Update: April 1, 2020
On Wednesday, April 1, Governor Ricketts issued a Directed Health Measure stating that all Nebraska schools are to operate without students in their buildings through May 31. Following this directive, EPS buildings will remain closed and Distance Learning will continue for the duration of the 2019-2020 school year. We know that this decision is not the end result that was hoped for, but we also understand that continued social distancing is necessary to protect the health of our community. As a reminder, April 9-10 are scheduled No School Days for students per our school calendar, and we will honor those prescheduled days off.
The official last student day will be Friday, May 15th. Schedules and processes to return Chromebooks and materials including student check-out will be set for the following week. More communication will be forthcoming as we approach the end of the school year for students and staff.
New resources have been added to the Temporary Distance Learning Plan (TDLP) Parent Website including updated steps to submit a ticket for all technical issues and required repair appointment information. See the above website or the email from your building principal for full details.
Additionally, grab-and-go breakfast and lunch meals will continue to be offered through the end of the school year. To place your weekly order, please use this Google Form. This link can always be found on the Parent Resources webpage under Food Resources, but will not continue to emailed out on a weekly basis.
The safety and well-being of students and families remain a top priority. Please see the following resources related to mental health, Safe2Help Reporting, food resources, etc. https://sites.google.com/epsne.org/elkhorntdlpparentsite/resources-for-parents
We remain committed to doing everything we can for our students and families during these uncertain times, and we appreciate your continued partnership. Your support matters!
Update: March 17, 2020
In continuing our commitment to protect the health and safety of our students, staff, and community, Elkhorn Public Schools will extend our current closure effective immediately per the Nebraska Department of Education. At this time, we do not have a tentative return date, but we will continue to work with state and local officials to evaluate the community’s situation every two weeks to determine next steps. We will continue to monitor and communicate with public health officials to determine when it is safe for our students and staff to return.
As was mentioned in a previous communication to our families, EPS is committed to continuing learning experiences for our students during this closure. An email is forthcoming later today from your principal with next steps.
As a reminder, the effectiveness of an extended school closure as a public health strategy to prevent the spread is predicated on limiting contact with others and following social distancing guidelines when travel is essential. We ask that staff, families and community members follow the guidance of the CDC and Douglas County Health Department to limit exposure to others to best assist in stopping the spread in our community.
Update: March 12, 2020
In a proactive effort to limit possible exposure to the Coronavirus (COVID-19), Elkhorn Public Schools will be closed beginning tonight at 6:00 PM through Monday, March 23, 2020, noting that spring break is scheduled for March 19, 20, and 23. The closure affects all programming throughout the District, including all athletic and extracurricular practices and competitions, weekend events, and EKC before- and after-school programs.
This situation is fluid; thus, we plan to communicate weekly on our closure status and will provide an update on Friday, March 20th. If this closure is extended, remote learning plans will be communicated to families by Monday, March 23rd. We affirm our commitment to continue learning objectives during the closure if extended beyond next week.
We are in a serious community health crisis and global pandemic that requires extraordinary measures. It is important to communicate that the effectiveness of this public health strategy to prevent the spread is predicated on limiting contact with others and following social distancing guidelines when travel is essential.
It is important to note that at this time, there are no active COVID-19 cases within EPS. However, the well-being of students and staff remains a top priority; thus, the decision to close. Please know this was not an easy decision and we do not take it lightly. We realize that we are making decisions that sometimes create new questions but please continue to be patient and supportive as we work through the issues together. This is a rapidly changing situation and we will monitor and adapt our plans as new information and guidance are provided.