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COVID-19 Updates

January 2, 2021 High School In-Class Learning Starting Monday, January 4

MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

Message to High School Parents: Good News to start the New Year!

Late afternoon on New Year's Eve, the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals issued an order blocking the Lucas County Health Board from enforcing the closing of all in-class learning for Lucas County high school students. Therefore, high school classes will begin Monday, January 4, in person at Toledo Christian. 
 
Reminder, if you are sick or have been exposed to a COVID positive person, please inform our school nurse (Michelle Wickham at [email protected]), stay home, and continue learning remotely.
 
I am looking forward to the whole school getting back together again, in-class. Have a great end to the break and we’ll look forward to seeing you on Monday!
 
Scott

PS-8 In-Class Instruction Will Continue

We have been so blessed to be able to keep our students in class where we know they are thriving academically, spiritually, and relationally! In our July 30, 2020 edition of the Eagle Beacon, we laid out our Back to School Plan that indicated at Level 4 (Purple), we would move to all remote learning. As we mentioned then, the situation was and continues to be very fluid. 
 
We have made great strides in understanding this virus better and learning from our physician partners that younger students (preschool - 8th grade) are not good vectors of the virus and greatly benefit from in-class instruction. Our TC team has implemented layered mitigation strategies and has been incredibly diligent with following COVID protocols. (See Reset & Restart Considerations for Schools and Districts in Purple) Therefore, we intend to continue in-class instruction for our students (preschool - 8th grade) should Lucas County go Purple.  
 
The only reasons we would not hold in-class instruction are if the state or LCHD mandates us to go remote or if we are unable to adequately get coverage for our faculty who are either sick or quarantined. As it stands now, our high school students have been ordered by LCHD to remote learning beginning December 4, 2020, at 4:00 p.m. until January 11, 2021, at 8:00 a.m. (excluding exams which will take place in person December 14-17).
 
Parents, it has been and will remain your decision to determine if you want your students to come to school in person or via remote learning during the pandemic. We are dedicated to providing the best possible educational experience we can in either setting. So if you decide to move your student to remote learning, please contact Mrs. Karen Heidebrink at kheidebrink@toledochristian.com. 
 
I was reminded recently of Galatians 6:9 - Do not grow weary in doing good for the harvest is coming. Hang in there Eagles, trusting that God is with us in the storm! 
 
Scott Gibson
Superintendent
 

MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

TC Family,
 
The Lucas County Health Department this morning ordered schools to go virtual for grades 9-12 beginning at 4 p.m. on December 4, until January 11 at 8 a.m. The order permitted for grades preschool-8 to remain open, recognizing the importance of kids being in school. Because we run a preschool-8 model and because Junior High has fared really well with COVID, we believe it is best to have the kids in school. If you prefer your student to be remote, please contact Principal McWhinnie.  
 
High School:  Next week (Monday, November 30 - Friday, December 4) is in-class. Remote learning begins on Monday, December 7. HS Exams: The order stated that high school students are permitted to come to school to take exams, so high school exams will remain as scheduled.
 
Regarding Athletics and Extra-curriculars:
The order states: "All sports and extracurricular activities are prohibited from utilizing any school building interior space for practices or contests during the same period." (Friday, December 4 at 4 p.m. - January 11, at 8 a.m.)
 
I pray you and your family stay healthy and enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving!
 
In Christ,
 

Scott Gibson
Superintendent

Message from Superintendent Gibson

As we come to the end of our third full week, we want to give you an update as to how things are going. Our students and staff have done really well with the new protocols in place and I am thankful to report we have no COVID cases among students or staff, thus far. Please continue to join me in prayer for the health of all.
 
We know that engaged students do better academically and emotionally so it is great to see our students getting together at recess, competing in athletics, and working together in the performing arts. Toledo Christian is where community happens, where community becomes family, and it is great to be back in community again. Thank you for helping us start strong this school year!
 
Blessings to you all and keep praying for our school, our students, our staff, and our nation.
Dear TC Family,
 
Toledo Christian administrators, staff, and faculty continue to work diligently toward an August 17, 2020 opening of our Toledo Christian campus and the launch of our 2020-21 school year. The safety of our staff and students is at the forefront of our decision making and we have developed procedures that will help to minimize risk. Our Back-to-School Plan is in place and can be viewed by current families on the resource board through Eagle Access.  For all others requesting a copy of the TC Back-to-School Plan, please contact Toledo Christian at 419.389.8700 or the TC Admissions Director at [email protected].
 
We look forward to a great school year! 
 
Go Eagles!
 
Scott Gibson
Superintendent
 
What does back to school look like?  Will students be in class on campus? If so, does my child have to wear masks?
 
I am sure these questions and more are on the top of your mind as you think ahead. Last week, Governor DeWine informed us that the State would be communicating guidelines for schools within the next several days. He emphasized that decisions will be made on the local district level and that the guidelines will assist in district decision making. Toledo Christian is its own district per the Ohio Department of Education. School and student safety always will be our highest
priority, so we will continue to monitor developments closely.
 
Every indication to this point leads us to believe our students will be on campus, in class, and without masks required. So in the fall, we will open up our campus and plan to have the kids in school full-time. Masks will not be required but are optional. We also do not anticipate our teachers or staff wearing masks. Will we have back-up plans? Absolutely, and we are implementing best practices from our remote learning experience. Some of those practices will be brought directly
into the classroom.

Your kids need to be back in school, and we need to be back in school. As a parent, you know the younger the student is, the more difficult the remote learning. So pray with us that our upcoming year is uninterrupted and complete.

Enrollment is our metric to ensure we can continue offering what you expect of Toledo Christian. I want to assure you that enrollment has been and remains strong. Our incoming freshman class is the largest we have had in many years at over 60 students!
 
TC is a place where students work hard to develop their talents, try new things, and expand their horizons alongside best friends, beloved teachers, inspiring coaches, and trusted mentors. At its heart, TC is all about community. We are students, parents, faculty and administrators, coaches, mentors, and friends. We do life together, and that sets us apart. Thank you for your support of TC, as we all look forward to getting back to campus soon!
 
We are Eagle Strong,
Scott Gibson
Superintendent
Important Message from the Superintendent
 
In response to Governor DeWine's executive order today, Toledo Christian's campus will remain closed, and remote learning will continue for the remainder of the year. While we all knew this decision was a strong possibility, it is now a very disappointing reality for each of us. We know that there are many spring activities, events, and year-end achievements that our students and families anticipated celebrating in-person. Our sense of loss is real, and yet, as much as we grieve these canceled plans and missed memories, we recognize that we are blessed to be in a position where our students' school year is not, in fact, canceled.
 
Remote learning will continue through the last day of the school year, May 21, 2020. Faculty and staff are "leaning in," providing real, active learning in the homes of our students. We are dedicated to providing a rich curriculum, marching forward, to engage your students along the way. Principals McWhinnie and Wilbarger will have updates to end-of-year schedules in this Thursday's newsletter.
 
In closing, I share with you a note I received from a teacher last week. She remarked, "One of my prayers has been that our students would allow the Holy Spirit to bring forth beautiful, eternal things from the current difficulties - not just "look on the bright side" rah rah stuff, but a real reorienting of priorities and freedom..." We remain grateful for our Toledo Christian community and the connection we share.
 
In Christ,
Scott
Watch this important video from our TC Principals on the upcoming Virtual Education Plan and Monday Drop-off/Pick-Up Days!
 
Dear TC Families,
 
In consideration of Governor DeWine's extension of schools remaining closed until May 1, 2020, we want to help families by sharing our plans and expectations for your students to optimize their distance learning experience. 
 

Toledo Christian – Virtual Education Guide for Families

Purpose 

The Virtual Education Guide for Families is designed to help our students and families understand our online school plans and expectations during the school shut-down period.  Our goal is to provide the best possible educational experience for our students, providing them with the information that they will need to know in order to be prepared for the 20/21 school year.  Although nothing can replace face-to-face teaching, we are confident that our students will continue learning during the final quarter of our school year.
 
School Day Guidelines
The guidelines for our virtual education program are as follows:
  • Our teachers will record instructional video lessons for all their students.  The videos will be available for viewing by elementary and Eagle’s Nest students through Eagle Access and by junior and senior high students on Google Classroom.  Daily assignments and corresponding videos will be updated each day by 10:00 am.
  • Each school day, teachers will be available to be contacted through Google Hangouts or email during set office hours from 11:00 am - 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.  At any other time of the day, students and families may send questions via email and expect their teachers to respond sometime during the next set of office hours. 
  • Students need to visit Eagle Access or Google Classroom on a daily basis just as if they were attending classes daily.
  • Students will complete and submit required assignments.  Assignments, quizzes, etc., completed during this school shut-down period will count towards fourth quarter grade cards and overall GPAs.
 
Drop-off/Pick-up Day
Drop-off/Pick-up Days at the school will serve the purpose of collecting work and providing additional instructional materials.  Drop-off/Pick-up Days will take place on Mondays from 8:00 am until 8:00 pm. This is a drive-up service located at the White Center Lobby doors (Anthony Wayne Trail side).  We ask that families drive up and park where indicated. School personnel will meet you at your car to collect your completed work and deliver any new materials that your students may need.  This service will begin Monday, April 6.
 
 
Online Chapel
Video chapel presentations, with links to various worship songs, will be available every Thursday, beginning April 9, for participation by students and families.  Please find these on the Eagle Access Resource page under “Online Chapel”.
 
Contact Information
  1. Questions about your class: contact your teacher via email
  2. Technology issues: [email protected]
  4. General feedback: [email protected]

For a printable copy of this Guide click: Virtual Guide For Families.pdf
A message from Superintendent Gibson regarding Governor DeWine's announcement today on Ohio K-12 schools remaining closed until May 1st.
 

Distance Learning Help for Parents!

As we head into next week, we want to help with any concerns or issues you may be having with distance learning. Issues like your students having trouble logging into their email (7-12), or unable to get to Eagle Access, are examples of what you may be facing that we want to help you with.
 
So we have created these emails for support:
 
Send us an email and we'll be sure to get it to the person who can best help!
 
Dear TC Family,
 
In just a few hours, you will be beginning spring break! You did it! We are so proud and thankful for all of you, from the youngest preschooler to the oldest senior.
 
It has not been understated that these are unprecedented and fluid times. Being aware of that, let me reassure you that we, alongside Mr. Parker and Mr. Gibson, are working to be prepared for any new directives that may come our way in the next two weeks.
 
In the meantime, should you need anything regarding your child’s specific instructional needs, please do not hesitate to contact his or her teacher. Should you need any technical assistance with Eagle Access or other online issues, please contact Mr. Parker, using the email [email protected], and, finally, should you need anything else the principals can assist you with, please do not hesitate to reach out. Thank you for your partnership!
 
We believe our school founders said it best with this verse:
 
Isaiah 40:31 (NIV) - “...but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like EAGLES; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not grow faint.”
 
Amen! 
 
Happy Spring Break!
 
With love, respect, and appreciation,
 
Mrs. Joy McWhinnie
Elementary/Junior High Principal
 
Mr. Jeff Wilbarger
High School Principal
Dear TC Family,

Please pray for wisdom and peace as we all work together during this difficult time. We know God is not surprised by anything, so we will trust Him to show us the best way forward.  

Our goal and plan is to help your children, our students, continue to learn as much as possible despite their physical absence from school. We assure you that our teachers will be gracious, helpful, and understanding during this challenging time. Please help them by encouraging your children to do their best.  

Below, please find details about our academic expectations. If you have any specific class-related questions, please contact your child’s teacher via e-mail or if you have more general questions, please contact Mrs. McWhinnie or Mr. Wilbarger.

Monday, March 16, all children will report to school as a regular school day.  Please send with your child(ren) an extra backpack or strong, reusable tote to transport learning materials home. 
 
Every day, students in Grades K-12 should visit their teacher’s Eagle Access page for assignments. (See image below for instructions on how to get assignments in Eagle Access.) Teachers will post assignments daily by 10:00 a.m. following the school schedule as originally planned with no assignments given during spring break (March 23-27).

All teachers will be available for questions and help, via their school email, during regular school hours.

We are confident your children will be able to make academic progress during this time of off-campus learning, and we look forward to our entire TC family returning to school as soon as possible. May God’s supernatural peace permeate our school community as we wait to gather together again.

Dependent upon God,

Joy McWhinnie & Jeff Wilbarger
TC Principals
Today, Governor Mike DeWine (see below) instituted a three week school closing for all public, private, and parochial schools in the state of Ohio beginning on Tuesday, March 17, 2020. Classes will resume on Monday, April 6, 2020. The hope is that the coronavirus (COVID-19) can be slowed down by social distancing. Be assured that our team has planned for this contingency to effectively educate your students remotely.
 
Important Information
  • Monday, March 16, 2020, is a regular day of classes. All students Preschool - 12th grade should report to school as normal. The scheduled high school Spiritual Emphasis retreat will take place at Toledo Christian, not CedarCreek as originally planned.
  • Tomorrow, your area Principal will communicate the education plan for your student via email.  
Regarding upcoming events:
  • The TC Auction, previously scheduled for Saturday, March 14, 2020 has been postponed until May 9, 2020.
  • The HS Musical scheduled for March 19-21, 2020 has been postponed (rescheduled date to be determined).
  • The status of all other calendar events (class trips), will be communicated as soon as decisions have been made.
 
It is my prayer, and please join me, that very soon we can resume as normal. Today’s message from Governor DeWine clearly conveyed the credible threat this virus imposes to our state and residents. The health and welfare of our students, employees, and families continue to guide our actions as we move forward.
 
In Christ,
 

Scott Gibson
Superintendent
As you know, media coverage of the coronavirus (COVID-19) is widespread, and the global, national, and local situations are rapidly evolving. The administration of Toledo Christian continues to take steps to help ensure the health and safety of our community. 
 
Brief Summary
 
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common in many different species of animals. The particular virus which is currently receiving media attention is a novel coronavirus known as COVID-19. This particular coronavirus can feature symptoms such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath. While the outbreak is believed to have an animal source, most cases are now likely to be spread from person to person by droplets, when coughing or sneezing. Again, this is a new and evolving situation, and health authorities continue to monitor how this virus spreads. Here are some websites to monitor: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.htmlhttps://coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-19/
 
Prevention
  
As with other respiratory viruses, there are simple steps which can help stop the spread of COVID-19:  
  • Please do not send your children to school if they are sick.
  • Practice frequent hand-washing with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then discard it in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently-touched objects/surfaces.
 
Response
 
Toledo Christian’s maintenance and custodial staff are exceptional and already utilize healthy practices for preventing the spread of viruses. Strategies that have proven useful during past virus outbreaks remain in-place and include the frequent disinfection of surfaces such as desktops, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, locker handles, faucet handles, etc. We have added more hand sanitizing stations. Further, beyond the high-quality academic instruction which our faculty deliver, they are also working with students on matters of personal and community hygiene. Students should expect frequent reminders about washing their hands and respectfully coughing and sneezing. 
 
Ultimately, nobody knows how extensive this outbreak will be. In general, virus responses are directed by the CDC and the health departments. We will continue to monitor them closely and will react as appropriate. Naturally, discussions about the use of technology, and the impact of this virus on co-curricular activities, on traditional education, on transportation, etc. have begun, and any decisions will be made in consultation with local and state health officials.
 
For now, our best advice is to practice responsible prevention. This includes keeping students who are ill home from school and consulting your primary medical caregiver if any of the symptoms associated with the COVID-19 virus present. Together, we will successfully navigate this matter, as we have done with flu outbreaks of years past. More information will be shared with parents as this situation evolves. We look forward to your partnership as we all manage this fluid situation.
 
In Christ,
 

Scott Gibson
Superintendent
COVID

Resources for Talking to your Kids:

Healthline: How to talk with your kids about Coronavirus.
 
Psychology Today: How to talk with your anxious child about Coronavirus.
 
Steve Calechman: What to say to a child who's scared about hearing the news.