Rick Gardner
FRSD Families: Some general information and updates:
- Meal service begins tomorrow at VES– Drive through and pick up only. Kids must be in car. Ages 1-18 are served! 11:00-12:30
- Virtual or remote learning: At this time, the district is not pursuing this option. That may change if the mandated school closure extends. One important perspective I would share with parents around the topic of continuing academics during the closure is this. It is OK if parents want to engage in this, and try to support their students academically. It is ALSO just fine to allow your kids to be kids during this closure. The way adults respond and act around this pandemic can cause significant stress and anxiety. There is absolutely no reason to add to that stress and create conflict between parents and students by forcing academic time. Every child is different, so some may welcome this, however for most, simply having a 30 to 60 minute reading time (especially at the elementary and middle school level) of some fun book that they would enjoy is plenty. Your child is going to get far more during these two weeks off during this stressful time, by just being allowed to be a kid. Bottom line, keep the academic stress low.
- The district office will remain open through the closure, schools will not. Staff will return to the buildings on Monday, March 30th. If something changes around the mandated closure, we will notify folks immediately.
- Assuming students return on Wednesday, April 1st, expect that Friday “non-school” day to be changed to a school day. More information to come as decisions are made.
- Continue to practice social distancing and appropriate hand washing and other measures during this break.
- Feel free to contact the district office if you have specific questions at 541-935-2253, or email me at gcarpenter@fernridge.k12.or.us
Gary Carpenter, Superintendent-FRSD 28J
Below is updated information. Please keep in mind that as we have seen over the past few days, things change rapidly. The district will continue to put out information here, through Superintendent Carpenter Facebook, and through the use of our phone dialer system.
- The Governor has ordered schools from Monday March 16th through Tuesday, March 31st, resuming Wednesday, April 1st.
- In Fern Ridge we are going a step further and closing today, Friday, March 13th. The primary reasons include:
- Staffing shortages for us to operate effectively
- To support the concept of social distancing immediately, rather than waiting.
- All FRSD staff will report to work today, Friday, March 13th. Schools and classrooms will be open for anyone that needs to come in and get anything they left in their classrooms, lockers, e.g. textbooks, personal items, etc…
- We will be working with our food service company to explore any opportunity we can to continue to provide services next week. More info on that coming.
- When schools are closed, all school activities are cancelled and any outside organizations using the facilities are cancelled as well.
As a follow up to the previous post regarding Governor Brown’s order, below is a summary of that order as it relates to schools.
- Large gatherings (250+ people) are suspended through April 8th. This applies to organized public gatherings, not stores, malls, etc.
- Schools are not being closed, but non-essential school activities such as parent meetings, allowing spectators at sporting events, and field trips are cancelled.
- The Governor emphasized that school closure will be a last resort.
- The Governor emphasized that these measures are being taken to: 1. Slow transmission of COVID-19 and 2. Preserve hospital capacity for the most severely impacted individuals.
Below is what that will look like in Fern Ridge, at least for the next couple days or until guidance changes, or further guidance is given.
- All non essential school activities are cancelled or postponed. This includes auctions, dances, athletic competitions, performances and field trips.
- High School athletic practices will continue as an extension of the school day, and “social distancing” will be practiced.
- All athletic competitions are cancelled through April 8th.
- Our food service company, Chartwells, is researching any recommended changes to when and how we serve meals as an additional protective measure.
- Our staff will be reviewing ways they can integrate social distancing best practices at their buildings.
- For some essential school activities, such as school board meetings, we will be incorporating reduced agendas and the meeting location will likely be moved to a larger space. That information will be posted soon.
To be clear, we are taking every step possible so that we can continue to provide high-quality education and opportunities for all of our students and keep our schools open.
We realize that this decision will impact every school community, and we know that many of the events that are being suspended are ones that schools, students and families look forward to all year long. Suspending these events is consistent with guidance from health authorities, and we believe it is a prudent and responsible step to take at this time.
The safety, health and well-being of our students and staff is our priority. We will continue to work in close partnership with public health authorities to minimize both the spread of coronavirus and disruption to schools and students. We will continue emphasizing the importance of handwashing at school. Our custodians will continue to prioritize high-touch surfaces in classrooms and common areas, and make sure schools have adequate handwashing and cleaning supplies.
Students, families and everyone in our community can best support our efforts by washing hands frequently, covering mouths when coughing or sneezing, and using hand sanitizer. Those experiencing fever and/or flu or cold symptoms should stay at home, only returning to school or work when symptom-free for 24 hours without the use of medicine. If you are concerned about symptoms, please consult your healthcare provider.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding during this challenging time. We will continue to rely on the guidance of Oregon public health authorities, the Department of Education, and the Office of the Governor.
Friday, March 6th is a no school day at Elmira High School. As an additional reminder Day Light Saving Time begins on Sunday, March 8th so don’t forget to set your clocks ahead an hour Saturday night.
Last weekend our wrestlers competed at the OSAA State Championships, the students athletes competed well and produced the following results:
Logan Cave – Participant
Ayden Wolgamott – 3rd place
Nat Brown – 2nd place
Liberty Barklow – 4th place
Maranda Hanson – 3rd place
Anna McDougal – State Champion
In addition the girls’ team placed 4th overall, the highest finish of any 4A school.
Congratulations to our wrestlers on a great season!
Elmira High School will hold it’s annual Career Fair on Wednesday, March 4th from 8:30 AM-1:00 PM. This is a great opportunity for our juniors and seniors to meet with employers, practice their interview skills and learn about the types of skills and personal qualities that employers are looking for in their future employees.
Parent/Teacher Conferences are Thursday, March 5th from 4:00 – 8:00 PM. Conferences will be held in the cafeteria and do not require an appointment. We look forward to having parents on campus Thursday evening and hope you will join us to meet with your student’s teachers.
Congratulations to our Students of the Month for January:
9th Grade
Brody Bothel
10th Grade
Quinn Metzger
Will Storey
11th Grade
Ayden Wolgamott
12th Grade
Asher Stewart
Falcon of the Month
Guillermo Farje
Below is a letter that will be in the front office of all schools tomorrow. Please read, share and pass along. The topic is youth suicide, and how together can support students and families. The link at the bottom is to a document that has contact information for a wide variety of services in Lane County.
Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s):
At Fern Ridge there has been a great deal of conversation and concern about suicide recently. We cannot comment on any specific students or events, but we do know that some students and parents may find this very distressing. Since the subject has been raised, we want to take this opportunity to make sure that parents have the information they need to understand how to support their children and get them connected to helpful resources. In addition, we want students and families know that district staff are here to support them in any way we can.
Suicide is a very complicated act. No one single thing causes it. But in many cases, a mental health condition is part of it, and these conditions are treatable. It’s really important that if you think your child is not feeling well and is potentially thinking about suicide, that you check in with them and encourage them to reach out for help and share how they’re feeling. Asking your child if they are suicidal will not put the idea in their head. It will actually provide significant relief to them if they are feeling that much pain.
I am including some resources that may be helpful to you in discussing suicide with your child and information on local behavioral healthcare providers. Members of our Crisis Response Team are also available to meet with students individually today, as well as over the coming days and weeks. Please contact the school office if you feel your child is in need of additional assistance. If you or your child needs help right away, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or the Lane County Child’s Crisis Response Program 1-888-989-9990. These programs can be sources of information and provide helpful services for parents. If you feel there is an imminent threat dial 911, or take your child to the nearest emergency department.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me, or the professionals at the school. Each building’s contact information is is below. The following link shares a wide range of resources: PARENT RESOURCE LINK-CLICK HERE
Professionally,
Gary E. Carpenter, Jr. Superintendent, FRSD 28J
FRSD Superintendent Gary Carpenter, 541-935-2253 ext 1201 gcarpenter@fernridge.k12.or.us
EHS Principal, Rick Gardner, 541-935-8200 rgardner@fernridge.k12.or.us
EHS Counselor, Brittany McMillan, 541-935-8200 bm(cmillan@fernridge.k12.or.us
FRMS Principal, Olivia Johnson, 541-935-8230 ojohnson@fernridge.k12.or.us
FRMS Counselor, Ryan Chamber, 541-935-8230 rchambers@fernridge.k12.or.us
VES Principal, Lisa Leatham, 541-935-8225 lleatham@fernridge.k12.or.us
EES Principal, Michelle Marshall 541-935-8214 mmarshall@fernridge.k12.or.us
