MARION COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

“Grab & Go” Meal Service Expanding,

Summer School Dates Announced

MARION COUNTY – Marion County Public Schools’ update for today includes the following actions taken related to the COVID-19 situation:

·         “Grab & Go” meal service, now in its seventh week, added another 15 delivery sites by community request.  This service started March 24 and today delivered 9,860 breakfast and lunch meals to 4,930 students. So far, “Grab & Go” has handed out 287,539 meals and recently received word of an additional $50k for fresh fruit and vegetables thanks to schools in other districts closing.  Additional delivery sites will be shared tomorrow and begin Wednesday, May 6. Current delivery sites are listed here, served by 21 schools that prepare and deliver to 140-plus locations.  Families can call 211 or text “FoodFL” to 877-7877 for their nearest serving location.  This program serves ALL children 18 and under regardless of whether they walk or ride a bicycle, bus or car to school and continues Monday-Friday through June 1.

·         Summer school for elementary students runs Monday – Thursday, June 15 – July 9, and June 15 – July 23 for secondary students.  Students typically attend by invitation only based on academic progress. Extended School Year (ESY) will also be offered on a virtual basis to students with exceptional needs.  Summertime driver’s education classes have been cancelled because safe social distancing is not possible.  More details on summer school programs will be announced in coming weeks.

·         Class of 2020 cap and gown deliveries started today with Belleview High and continue through May 15 at other schools.  A “drive-thru” format maintains safe social distancing and offers seniors the opportunity to make memorable moments with school leaders.  Visit each school’s home page via www.marionschools.net for specific pick-up timeframes based on this schedule and senior’s last name initial:

·         Vanguard High – Thursday, May 7, 9AM-11:30AM

·         Dunnellon High – Tuesday, May 12, 12PM-2PM

·         Lake Weir High – Tuesday, May 12, 5PM-7PM

·         North Marion High – Thursday, May 14, 9AM-11:30AM

·         Forest High – Friday, May 15, 9AM-12PM

·         West Port High – Students will receive their caps and gowns through the mail. This school will hold its drive-thru event for senior signs and yearbooks in the near future.

·         High school graduation ceremonies should be finalized Thursday. School board members and district leaders are committed to honoring the Class of 2020 with in-person recognition built around safe social distancing.  Specific details, including dates and times, are forthcoming.

·         Marion Afterschool Programs (MAP) pre-registration for next school year continues its design phase.  This program offers before- and after-school student supervision.  To ensure safe and equitable opportunities to register, stay tuned for more details.

·         MCPS employees returned to the hybrid work model today, meaning some reported for duty at their regular work location while others continued working from home. Employees unable to work for personal reasons are utilizing FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act), personal, and sick time.

·         Important upcoming calendar dates:

·         May 18 – student enrollment for the next school year begins by appointment only.  Students can also start retrieving items from their classrooms by appointment only.

·         May 26 – last day for seniors

·         June 1 – last day for students.  The school year was extended to make up days missed due to COVID-19. This extension meets state requirements for 900 hours of instruction annually.

·         June 3 – Chromebook and textbook returns begin.  More details on these plans are forthcoming.

·         June 8 – last day for teachers

·         “Parking Lot Wi-Fi” continues free of charge, Monday-Friday, 9AM-7PM, at these schools: Belleview Middle, Dunnellon High, Forest High, Fort McCoy School, Horizon Academy at Marion Oaks, Lake Weir Middle, North Marion High, North Marion Middle, Vanguard High, and West Port High.  Users simply drive into the parking lot, log in, and access learning materials online. This service is provided through a partnership with the City of Ocala and its fiber network operation.

·         Short-length “Snippet Stories” are shared on the district’s Twitter account (@MarionCountyK12), lending insight into district life at a time when every campus is isolated. The latest video showcases one school’s efforts to celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week by putting teachers’ names up in lights.  These videos are also shared on the district’s YouTube channel.

·         Visit www.marionschools.net and Twitter @MarionCountyK12 for further updates.