Happy spring (we hope), YCSD families!
First, I want to congratulate the Chaney High School Cowboys Boys Basketball team and their coaches for their Division II District Championship! It's the team's first district championship since 2001. The Cowboys will travel Thursday to the Canton Memorial Civic Center to play Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary in the regional semi-finals. Good luck, Cowboys!!
I'm sure you've all heard about the coronavirus that's affecting people across the nation and the world. At YCSD, we're following the precautions and procedures outlined by public health officials, but at this point, there's no cause for alarm. The virus has caused some severe symptoms in the elderly, those with underlying health problems and people with compromised immune symptoms. For most people though, it's been pretty mild -- at least to this point.
It's important that everyone follows the steps urged by state and local health departments to make sure we all stay safe. Most of it really is common sense:
* If you're sick, stay home.
* Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. When soap and water aren't available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
* Avoid touching your face with hands that haven't been washed.
* Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
* Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and then throw the tissue away.
* Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces that are touched frequently.
Another issue that's gotten a lot of attention recently is the possible expansion of the state voucher program that allows scholars to attend private schools with public money. As legislators at the statehouse argue about details and how/if the program will be expanded, we at YCSD have taken a firm position against it.
The voucher program takes money away from public schools and public school scholars like ours and sends it to private schools where taxpayers have no say in how it's spent. The expansion initially approved in Columbus would gut many public school districts in our area.
I've finished my rounds of meetings with YCSD staff as well as conducted a community meeting regarding what people want the district to look like in the future and I plan to release my strategic plan later this month or in early April. I heard from a lot of you and I appreciate your participation.
The document will provide a framework for the school district beginning next school year and through the next several years.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Justin M. Jennings
Chief Executive Officer
Youngstown City School District