Good evening, warrior families, this is Rich Shepler, principal of Warren Central High School. This special Friday night message is to share important updates regarding our current school closure and is in lieu of a Sunday night message this week. I will return to my regularly scheduled Sunday night messages on Sunday, March 29th.
This week, Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb announced that all public schools will remain closed until at least May 1st. I know this raises many questions. While I do not have concrete answers to all questions at this time, I would like to address a few very important items.
Spring break will commence as scheduled from March 21st to April 5th. We are working through all of the details of the elearning process and will keep you updated once the plan is complete. For now, please just make sure you can access your Canvas account. We will use Canvas as our elearning platform. You can expect to hear from your teachers and cohort teams soon.
Yesterday, the Indiana Department of Education announced that all state standardized tests including, Istep, Ilearn, IAM, and WIDA have been cancelled. AP tests are administered by the College Board and we are waiting for guidance on how AP tests will be handled this year. Additionally, we are awaiting guidance from our dual credit partners regarding dual credit courses.
Warren Township will continue their expanded food distribution plan for the duration of the school closure. Each week, Monday through Friday anyone 18 and under can pick up food from one of our school or mobile sites between 11 am and 1 pm. You can access details and all available locations on the district webpage. Door 1 at the high school will continue to be a distribution site.
We know that some of you are applying for jobs while school is out. If you are in need of a work permit, you can come to Door 1 of the high school on Tuesday of each week between 11 am and 1 pm for assistance.
Due to the current CDC guidelines that prevent gatherings larger than 10 people, we have had to cancel prom for this year. This is a very special event for all of us and yet your safety and the safety of others must take precedence at this time.
Seniors, the closing of school and canceling of events and activities that are important to you must be weighing heavily on you and your families. Please know that we are on your side. We will be your biggest advocates and try to salvage everything that is within our power. As of today, graduation has not been canceled. As time passes and we continue to get guidance from the state and federal government, we will continue to update you. In the coming days, we do expect an update from the DOE regarding graduation requirements for this year and we will share that with you.
Finally, I encourage you to stay Warrior strong. Please follow all guidelines provided by the CDC and the state of Indiana. We must be vigilant in taking care of one another and doing the right thing.