Graduation Week
This week has been a wonderful time of celebrating our 2020 seniors. I have truly enjoyed seeing the look of pride on each graduate’s face and sharing in our students’ accomplishments. Collectively, our graduates have been awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships. Many of our graduates have also attained industry certifications through our career and technical programs which will give them an edge when they enter the workforce. The future is full of opportunities for the Class of 2020! Tonight we conclude our week of graduations at Ponce de Leon High School. Please visit the PDLH Facebook page for details regarding tonight’s ceremony.
2020-21 Reopening Survey
On Wednesday, we published a short survey regarding plans for the reopening of schools. At this time, we are scheduled to begin the school year on August 12 as planned. It is vitally important that we hear from our families as we plan for the upcoming year! If your family hasn’t completed the survey, please visit https://forms.gle/WtR7Mhq57NpwE3bNA to complete it by Monday, June 8. Only one survey is required per family, and it should only take about 5 minutes to complete. Thank you in advance for your input!
What will school look like when we open in August? Honestly, we’re not 100% sure, as we are still in the early planning stages. Those plans will be further refined as we receive more guidance from the Florida Department of Education and the CDC throughout the summer. However, we are certain of one thing. We will be doing everything we can to ensure a safe environment for our students and employees!
Phase II
Governor DeSantis has announced that Florida will be moving into Phase II of reopening beginning today. While we know that everyone is anxious for a return to normalcy, we strongly encourage you to continue to follow CDC guidelines, including social distancing and good hygiene habits, to help ensure the safety of our community!
Summer WINGS Program
The WINGS 21st CCLC virtual summer program will begin on June 8th and continue through July 16th. Daily lessons will be provided for the students and supplies for the week will be passed out on Mondays starting June 8th. This is a virtual program, so you will need access to the internet and a device to use. Links to the content are available on each school’s website. We are excited about this opportunity and look forward to serving our families.
Pandemic-EBT Benefits
On May 27, 2020, the U.S. Department of Agriculture approved Florida’s request to implement the Pandemic EBT program across the state. Because Holmes District Schools meet the requirements for the Community Eligibility Program, which provides free breakfasts and lunches to ALL students, Holmes County students will receive $313.50 per child due to school closures. If a family already receives EBT benefits, it will be added to their funds for the month. If a family does not receive benefits, it will be mailed to the address on file when enrollment information was submitted to the state. Benefits are scheduled to be paid by June 30. For more information about this benefit, please visit this link from the Florida Department of Agriculture. https://www.fdacs.gov/Food-Nutrition/Nutrition-Programs/National-School-Lunch-Program/Pandemic-EBT-for-National-School-Lunch-Program
The last couple of months have brought unprecedented changes to life as we know it, including our schools. If you have any concerns or questions regarding your child’s education, please feel free to contact us! May God bless you and may God continue to bless the United States of America!
Terry L. Mears
Superintendent of Schools