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COVID-19 Updates from Dr. Amy Carter
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January 19, 2022: Update from Dr. Amy Carter- MHS and PSE shift to Virtual
January 19, 2022
Dear Meridian High School Parents and Guardians,
After much consideration, we have determined that Meridian High School will transition to virtual learning as a precaution due to COVID-19 safety concerns. With the number of teachers and students testing positive or being quarantined, it’s difficult to continue face-to-face instruction and supervise students with staff. The school will participate in virtual learning for five days beginning tomorrow, January 20, 2022, and return to face-to-face instruction on Tuesday, January 25, 2022. Teachers and students who are close contacts have been notified. Students that require additional days of quarantine will be notified in a separate letter from Meridian High School.
Teachers are prepared for virtual learning and will continue instruction while loading assignments through Canvas. Zoom links will be provided by the teachers.
Students should follow the guidelines below:
- Follow their regular school day schedule of 8:20 a.m. - 3:25 p.m. through Zoom
- Access Zoom link through Canvas
- Attend each class to be considered present
- Log in to class within 5 minutes of the start of the class
- Email their teacher if they are experiencing problems logging into Zoom
Please know this was not an easy decision. We continue to make the safety and well-being of our students and staff our number one priority. We know that the best and most effective learning takes place in the classroom, but the circumstances of Meridian High School make that difficult at this time.
Thank you for your continued support. By working together, we will get through this challenging time.
Sincerely,
Dr. Amy J. Carter
MPSD Superintendent
Poplar Springs Elementary shifts to Virtual Learning
Dear Poplar Springs Parents and Guardians,
After much consideration, we have determined that Poplar Springs Elementary School will transition to virtual learning as a precaution due to COVID-19 safety concerns. With the number of teachers and students testing positive or being quarantined, it’s difficult to continue face-to-face instruction and supervise students with staff. The school will participate in virtual learning for five days beginning tomorrow, January 20, 2022, and return to face-to-face instruction on Tuesday, January 25, 2022. Teachers and students who are close contacts have been notified. Students that require additional days of quarantine will be notified in a separate letter from Poplar Springs Elementary.
Teachers are prepared for virtual learning and will continue instruction while loading assignments through Google Classroom. Zoom links will be provided by the teachers.
Students should follow the guidelines below:
- Work packets will be available for Pre-K and Kindergarten students after 10 a.m. on 1/20/22.
- Device pick-up for First-Fifth Graders will take place on 1/20/22 from 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 1 p.m.-3 p.m.
- First-Fifth Grade will follow their regular school day schedule of 8 a.m. - 2:45 p.m. through Zoom.
- Access Zoom link through Google Classroom for 1st-5th graders.
- Attend each class to be considered present.
- Email their teacher if they are experiencing problems logging into Zoom.
Please know this was not an easy decision. We continue to make the safety and well-being of our students and staff our number one priority. We know that the best and most effective learning takes place in the classroom, but the circumstances of Poplar Springs Elementary School make that difficult at this time.
Thank you for your continued support. By working together, we will get through this challenging time.
Sincerely,
Dr. Amy J. Carter
MPSD Superintendent
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January 13, 2022 Superintendent's Update: West Hills Elementary shifts to Virtual Learning
January 13, 2022
Dear West Hills Parents and Guardians,
After much consideration, we have determined that West Hills School will transition to virtual learning as a precaution due to COVID-19 safety concerns. With the number of teachers and students testing positive or being quarantined, it’s difficult to continue face-to-face instruction and supervise students with staff. Those teachers and students who are close contacts have been notified. The school will participate in virtual learning for ten days beginning tomorrow, January 14, 2022, and return to face-to-face instruction on Monday, January 24, 2022.
Teachers are prepared for virtual learning and will continue instruction while loading assignments through Google Classroom. Zoom links will be provided by the teachers.
Students should follow the guidelines below:
- Pre-K and Kindergarten teachers will communicate to parents regarding assignments for their students.
- First-Fifth Grade will follow their regular school day schedule of 8 a.m. - 2:45 p.m. through Zoom.
- Access Zoom link through Google Classroom for 1st-5th graders.
- Attend each class to be considered present.
- Email their teacher if they are experiencing problems logging into Zoom.
Please know this was not an easy decision. We continue to make the safety and well-being of our students and staff our number one priority. We know that the best and most effective learning takes place in the classroom, but the circumstances of West Hills Elementary School make that difficult at this time.
Thank you for your continued support. By working together, we will get through this challenging time.
Sincerely,
Dr. Amy Carter
MPSD Superintendent
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August 19, 2021: Superintendent's Update
August 19, 2021
Greetings Meridian Families,
I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to our educators and staff members for working diligently to keep our students safe and for following the CDC and MS Department of Health Guidelines.
I would also like to thank the parents in our community who are taking out time to call, email, or text questions about how the school district is handling the increase in COVID cases. We want to do all we can to be transparent and clearly communicate how we handle cases as they are reported to us. Below are a few of the questions I have received from parents. We will continue to update this information as we receive questions.
What steps and precautions are we taking to continue to do all we can to keep our students safe while on campus?
MPSD was one of the first districts in our area to implement a universal mask mandate which requires all students and staff members to wear a mask. Our educators are enforcing the mask-wearing while indoors and while in the presence of students; hand washing, wiping down areas in the classrooms, and social distancing. Custodians are also fogging classrooms and hallways with disinfectant. The district is hosting vaccination drives in partnership with local healthcare providers to encourage staff and eligible students to get vaccinated. We are asking staff members and students not to report to school if they are ill to avoid spreading germs and forms of the virus.
What can you do as a parent or guardian to help with our efforts to keep our students in school?
- If your child is sick or showing symptoms such as a runny nose, coughing, sneezing, or fever, please allow them to stay at home. We are urging our teachers to not report to work ill so we encourage you to do the same as parents.
- Continue to encourage your child to wear their mask at all times when they are in the presence of others (within three to six feet).
- If your child is 12 or older, we strongly encourage you to consider allowing them to take the vaccine. Health professionals continue to stress that vaccinations save lives!
What happens when we are notified that a student or staff member tests positive for COVID?
The district immediately begins the process of contact tracing to determine students and staff members who may have been exposed for more than 15 minutes in a close setting. Communication will only be shared with parents/guardians of those students who are impacted by possible exposures/close contacts, positive cases.
Quarantine Due to Close Contact
- Parent receives notification from the school that they may have been in close contact with a positive individual
- According to CDC guidance for a K-12 setting, positive individuals should isolate for 10 days, testing on days 3, 4, or 5. They may return to school on day 11 if symptom-free for 24 hours.
- Students should quarantine for 14 calendar days when identified as a close contact
Positive Test of COVID-19
- Notify the school of positive test
- The student should isolate for 10 days
- The student may return to school on Day 11 if symptom-free for 24 hours.
Outbreak of COVID-19
The Mississippi Department of Health defines an “outbreak” as 3 or more positive cases of COVID-19 within a class or group within a 14-day period.
Do all cases reported by MPSD occur in the school setting?
When reporting cases to the MSDH, MPSD is required to notify them of any/all positive COVID-19 cases that we are aware of, even if the positive result didn’t occur in a school setting.
When will we move to hybrid or virtual learning?
The district monitors the number of cases at each school, in grade level, and in individual classrooms. Based on guidance from the MS Department of Health and the number of cases, district officials make the decision to shift to hybrid or virtual learning when cases rise or when there is not sufficient supervision or a shortage of staff members. We know that the best place for students to be is in school.
What are schools doing to prepare students for virtual learning when and if schools have to transition?
The district purchased chrome books for individual students in grades first through twelve. Lessons are being created in Google Classroom (K-5 students) and Canvas for middle and high school students (6-12). Parents need to make sure they have signed up for a device and they have access to the internet. Students will be required to log in daily, participate in live instruction, and complete assignments. PreK and kindergarten students will be required to complete practice materials and be available for teachers to assist with instruction. Our goal is not to have younger students participate in virtual learning unless it is absolutely necessary for safety purposes.
We will continue to monitor cases and make decisions that are in the best interest of all students and staff. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this unprecedented time.
If you have additional questions please email us at info@mpsdconnect.org.
Sincerely,
Dr. Amy J. Carter
MPSD Superintendent
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August 20, 2021: Superintendent's Update - MHS shifts to Hybrid Learning
August 20, 2021
Yesterday, the Mississippi Department of Education State Board voted to allow school districts to utilize the hybrid scheduling option starting August 19, 2021. The option is only available for use in response to the COVID pandemic. Hybrid is a combination of virtual and traditional instruction modes. This allows school districts to comply with CDC guidelines of social distancing.
We know there is no substitute for traditional instruction, but many have been concerned about the increased number of COVID positives throughout the state. We want to keep students safe while providing the best education possible under these circumstances.
Beginning August 23, 2021, Meridian High School will begin hybrid learning. Students will be divided into groups and rotate A/B schedules for virtual and face-to-face attendance. We feel this will cause the least amount of disruptions to learning.
A schedule will be provided in Canvas for the days your child will attend traditionally or virtually. On Monday, August 23, students with last names that begin with A-L will report to school for face-to-face learning, and students with last names that begin with M-Z will report virtually via Zoom. Teachers are prepared for virtual learning and will continue instruction while loading assignments through Canvas. Zoom links will also be provided by the teachers in Canvas.
Students should follow the guidelines below for virtual days:
- Follow their regular school day schedule of 8:20 a.m. - 3:15 p.m. through Zoom
- Access Zoom links through Canvas
- Attend each class to be considered present
- Log in to class within 10 minutes of the start of the class
- Email their teacher if they are experiencing problems logging into Canvas
These decisions are difficult and not always popular, but we base our decisions on keeping our students and employees safe and keeping our schools open. By keeping schools open, parents/guardians are able to continue working and students are provided the best education possible during these difficult times. As we continue to monitor COVID cases, we will revisit this decision and make you aware of changes by September 3, 2021.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate these ever-changing situations. By working together, we will get through this challenging time.
Sincerely,
Amy J. Carter
Superintendent
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August 18, 2021- Superintendent's Update Regarding Northwest Middle School
August 18, 2021
Northwest Parent Letter (English)
Northwest Parent Letter (Spanish)
Northwest Parents/Guardians,
After much consideration, we have determined that Northwest Middle School will transition to virtual learning as a precaution due to COVID-19 safety concerns. With the number of teachers and students testing positive or being quarantined, it’s difficult to continue face-to-face instruction and supervise students with staff. Those teachers and students who are close contacts have been notified. The school will participate in virtual learning for five instructional days beginning tomorrow, August 19, 2021, and return to face-to-face instruction on Thursday, August 26, 2021.
Teachers are prepared for virtual learning and will continue instruction while loading assignments through Canvas. Zoom links will be provided by the teachers.
Students should follow the guidelines below:
- Follow their regular school day schedule of 8:20 a.m. - 3:20 p.m. through Zoom
- Access Zoom link through canvas
- Attend each class to be considered present
- Log in to class within 10 minutes of the start of the class
- Email their teacher if they are experiencing problems logging into Zoom
Please know this was not an easy decision. We continue to make the safety and well-being of our students and staff our number one priority. We know that the best and most effective learning takes place in the classroom, but the circumstances of Northwest Middle School make that difficult at this time.
Thank you for your continued support. By working together, we will get through this challenging time.
Sincerely,
Amy J. Carter
MPSD Superintendent
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July 27, 2021- Superintendent's Update
July 27, 2021
MPSD Parents and Guardians,
On Tuesday, July 27, 2021, the Meridian Public School District (MPSD) Board of Trustees met in a special-called meeting to approve the Universal Masking policy (JGAC). During the 2021-2022 school year, as a preventative measure, all MPSD students, teachers, and staff will be required to wear a mask while indoors in the presence of others.
Please know that the policy was implemented with everyone’s safety in mind. With COVID-19 cases rising and the vast majority of our students not meeting vaccination criteria, we made a decision with everyone’s safety in mind.
I look forward to seeing students back safely on campus on Thursday, August 5, 2021.
Sincerely,
Dr. Amy J. Carter
MPSD Superintendent
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March 12. 2020: Update from MPSD on COVID-19
Update from MPSD on COVID-19
Get the latest updates at www.mpsdk12.net/coronavirus.
We are aware of the state’s first presumptive case of COVID-19 in Forrest County that was announced by the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) yesterday. The patient is currently under voluntary isolation in his home.
The health and safety of students and staff remain our number one priority. We will follow the guidance issued by the government and health authorities in regard to any other precautionary measures or needed closures due to COVID-19.
We are receiving updates from local and state health officials, including the Mississippi Department of Education, the Center for Disease Control, and the Department of Homeland Security. We will post any updates through our website, social media accounts and our automated school messaging platform.
As Covid-19 continues to spread and public health officials have offered guidance for schools, the Meridian Public School District is taking the following steps in our public health response to protect our students, staff, and families:
- Requiring students and employees who have traveled on a cruise ship or out of country quarantine themselves for 14 days before returning to school; Students or employees who will not be returning to school for at least 14 days because they have recently traveled on a cruise ship or out of the country should notify their school and/or supervisor immediately
- Canceling all out of state travel for students and employees until further notice
- Limiting assemblies and large group gatherings, including field trips which will be evaluated on a case by case basis
- Limiting visitors to school campuses until further notice
- Emphasizing the importance of hand-washing with students and staff, increasing the number of scheduled times during school day for students to wash hands
- Cleaning high-touch surfaces routinely, including desks, doorknobs, light switches, and other classroom surfaces
- Thorough cleaning and disinfecting of schools and offices daily
The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) is not recommending that schools close at this time. Based on the latest guidance from MSDH, please practice the following to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses:
- Avoid close contact with sick people.
- While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible.
- Stay home if you are sick.
- Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands; germs spread this way.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub with at least 60% alcohol.
Please remember that if children are sick, they should not be at school. Students need to be fever-free for 24 hours before returning to class after any illness. Keeping children home when they are sick is critical to prevention.
IF YOU FEEL SICK with fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, and have traveled on a cruise ship or out of the country or were in close contact with someone with COVID-19 in the 14 days before you began to feel sick, seek medical care. Before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room, call ahead and tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms.
Thank you for supporting our efforts to help protect the health of our school community.
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March 2, 2020: MPSD Statement on Novel Coronavirus monitoring
March 2, 2020
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MPSD COVID-19 Update #7, April 14, 2020
In accordance with state guidance from Governor Tate Reeves, Meridian Public School District will remain closed for the rest of the semester.
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MPSD Coronavirus Update #6 from Superintendent Amy Carter, April 2, 2020
As we navigate week three of COVID-19 school closure, I hope you and your families are adjusting and adapting as much as possible. I know this is a difficult time for all of us. I hope you are giving yourselves some flexibility as you adapt to learning at home. And most importantly, I hope you are protecting your physical and emotional health.
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MPSD, Boys and Girls Club suspend Grab & Go Meals until April 14
Due to Lauderdale County being mandated to “Shelter In Place” until April 14, 2020, to slow the spread of COVID-19, MPSD and the Boys and Girls Club have decided to suspend our Grab & Go Meals during this time. This decision was made with the safety of our staff and their families in mind.
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Mississippi State Board of Education Suspends Key Policies to Manage Impact of Extended School Closures
JACKSON, Miss. – The Mississippi State Board of Education (SBE) today suspended several statewide policies to manage the impact of extended school closures due to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) public health crisis.
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MPSD COVID-19 Update #5, March 19, 2020
In accordance with state guidance from Governor Tate Reeves, Meridian Public School District will be closed until April 17, 2020.
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MPSD COVID-19 Update #4, March 17, 2020
As we continue to deal with the situation created by the COVID-19 virus outbreak, the MPSD Board of Trustees voted unanimously to close school for an additional week, the week of March 23-27, 2020. The earliest that school would resume would be March 30, 2020. If additional days are added to the closure, we will notify everyone accordingly.
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MPSD COVID-19 Update #3, March 14, 2020
Please know that the Meridian Public School District is monitoring the events surrounding COVID-19 through frequent contact with the Mississippi Department of Education and the Mississippi Department of Health.
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MPSD COVID Update #2, March 12, 2020
We are aware of the state’s first presumptive case of COVID-19 in Forrest County that was announced by the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) yesterday. The patient is currently under voluntary isolation in his home.
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MPSD Coronavirus Update #1, March 2, 2020
The Meridian Public School District is receiving updates from the CDC regarding the likelihood of the novel (new) coronavirus causing a pandemic in our area.