edens
Superintendent
Pittsford Area Schools
Below is a letter from the Hillsdale ISD and an opportunity to take their survey regarding the 2020-21 school year
Hillsdale County School Re-entry Parents Survey Spring 2020
|
The COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented moment in our history, including students and schools. Almost overnight schools have had to revamp their entire instructional delivery model. The purpose of this countywide survey is to not only understand the impact the pandemic has had on students’ experiences, but also how to best serve students moving forward. Please fill out the survey for ONLY ONE child attending a Hillsdale County School. If you would like to complete the survey for any of your other children, you may do so by completing the survey again. To note, the information collected is anonymous. After question number 2 you may skip any question you do not wish to answer. The survey should take no more than 5 to 10 minutes to complete. Thank you for your time and input. The survey will close on June 29th 5 pm. Respectfully, Hillsdale County ISD Superintendent Troy Reehl and your local school Superintendents |
Covid 19; District Preparedness Plan
COVID-19 Preparedness and Response Plan
(Executive Order 2020-142 District Preparedness Plan)
Revised 8/6/2020
Name of District: Pittsford Area Schools
Address of District: 9304 Hamilton Street
District Code Number: 30060
Web Address of the District: www.pittsfordk12.org
Name of Intermediate School District: Hillsdale County ISD
Name of Authorizing Body (if applicable):
Preparedness Plan Introduction
Governor Whitmer’s Executive Order 2020-142 “provides a structure to support all schools in Michigan as they plan for a return of pre-K-12 education in the fall. Under the order, school districts must adopt a COVID-19 Preparedness and Response Plan laying out how they will cope with the disease across the various phases of the Michigan Safe Start Plan. In turn, the accompanying Michigan Return to School Roadmap offers a guide to the types of safety protocols appropriate during each phase. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution: What works in Lansing may not work in Sault Sainte Marie. Districts will retain the flexibility to tailor their instruction to their particular needs and to the disease conditions present in their regions.” (EO-2020-142)
Each district (public, public school academy (PSA), nonpublic, and intermediate school district (ISD) that educates pre-K-12 students) shall submit a single completed Assurance Document and Preparedness Plan to its Board in time for approval by August 15 or seven days before the first day of school, whichever comes first. This template, when completed, serves as a single Assurance Document and Preparedness Plan.
The Preparedness Plan will be collected by the Intermediate School District for public school districts, the authorizing body for public school academies, or the chief/designated school administrator for nonpublic schools for transmission to the State Superintendent of Public Instruction and State Treasurer by August 17, 2020. Additionally, this Preparedness Plan must be posted on the district’s/PSA’s, or nonpublic school’s public website home page no later than August 17, 2020. A single application should be filed by the district rather than multiple applications for individual schools within a district.
The District agrees to meet all of the following requirements of Executive Order 2020-142
✓ The District assures that when it provides in-person instruction to its students without disabilities, the district must also provide in-person instruction to its students with disabilities, consistent with their individualized education programs (IEPs).
✓ The District assures that when schools are closed to in-person instruction, districts must strive in good faith and to the extent practicable, based upon available resources, technology, training, and curriculum, as well as the circumstances presented by COVID-19, to provide equal access to any alternative modes of instruction to students with disabilities from birth through age 26. This assurance includes the provision of auxiliary services under section 1296 of the Revised School Code, MCL 380.1296.
✓ The District assures that while any state of emergency or disaster related to the COVID-19 pandemic continues, it shall comply with guidance from the United States Department of Education, including its Office of Civil Rights and Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, and the Michigan Department of Education concerning the delivery of alternative modes of instruction to students with disabilities in light of the impact of COVID-19.
✓ The District assures that it shall, to the extent practicable and necessary, make individualized determinations whether and to what extent compensatory services may be needed for students with disabilities in light of the school closures during the 2019–2020 school year.
✓ The District assures that during Phase 1, 2, or 3 of the Michigan Safe Start Plan it will close its buildings to anyone except: (a) District employees or contractors necessary to conduct minimum basic school operations consistent with a Preparedness Plan, including those employers or contractors necessary to facilitate alternative modes of instruction, such as distributing materials and equipment or performing other necessary in-person functions. (b) Food-service workers preparing food for distribution to students or their families. (c) Licensed child-care providers and the families that they serve, if providers follow all emergency protocols identified by the state.
✓ The District assures that during Phase 1, 2, or 3 of the Michigan Safe Start Plan it will suspend athletics, after-school activities, inter-school activities, and busing.
✓ The District assures that during Phase 1, 2, or 3 of the Michigan Safe Start Plan it will provide for the continued pay of school employees while redeploying staff to provide meaningful work in the context of the Preparedness Plan, subject to any applicable requirements of a collective bargaining agreement.
✓ The District assures that in Phases 1, 2, or 3 of the Michigan Safe Start Plan it will provide for the continuation of food distribution to eligible students.
✓ The District assures that during Phase 4 of the Michigan Safe Start Plan it will prohibit indoor assemblies that bring together students from more than one classroom.
✓ The District assures cooperation with the local public health department if a confirmed case of COVID-19 is identified, and agrees to collect the contact information for any close contacts of the affected individual from two days before he or she showed symptoms to the time when he or she was last present in school.
Every district must develop and adopt a COVID-19 Preparedness and Response Plan (“Preparedness Plan”) that is informed by Michigan’s 2020-21 Return to School Roadmap (“Return to School Roadmap”) from the COVID-19 Task Force on Education and Return to School Advisory Council.
In accordance with Executive Order 2020-142 a plan must include all the following parts:
District and Building Implementation Plan:
The district plans to use a hybrid model of instruction using online learning platforms as the primary mode of instruction (i.e.Google Classroom, Edmodo, Odysseyware, Moby Max, Zoom). Students without devices or internet access will have access to instructional materials through a weekly instructional packet. Instructional materials (i.e. paper, pencils, etc) will be made available to families that do not have them. All students will have access to grade-level/course textbooks/resources as needed to complete their work. Students will not be penalized for inability to fully participate provided families stay engaged with school personnel in developing personalized and realistic education plans for their child. Students must communicate with their teachers if unable to fully participate in classroom assignments/activities so an alternative plan can be developed. The district will do everything it can to meet student/family needs and allow for full participation. Teachers/Staff will be expected to attempt weekly contact with students and have two-way communication. This may be done through the use of technology (i.e. virtual meeting, email, Class Dojo, Remind) or through weekly phone calls/text messaging. For students with technology access teachers may communicate each week through the instructional platform (i.e. Google Classroom, Zoom, Edmodo), with an emphasis on continuing to build relationships and maintain connections. If students do not have access to technology, teachers will provide instructional packets that focus on essential content, building relationships, and maintaining connections. We will encourage relationships between students through technology (virtual meetings, email), by phone or text, or by having students write letters to classmates. Teachers will have set office hours.
For students with technology access, content will be delivered through the online platform. Teachers will be accessible for synchronous instruction (virtual meetings/office hours) at least once per week and asynchronous instruction through pre-made videos or live videos/lessons multiple times per week. For those students without technology, the main mode of delivery will be through hard copy instructional packets. This will be supplemented by teacher contact to support instruction. The instructional packets will be provided through bus delivery or by picking up at school.
For students with technology access, teachers will monitor student access and assignment completion on a regular basis within the instructional platform. Teachers will provide feedback to students on assignments. Teachers will differentiate instruction as needed. For students without technology access, instructional packets will be delivered and collected each week during designated days and times. Teachers will review the instructional packet and provide feedback. Feedback from the teacher will include differentiated work as needed, along with examples to support student learning. An example of this may be providing a student that is struggling with double-digit subtraction/additional practice and several written examples with the steps. A phone call could also be used as a follow-up if needed. If the student is not participating in bus drop- off, materials may be returned to school.
The plan will be communicated through an all-call communication platform. The plan will be posted in a prominent location on our district website, and a link will also be posted on our district Facebook page. A hardcopy will be available upon request.
For our students in dual enrollment courses we will be working with the provider to determine next steps. We will ensure that the students have the appropriate materials and support to complete these courses. For students enrolled in CTE programs we will work with the CTC Principal/Director to ensure our students have the ability to complete these courses. When needed, the district will ensure the student has the necessary resources.
If a student has access to technology, teachers will use the instructional platform to monitor student wellness, engagement, and completion of assignments. They will also keep a log of communication with students and families. If a student does not have access to technology, teachers will keep track of which students are completing the weekly instructional packets. They will also need to keep a log of all communication with students and families. Inconsistent completion and/or communication with a parent or student will be raised to the Principal for the middle/high students or Lead Teacher for the elementary students to develop a plan to connect with the student and family. Additional support agencies may be sought to make these connections.
The district will survey all parents to determine current mental health needs and provide an online form for parents/students to request support. Based on the survey results or form requests, the school social worker will reach out to individual students and families to determine what they may need. Appropriate school personnel will help connect the family to outside agencies, if needed, to help meet their needs. School staff will monitor and assess the needs of students and families through their communications. If a need is identified, the school staff will elevate that need to the principal or counselor to make the necessary follow-up. The middle school/high school principal and elementary lead teacher will hold weekly virtual meetings with teachers and other key staff to identify any additional students or families in need.
iii) All staff when in classrooms.
District and Building Implementation Plan:
Please describe how you will implement the requirements for hygiene protocols
from the Return to School Roadmap (p. 22-23).
District and Building Implementation Plan:
○ Hand-washing schedule
○ Room and materials cleaning schedule
○ proper handwashing on the first day of school and reinforce weekly or more often if needed
○ how to cough and sneeze into their elbows, or to cover with a tissue and dispose of it in the trash
○ Procure adequate soap, hand sanitizer, paper towels, tissues
○ Post signage related to cleaning and hygiene strategies in each room, restroom, throughout the hallways.
○ Monitor hygiene supplies and refill as needed
○ Procure hand sanitizing stations as deemed necessary during walk-through with the building leader.
District and Building Implementation Plan:
District and Building Implementation Plan:
Please describe how you will implement the requirements for screening protocols from the Return to School Roadmap (p. 24).
District and Building Implementation Plan:
Please describe how you will implement the requirements for testing protocols from the Return to School Roadmap (p. 25).
District and Building Implementation Plan:
Pittsford Area Schools will cooperate with the local public health department if a confirmed case of COVID-19 is identified, and in particular, will collect the contact information for any close contacts of the affected individual from two days before he or she showed symptoms to the time when he or she was last present at the school.
Please describe how you will implement the requirements for busing and student transportation protocols from the Return to School Roadmap (p. 28).
District and Building Implementation Plan:
The district will follow all required and strongly recommended protocols for Phase 4 of the Return to School Roadmap when our region is located in Phase 5 of the Michigan Safe Start Plan. |
The district will follow all required and strongly recommended protocols for Phase 4 of the Return to School Roadmap when our region is located in Phase 5 of the Michigan Safe Start Plan. |
The district will follow all required and strongly recommended protocols for Phase 4 of the Return to School Roadmap when our region is located in Phase 5 of the Michigan Safe Start Plan. |
The district will follow all required and strongly recommended protocols for Phase 4 of the Return to School Roadmap when our region is located in Phase 5 of the Michigan Safe Start Plan. |
Each district shall submit a single completed Assurance Document and Preparedness Plan to its Board of Education (in the case of a PSA, the Academy Board of Directors; in the case of a nonpublic school, the chief or designated school administrator ) in time for approval by August 15 or seven days before the first day of school, whichever comes first.
Date of Approval by the District Board of Education, PSA Board of Directors, or nonpublic school chief/designated school administrator: August 10, 2020
Link to the Board Meeting Minutes or Signature of Board President, or signature of nonpublic school chief/designated school administrator: https://www.pittsfordk12.org/Page/328
Link to the approved Plan posted on the District/PSA/nonpublic school website: https://www.pittsfordk12.org
The Preparedness Plan will be collected by the Intermediate School District for public school districts, the authorizing body for public school academies, or the chief/designated school administrator for nonpublic schools for transmission to the State Superintendent of Public Instruction and State Treasurer by August 17, 2020. Additionally, this Preparedness Plan must be posted on the district’s/PSA’s, or nonpublic school’s public website home page no later than August 17, 2020.
Name of District/PSA/Nonpublic Leader Submitting Plan: Deanna Edens, Superintendent
Date Received by the ISD/Authorizing Body/Chief or designated School Administrator:
Date Submitted to State Superintendent and State Treasurer: To be completed by ISD Superintendent
Pittsford School Start Date Change
Dear Communities of Hillsdale County,
We want to inform you of a change in the upcoming school year start date. Hillsdale County schools’ Common Calendar was set for students to return August 19th to in-person learning but will be changed to begin after Labor Day on Tuesday, September 8th.
As our schools’ superintendents have been working with staff and collaboratively with each other in preparation for our opening, we have realized that we need more time to make sure all of our schools are prepared for our staff and students with adequate safety equipment, training for staff, and other requirements mandated by our Governor.
We have found that personal protective equipment (PPE) that is required is hard to get in a timely manner: Some of our items have been backordered. We are working collaboratively with our vendors, the Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency, Hillsdale Hospital, and the Hillsdale County Community Foundation to secure equipment needed for students and staff to return safely. All schools are also finalizing their reopening school plan that will be adopted by each school’s Board of Education. Each school in our county has to meet the minimum requirements set in the Governor's order and have it listed in a plan that will be submitted to the state prior to opening. The superintendents feel this extra time will allow staff to be prepared on new safety guidelines in our plans and get our supplies in to start the school year.
We know this change can impact a family and it wasn't made without many long conversations. If you have any questions please contact your local district. Your district will release a calendar soon as they may vary slightly from district-to-district. Please note that winter and spring breaks will remain as previously scheduled on the common calendar.
Sincerely,
Hillsdale County Superintendents
A Letter from the Superintendent to Pittsford Families
August 3, 2020
Hello Wildcat Families!
As our committee continues to develop our Back to School Plan for this fall, we wanted to provide you with an update. Please keep in mind that we are still working our way through the plan based on current Executive Orders and law which could both change suddenly and force us to modify our plans. We anticipate we will have our finalized Back to School Plan by next week. This school year is sure to require flexibility as we all work through an ever-changing environment. Our goal is to create the best plan we can which will allow for a high-quality education while keeping our students and staff safe.
Student Learning: Governor Whitmer’s Executive Order 2020-142 provides a structure to support all schools in Michigan as they plan for a return of pre-K-12 education in the fall. Under the order, school districts must adopt a COVID-19 Preparedness and Response Plan laying out how they will cope with the disease across the various phases of the Michigan Safe Start Plan. One of the directions given to us by the Governor is to create a system, which allows for a quick shift from in-person instruction to online instruction in case our region is moved to Phase 1-3. We are also aware for many families, there is a desire to utilize a remote format at this time. Therefore, we are going to offer two options: in-person and remote. Our teachers will work to create their lessons so that, regardless of which option chosen, students will be receiving a similar curriculum. If we are still in Phase 4 or Phase 5, we will offer both the remote and in-person instruction.
Unknowns: Like you, we are also wondering what is going to happen over the next few weeks. Will the current orders change? Will the legislature change the rules regarding online learning, pupil accounting, instructional hour requirements, seat-time requirements, and more? The good news is most of the policy/legal issues should be resolved soon, which will give us enough time to be ready for our first day of school.
On behalf of our committee, thank you for your patience and understanding as we work through this complicated process. As more of our requirements become clarified and our plan develops more, we will share those details with you.
Please take a moment to complete the following survey by August 10th to help us better prepare for the upcoming school year.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1AB44uVw_yFoYm-7sUo9dnW3yd3YdoRIC2PVjGMfOCJM/edit?ts=5f249bc7
Thank you,
Deanna Edens
Superintendent
Reconfirmation