Strict guidelines will be in place for graduation ceremonies set for June 12-22 at Marion County high schools.
Guests won’t be allowed to bring bags or purses into high school football stadiums because safe social distancing does not allow up-close inspections.
“Grab & Go” meal service surpassed the 400,000 mark this week, with 419,065 meals passed out since March 24 and now in its ninth week. On Wednesday, the service delivered 9,724 breakfast and lunch meals to 4,862 students.
Personal item pickup is under way at many schools, offering students a convenient drive-thru method to retrieve their belongings left behind when the COVID-19 crisis hit – things like books and supplies, gym clothes, band instruments and more. Most schools designate specific dates for pickup based on last names. Contact your school for specific arrangements because appointments are required due to schools still being closed to the public.
Summer Enrichment for elementary students comes in the form of online learning this year. Themed “Adventure Awaits,” students and their families will embark on a new online adventure each week, June 15-July 9, including the exploration of outer space, diving deep into the world’s oceans, telling stories with castles and dragons, and experiencing the great outdoors.
These online opportunities include activities for grades K-2 and 3-5 students with downloadable options for families to utilize at home. Materials packets will be available at each school while supplies last. For more information, “look for the book” at www.marionschools.net and click it to reach the “Community Reads” website. Summer programs for middle and high school students run June 15–July 23.
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 wanting testing should call the COVID-19 Call Center at (352) 644-2590 and identify themselves as an employee. Further details will be available at that point.
Important upcoming calendar dates include:
- 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.