Tuesday, April 21st - 8:00 AM - To Everyone Good Morning! This message contains many important updates. The contents of this message can also be found on our website. Grades K4-8 will continue with enrichment and review during our next 2 week cycle, but grades 9-12 will begin planned instruction starting April 27th. This means that new concepts will be introduced via lessons online or on jump drives. We are asking any student in grades 9-12 that has not already had contact with the school, and does not have access to high speed internet, to please call 814-438-7673 ext 5400 from 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM today. We have had some concerns over the amount of time that some of the assignments are taking our students to complete. Please use the following as a guideline for instructional time: Reading, Math, Writing, Science, and Social Studies should require 15-20 minutes each per day. Electives and Specials should have 1 or 2 activities per week. In other words, no more than 2-3 hours a day during the school week. If your student is spending a great deal more time on assignments, please reach out to our instructors so we can differentiate and work on a plan that best meets your students' needs. We have also had questions on how students will be assessed during the 4th quarter. All activities and assignments leading up to a summary will receive feedback from the teacher if requested by the student or parent. Otherwise students will be asked to do a summary at the end of each 2 week cycle. As long as students make an honest effort and complete the summary, they PASS. The only way to fail, would be not to participate. The final item I would like to touch on is packet and work pick-up this Friday, April 24th. We will use the previous survey responses to prepare packets and work. If your student is in K4-8th grade and you are requesting printed work for the first time, please call the main office of your student today. A reminder of the schedule to pick up packets and work in the High School Main Entrance Parking Lot from 8-10:30 AM and 1:30-3:30 PM. Packets will not be delivered with meals as there are no meal deliveries on Friday. Please make arrangements to pick up the work or contact your building principal ASAP. Grades 9-12 will be able to pick up their personal belongings from their lockers during the hours of pick up on the 24th. No need to call in advance, just drive up and give your name. We will bring your items to you. Grades 6-8 will receive their items on May 8th and grades K4-5 will receive their items on May 22nd. If a student from K4-8 needs items from their locker/classroom before the designated distribution days, please contact your principal. Thank you for your time and flexibility! - Stay well -- Matthew W. Bennett Superintendent Union City Area School District