-
Latest Superintendent Update, 4/15/2020 Haga clic aquí para español
Hello Indian Nation,
As you are aware, Governor Tate Reeves declared on Tuesday that schools will not physically resume for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year. While this is sad news, it is a necessary measure to continue with lessening the spread of the Covid-19 virus. I would love nothing more than to return to school and see the smiling faces of our students and staff, but I am thankful that our school system is in such great shape to continue with education during these turbulent times. I want to assure the Indian Nation that school is not closed, education continues, grades will be recorded, and students will still learn.
Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, Biloxi Schools had already established a strong foundation in technology. We already had 1 to 1 laptop initiatives at multiple campuses, incorporated Google Classroom at most grade levels, and utilized technology daily at all campuses. In grades K-12 our students are comfortable with technology. This has made the transition to distance learning pretty smooth for us. We are blessed with the resources, qualified staff, and determination to continue with a high quality education for all students. Throw in the best student body and parent support and you have a recipe for success. Bottom line is, we can make distance learning our greatest success in the Indian Nation!
It is important that all students continue working and communicating with teachers for the remainder of the school year. Again, grades are being recorded, promotion requirements must be met, and Carnegie Unit requirements must be met (for BHS & BJH students). For those without access to technology, paper packet distribution will resume April 20. Now that we have a definitive answer for physical school closures for the remainder of 2019-2020, we will begin making appropriate plans for events such as graduation. We will seek input from stakeholders to make such activities as celebratory as possible.
The meal program will resume on Monday April 20, but will have some small changes. Meals will be distributed each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday with two days of meals provided at each pickup. Times and locations will remain the same (10:30 AM – 12:30 PM @ Gorenflo, North Bay, & Popps Ferry). New guidelines were provided to school systems that now allow parents to pick up meals for students, even if the student is not physically in the car. This change is an effort to reduce the risk of exposure to students.
While our current situation is heartbreaking, let’s please remember the many things for which we can be thankful. The vast majority of us are healthy and smart decisions can keep us that way. We have the resources to continue with an excellent education. We have the ability to keep all students on pace toward their goals. WE HAVE A COMMUNITY THAT EXPECTS NOTHING LESS THAN EXCELLENCE! Let’s work together to make the conclusion of the 2019-2020 school year the best one possible.
BILOXI STRONG & INDIAN NATION PROUD!
Thank You,
Marcus Boudreaux, Superintendent, Biloxi Public School District
