The Marion County Public Schools “Grab & Go” meal service, now in its seventh week, has added 15 new delivery sites by community request. And all curbside service now occurs between 10:30 a.m.-noon.
“Grab & Go” service started March 24 and on Wednesday delivered 10,866 breakfast and lunch meals to 5,433 students. So far, “Grab & Go” has handed out 308,681 meals and recently received word of an additional $50,000 for fresh fruit and vegetables, thanks to schools in other districts closing.
An updated delivery site listing with approximate times is listed HERE, featuring 36 schools that prepare and deliver to 164 locations district-wide. Families can call 211 or text “FoodFL” to 877-7877 for their nearest serving location. The 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. The Summer Feeding Program dates have yet to be released.
COVID-19 testing for school district employees is now available. Each Friday, Florida’s Department of Health in Marion County is reserving 20 slots for school district employees who are asymptomatic. Those who want testing should call the COVID-19 Call Center at (352) 644-2590 and identify themselves as a school district employee. Further details will be available at that point.
Class of 2020 cap and gown deliveries continue at local high 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 times based on the schedule below and the senior’s last name initial:
- Vanguard High – Thursday, May 7, 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
- West Port High – Tuesday, May 12, 10 a.m.-noon for senior signs and yearbooks. Students will receive their caps and gowns through the mail.
- Dunnellon High – Tuesday, May 12, noon-2 p.m.
- Lake Weir High – Tuesday, May 12, 5-7 p.m.
- North Marion High – Thursday, May 14, 9-11:30 a.m.
- Forest High – Friday, May 15, 9 a.m.-noon.
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, will be announced soon.
All currently enrolled Marion Afterschool Program (MAP) students will automatically be pre-registered for the 2020-21 school year. Participating families will be contacted by site managers next week to confirm enrollment and placement. Next year’s $30 registration fee is due July 1 to secure each child’s spot. Invoices will be emailed starting May 25. New MAP students in pre-kindergarten and kindergarten may tentatively register July 14-15 at Marion Technical College from 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. A $30 registration fee applies. Open enrollment for elementary and middle school MAP students tentatively will be held July 21-22 at Marion Technical College from 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. with a $30 applicable registration fee.
Important dates to remember include:
- May 18 – Student enrollment for the next school year begins by appointment only. Students also can 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 those plans will be forthcoming.
- June 8 – Last day for teachers.
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 also will be offered on a virtual basis to students with exceptional needs. Summertime driver’s education classes have been canceled because safe social distancing is not possible. More details on summer school programs will be announced in coming weeks.
“Parking Lot Wi-Fi” continues free of charge, Monday-Friday, from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. 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.
Visit www.marionschools.net and Twitter @MarionCountyK12 for further updates.