Updated Winter Break Extension
Dear ECS Families,
In light of a recent and precipitous spike in COVID cases both within the ECS community and throughout our county, I am writing to inform you that out of an abundance of caution and in consultation with our school physician, we have decided to extend Winter Break for students until Tuesday, January 4. Additionally, students will learn virtually from Wednesday, Jan. 5 to Friday, Jan. 7. Students will return to in-person learning on Monday, Jan. 10.
We understand and fully empathize that this decision can impose a hardship on parents and caregivers like affecting work schedules and other pre-arranged plans. ECS also recognizes that this may cause some anxiety for students who are eager to return to school after the break, but we believe that this precaution is critical as it is our shared responsibility to provide a healthy balance between administering in-person education and our duty to protect the most vulnerable in our community: our students.
The health and safety of our students and staff is our top priority, and this schedule change will not only help to keep our community healthy and safe, but it is also a proactive measure to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in ECS buildings and keep our schools and grade levels open once students return to in-person learning.
ECS understands that this change may be difficult, and if you feel like your child needs additional support or an adult check-in, please reach out to your building’s school counselor.
The ECS staff is working diligently to provide a high-quality virtual learning plan that creates a smooth transition from the break to virtual learning to in-person learning.
If your student is in need of a device during the virtual learning period, please complete this form by Monday, Dec. 20, 2021.
If your student is in need of foodservice during the virtual learning period, please complete this form by Monday, Dec. 20, 2021.
Please keep an eye on your email on Monday, Jan. 3, 2022, for more information regarding virtual learning from your student’s Homebase teacher.
All after-school programs are canceled for the week of Jan. 3.
If your student is unvaccinated, ECS highly recommends that your student gets tested for COVID-19 prior to returning to school on Monday, Jan. 10, 2022.
In the meantime, please reach out to your building principal if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you for your support and understanding while we continue to navigate uncharted waters.
Dr. Mandy Cribbs
Superintendent
