The president of the Manhattan / Ogden school board, Karla Hagemeister issued these comments through the school district's social media:
It is hard to comprehend how much life has changed for each and every one of us since our teachers and students said goodbye at spring break. On March 5th, our schools finished the day with excitement, never thinking that they would be unable to reunite and finish the year together. The reality of the dangers of the Coronavirus pandemic have caused schools across the entire state to change course. Through a steady stream of change, our USD 383 team has stepped up to the challenge. They have utilized guidance from the Kansas Department of Education, Governor Laura Kelly, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, and local authorities to develop plans that will allow our schools to carry on our mission of building foundations for dynamic futures.
Over the past two weeks, district and building administrators, teachers, staff, and community partners have worked together closely to plan the next steps. District leaders have met continuously to map the road ahead and collect the necessary tools to move forward. They have gathered information about the technology and internet needs of our students. Our teachers have now made personal contact with all their student families to check in on their well-being and gather information about any particular concerns they might have. The Teaching and Learning, Special Education and Technology teams have worked tirelessly to prepare curriculum and materials for all of our learners. Maintenance staff is working diligently to keep the buildings clean and safe for the people who need to be physically present in our buildings. And of course, our Child Nutrition team is a bright light on the road, providing food and connection to students and families. It is impossible to recognize every way that the people of USD 383 have come together to prepare the way forward.
The first part of this week includes carefully scheduled arrangements for the pick up of student property, return of school property, and distribution of learning packets to our students. These activities will clear the way for another first- our “first” day of school on April 1st. As we turn this corner, we ask that you continue to extend your patience and grace, remembering that we are all in this together. Parents, students, teachers, and leaders- we are all on a new road, teaching and learning in ways that seemed unimaginable just a few weeks ago. Please remember that above all, your child and family’s emotional well-being are critical in a time of extreme stress. This reminder extends to our teachers and staff as well; they are worried about your children and at the same time, they are managing all of the same stresses in their own families.
As we embark on the next leg of our journey, I would like to leave you with the words of education leader Dr. Brad Johnson. He asks all of us to put “Relationships before Rigor…Grace before Grades…Patience before Programs…and Love before Lessons.” We are now on the road and we will be here for you and for each other as we travel it together.
Karla Hagemeister
Board President Manhattan-Ogden USD 383