Akron Central posts update on school closure, meal pick up, mobile food pantry

Akron Central School has posted an update on their response to COVID-19 and its impact on school district families.  The full update is posted on their website akronschools.org.  Highlights follow:

Kudos to students and parents –  We are so pleased with the work that our students are doing at home. While this situation is certainly challenging for families, the commitment to learning being demonstrated by students and parents is incredible. We know that without the support of parents and guardians, our students would be at a tremendous disadvantage. On behalf of all of our teachers and related service providers, congratulations and keep up the great work!

School Closure – Governor Cuomo’s recent Executive Order requires that schools provide remote instruction for students during the scheduled Spring Recess. The district will abide by the Governor’s orders and will await further direction from him as to when the district may reopen.

Teachers are preparing additional lessons for children and building administrators have drafted a letter to families that outlines how students and families can receive that information.

Additional Education Updates

The administrative team is working in collaboration with teachers to make informed decisions on providing new learning to students, grading options, and supporting students during this unprecedented time.

We are awaiting information from the New York State Department of Education on Regents Exams. The decision from the Board of Regents is expected sometime next week.

The College Board has developed free online Advanced Placement (AP) review courses to compliment remote work provided by teachers. The College Board is developing secure 45- minute free response exams for each course that students will be able to take online. The College Board website has more information on AP courses and can be accessed at this link to AP Course Information.

Meal Distribution and Mobile Food Pantry Food service workers are working diligently to help meet the nutritional needs of our families. All school-age children are eligible to receive breakfast and lunch at no cost. Recently added are additional breakfast and lunch servings for the Friday pickup so that children will have meals for 6 days.

Pick up days/times are M-W-F from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Meals will be offered during the days previously scheduled as Spring Recess. The only exception will be that no meals will be served on Friday, April 10, 2020. However, double meals will be provided the preceding Thursday, April 9.

Akron Central School District has announced a collaboration with FeedMore WNY. FeedMore WNY is an alliance between the Food Bank of WNY and Meals on Wheels. This resource is available to any community member or family in need. A mobile pantry distribution will occur at Akron Central School District for our community beginning Monday, April 13.  Pick up days/times for these meal kits are Monday and Friday from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. pick up in front of the District bus loop by the Elementary set of doors, Door #2.

Internet/WIFI Access All students have been issued a Chromebook to help facilitate continued learning. Some families do not have access to the Internet. The District’s WiFi signal is strong enough that students and families can access it from the school’s parking lots if they would like. In addition, teachers are aware that some students may need paper-based assignments. Please contact your building principal if you have questions or need support.

Mental and Emotional Health – District student support team of Social Workers, School Psychologists and School Counselors are continuing to contact students on a regular basis. They are available for all students during the school closure. In addition, they can direct students and families to community-based services should there be a need. Please see ACS website for available resources: Coronavirus / From our Counselors.

COVID-19 INFO & RESOURCES Child Care The Akron Central School District is partnering with Rattles to Reading Child Care, Inc. located at 6263 Scotland Rd, Akron, NY 14001 to provide access to childcare for health care workers, emergency responders and essential service providers while schools are closed. Those who are eligible should contact Terry Zazynski at (716) 542-5437 or email terryz@rochester.rr.com. 2020-2021

School Budget Vote & Board of Education Elections Pursuant to the recent Executive Order, school district Budget Votes and Board of Education elections have been postponed until at least June 1, 2020 and are subject to further directive as to the timing, location or manner of voting.

The Governor has released the State budget and has set Foundation Aid to schools at the 2019- 2020 level. During these uncertain economic times and in consideration of the significant State budget deficit, he has also been granted authority to make quarterly cuts to school funding 47 Bloomingdale Avenue, Akron, NY 14001 Phone: 716-542-5010 Fax: 716-542-5018 should there be a need. The district is working on plans to minimize the impact of these cuts should they be made.