Parent Magazine St. Johns April 2020 | Page 9

FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT the Parent’s Guide to Online Learning video presentation, which can be found on our district website https://www. stjohns.k12.fl.us/online-learning/. We will continue to add resources, guides, and information to aid you and your child in this new environment. A lthough this time of the year looks completely different from what many of us had planned and hoped, I cannot thank you enough for your patience, understanding and trust as we continue to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic. As a district, we are closely monitoring and following the guidelines and recommendations of the CDC, the Florida Department of Health and the Florida Department of Education. As your Superintendent of Schools, I will continue to put the health and safety of our students and employees first as decisions are being made and will communicate updates as information evolves. Thank you for your flexibility as we transitioned our instruction to online learning for our students. Our teachers, administration, and support staff have worked countless hours to ensure that students and families have everything they need to be successful throughout the duration of this new learning platform. We understand that this online learning process is entirely different from our usual model for most of our families. I would encourage you to visit The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumers Services and USDA have approved meal service during the time of unanticipated school closures. Meals have and will continue to be provided through a walk-up and drive-thru service in the parent drop off loop at several participating school and community sites. Meals are provided to children 18 years or younger. Students may receive meals at the nearest participating school, even if it is not where they attend school, which eliminates the need for families to drive to multiple sites. For the most up-to-date locations, please visit https://www.stjohns.k12.fl.us/blog/meal-service- changes-to-participating-locations/ Along with online instructional tools and food distribution sites, the St. Johns County School District website has added many resources to help assist you and your family. I would encourage you to view our school district’s new Mental Health and Wellness portal on our website, which offers information and links to resources regarding COVID-19 along with a wide range of mental health-related topics. I am incredibly appreciative of you, your children, and your families to support this new normal. We are all in this together. Stay safe and encourage and support one another. Sincerely, TIM FORSON, SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS, ST. JOHNS COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT VIS IT U S ONLI NE AT WWW.PARE NTM AGAZINE FLORIDA .COM S T. J O H N S parent M A G A Z I N E | 5