Wellness Day for January 14, 2022, Due to COVID-Related Illnesses

With the safety and welfare of our students and staff in mind, the decision has been made to cancel school for Friday, January 14, 2022.  The primary reason is that Holmes County and the Holmes District Schools are seeing a spike in COVID and other seasonal illnesses.  The increased number of staff members being ill has directly impacted our ability to run district schools with a reasonable number of adults to supervise the students in attendance. 

Extracurricular activities may continue as planned, at the discretion of each school.  Please check with your individual school to verify any changes in these situations.

Our thought is that by providing a Wellness Day in addition to the federal holiday on Monday, students and staff who are ill will have a time for recovery, and for everyone, a time to avoid possible exposure to illness.  Schools will be back in session on Tuesday, January 18, 2022.

Buddy L. Brown,
Superintendent of Schools

I want to wish each of you a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Happy New Year!  I hope each of you will enjoy the time with your friends and families and remember to give and share with those that might be in need.

 

Thank you to every member of our staff who works diligently to provide an education to our students.  Bless our children as they work and sometimes struggle through a star-crossed period in our history.  Thank you to those that support our children, teachers, and staff.  Our success as a school district ultimately hinges on this support from all the partners in the process of educating our children.

 

Please remember those in uniform whether they be military, police, emergency responders, or medical professionals. These men and women work through the holidays, often removed from their families, prepared to render assistance or to provide that ultimate sacrifice.

 

Let us not forget that the spirit of the season is one of love, generosity, and of goodness.  Be kind to your fellow man and remember, “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view…until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.” (Harper Lee)

 

God Bless each of you and a Merry Christmas to all and a Happy New Year!

 

Buddy L. Brown
Superintendent of Schools

Christmas Break

December 14, 2021

Early Release:

Friday, January 17

Christmas Break for Students:

December 20-January 4

Classes resume January 5.

12 month employees return to work on January 3.

Teachers and 10 month non-instructional employees return to work on January 4.

TO:                      HDSB

FROM:                Superintendent Buddy L. Brown

DATE:                 November 19, 2021

SUBJECT:         SUPERINTENDENT’S THANKSGIVING MESSAGE 

During this month of Thanksgiving I have been reflecting on the things I am grateful for. One of the first things that came to mind is the talented group of people I represent and work with daily, from the District School Board to our staff at each of our schools.  Thank you for the work you do to make our District great. Without your commitment, creativity, and high standards, we would not be the District we are, nor the District we strive to be.

I am a man of faith, and with that faith I believe in the principles of faith that surround the Thanksgiving holiday.  I pray and hope for safety in your travels over the next week.  I pray you will maximize and take advantage of the time to spend with loved ones and friends.  I pray for the safety and well-being of our men and women in uniform, both military and civilian that stand watch over us, prepared to give all for our freedoms and our way of life.  I pray for a time of calmness and peace in our community, our nation, and our world.  I wish you a Thanksgiving filled with abundance, happiness, and bright moments.

Notice of Public Hearing

November 17, 2021

The Holmes County School Board will be adopting and revising school board policies, revising the instructional continuity plan, and considering approval of the LEA ARP ESSER plan at the regular school board meeting on December 14th, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. A hearing for the public for input on proposed changes, the instructional continuity plan and the LEA ARP ESSER plan will be held at 5:05 p.m. on Monday, December 6th, 2021 at the Holmes County School Board Office. A copy of the policies and plans to be adopted or revised may be reviewed at the Holmes County School Board Office Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., except advertised holidays.

Due to food supply chain disruptions, we regretfully announce that we will be unable to serve holiday meals on November 18 and December 13 as planned. We apologize for the cancellation and ask for your patience as we continue to work through supply chain issues. Below is a memo from Carmen Bush, HDSB Food Service Director.
 
TO: HDSB
FROM: Carmen Bush, Food Service Director
DATE: November 10, 2021
SUBJECT: Supply Chain Disruptions
 
Our school district has been experiencing supply chain disruptions since the 2020-2021 school year. We are currently experiencing even greater challenges that include unanticipated cancellation of food and supply contracts, lack of availability of certain foods, unexpected substitution of food products, and increased food and supply costs.
 
We are making last-minute, week-to-week changes to our regular menus based on availability. Our holiday meal items are not available at this time, so regretfully, we are cancelling the holiday meals scheduled for November 18th and December 13th. We appreciate your support and ask for your patience as we work through these supply chain issues.

Open Enrollment Dates

Spring/ 2nd Semester:

November 5, 2021— February 4, 2022

 

Students may register with Pam Short at the GAP

401 McLaughlin Ave. Bonifay, FL 32425

 

Holmes County virtual instruction is provided through the Holmes FLVS Franchise for grades K-12.

 

Students currently enrolled in HVS must have completed their 1st Semester course work before they will be considered for enrollment in 2nd semester courses.

 

For more information, contact:

Matt Tate 547-9341 or [email protected]

Pam Short 547-0470 or [email protected]

The Florida Surgeon General and Department of Health have issued a new protocol regarding quarantines for students, effective September 22. The rule can be accessed at https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/64DER21-15.pdf

The Department of Education has released an updated graphic giving guidance on when students will need to quarantine.  (Click the Related Files link below.) We will continue to update you as we receive new guidance from the appropriate agencies. 

Device Pick-up for Full-time Holmes Virtual School Students:
August 12, 13, 16, and 17
8:15 a.m.-3:00 p.m. each day except Friday (8:15 a.m.-12 noon)

HDSB District Office
701 E. Pennsylvania Ave., Bonifay
Media Center--Door #7

Devices will be given out by appointment only In order to reduce wait times and practice social distancing. Use the following link to schedule an appointment: https://bit.ly/HVSDevicePickUp

We encourage parents to download and complete the device agreement form prior to arrival. https://bit.ly/HDSBDeviceAgreement

We will also be offering an optional device protection plan that covers accidental damage. The fee is $20 and may be paid by cash, cashier's check, or money order. No personal checks will be accepted. Cashier's checks or money orders should be made payable to Holmes District School Board.