March 12, 2020
Dear North Union Staff and Community:
Ohio Governor Mike Dewine announced today that all K-12 schools will close from Tuesday, March 17, 2020 through and including April 3, 2020. At that time the situation will be reassessed. This order was signed by Ohio Health Department Director Dr. Amy Acton. This order is “prevent the possible spread of disease. If too many people become sick too quickly, that could overwhelm hospitals, leaving them without enough beds or ventilators for patients.” The North Union Local School District fully supports this action. However, the children of our schools will need our district’s support in three very important areas.
- If students need mental health support or guidance, you may call a school counselor during school hours (8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.) Monday, March 16, 2020 through Thursday, March 19, 2020 and Monday, March 30, 2020 through Friday, April 3, 2020. The respective phone numbers are on the homepage at nuschools.org. Or you may contact community support at one of the numbers below.
Mental Health and Recovery Board of Union County: 800-731-5577 or text 4help to 85511
Maryhaven: Expanded crisis hours from 5:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m, every day in addition to
regular business hours. 937-644-9192, 715 S Plum St., Marysville, OH 43040
- Having food at home to feed children for these extra meals was not necessarily planned or possible, and we can help. We can offer meals to students for pick up in our communities or delivery in our rural areas. This will be available on days that we had school originally scheduled. (March 18, 19 and March 30 - April 3, 2020) We will have more information on this and how to access by early next week.
- Student engagement with learning and the positive relationships with their teachers must continue. Our teachers will be available during the school day using several digital platforms for contact and lessons. Distance learning will occur on Thursday, March 19 and Monday through Friday, March 30 - April 3, 2020. Your teachers and principals will be contacting you with information about this by early next week. After the close of school for students, teachers will report for professional development on Tuesday, 3/17 and Wednesday, 3/18. All staff will work in their buildings on Thursday, 3/19 and then the week of March 30 - April 3, 2020.
Also please keep in mind, this is being done to slow down a pandemic. Continue to engage in everyday preventive measures.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care. Stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever breaks.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
No student activities on school property of any kind will take place from 3:00 on Monday, March 16, 2020 until at least April 6, 2020. We will have more clarity over the next few days, and we appreciate your patience and understanding. This will be a long process and people will suffer in many ways. The North Union Local School District is the bedrock of this community and will remain as such. We will continue to work closely with agencies to be best informed and make educated decisions. Please remain compassionate and understanding as we all work through this together as a community.
Sincerely,
Richard J. Baird