Grant County schools and universities are now temporarily closed to prevent future cases of COVID-19.
- Marion, Oak Hill, Madison-Grant and Eastbrook schools are closed beginning today and will resume classes on April 6.
- Mississinewa is also closed today but will reopen on April 10.
- Taylor University announced a four-week break from face-to-face classes starting after classes on Tuesday, while Indiana Wesleyan University
is conducting online classes from today through March 27.
Below is everything we could gather about the closures. Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments below!
School meals:
Marion Community Schools is putting plans in place to provide meals for students during the extended closure. The school will be doing a weekly grab-and-go food pick-up at 4 p.m. on Wednesdays (March 18, March 25 and April 1) at the Justice Intermediate School parking lot. The entrance will be on Miller Avenue.
Ole Miss is giving five breakfasts and five lunches per package per child. Free to all children 18 years old or younger. Pick up will be available at Mississinewa High School Door 9 OR Westview Elementary School Door 3 from 10 a.m. to noon or 4 – 6 p.m. on Monday, March 16. You can access that online form by visiting this link.
Marion Community Schools statement:
With recent guidance from Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb regarding statewide efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19, Marion Community Schools has made the decision to close school starting Monday, March 16, through April 5. This includes all MCS school buildings, Little Giants Preschool, and Marion Regional Career Center. In addition, all athletics, events, and activities are canceled during this time period.
This decision has not been made lightly, but this is an unprecedented situation. The health and safety of our students, staff, families, and our community is our primary concern.
“This is a time when we must do all we can to reduce the spread of COVID-19, protect our most vulnerable populations and reduce their potential to acquire or spread this virus,” Gov. Holcomb said on Thursday. “While some actions are drastic, now, not later, is the time to act.”
>> More details will be shared with families in the coming days concerning suggested activities they can use at home with their children to keep the learning going. In general these activities will be for the purposes of enrichment and continued connection, and they will be optional but strongly suggested. We understand that not all families have Internet access, and we will be providing a range of options and opportunities.When we are able to restart classes, we will as always meet students where they are and help them grow from there. For some higher level classes, individual teachers may assign specific work for students during any closure. Teachers would communicate that directly with students as possible.
For those with devices and Internet access available, click here for instructions on how to access some of the learning apps students regularly use at school. Some teachers are using Google Classroom and Unified Classroom, and you can access those here too.
Ole Miss Statement (Click to expand):
Madison-Grant United School Corporation statement:
Dear Madison-Grant Families,
The Coronavirus COVID-19 has created an unprecedented set of circumstances across the country. For several weeks, we have been meeting with county agencies to discuss this rapidly changing situation. Our primary consideration has always been the health and safety of our students, faculty, staff, and families.
In coordination with the Grant and Madison County Health Departments and the public school superintendents in Madison and Grant Counties, we are initiating Extended eLearning Days beginning Monday, March 16, 2020.
Before spring break, we will initiate Extended eLearning beginning Monday, March 16 through Thursday, March 19. After spring break, we will continue Extended eLearning beginning Tuesday, March 31 through Friday, April 3. A recent announcement from the governor is waiving up to 20 days of school. We will save these waiver days (non-eLearning) in case we need them in the future. We will evaluate a return to school, as well as a return to after-school activities and field trips, following April 6. Club sponsors and coaches will connect with their students concerning their schedules.
We recognize this situation is not ideal for students, staff, or parents. However, it is important for the health and safety of our overall community. We also sincerely thank all the dedicated people at the Madison and Grant County Health Departments, as well as our staff at Madison-Grant, who have been working tirelessly to prepare and plan for our students and families. While our school building is closed, intensive cleaning will continue within our school facilities to help ensure a safe environment when students return.
How will Extended eLearning work? Today students will bring home resource materials. Teachers will be emailing information by Monday, March 16. We plan on sending home Chromebooks with our students. Students can log in to their Google accounts on any device.
The following are expectations for students, teachers, and parents on an Extended eLearning Day. We ask you review this information as soon as possible.
What will a student do on an eLearning Day?
Students will utilize class instructional materials shared through email to parents or through Google Classroom.
Students are required to complete all days of Extended eLearning. Failure to do so will result in a student being marked unexcused for that particular day and work could be graded as zero.
Student work will be graded and recorded.
All teachers will be available for student questions via email during office hours from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Teachers will do their best to respond to an email within 24 hours.
What will a teacher do on an Extended eLearning Day?
Teachers will have learning objectives, content, and expectations posted by Monday, March 16.
Teachers will be available between the hours of 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. for student support.
Teachers will make every effort to answer questions promptly if emailed.
Teachers will grade student work and enter grades in Powerschool in a timely fashion.
What should a parent/guardian do on an Extended e-learning day?
Ensure that your child logs in to Google Classroom or checks emails from teachers each day and completes all assigned work.
Monitor Powerschool, Google Classroom, and emails so you can ensure your child is on top of their assignments. Teachers will be diligent in keeping Powerschool up to date in all grades.
We will be keeping our community up to date through email and phone communication. Any updates will come directly from our offices. Please know we will also post any information on our website as we receive updates on health and safety information from our public agencies. We strive with integrity to keep our families and students safe and healthy and will follow all recommendations we receive from our state and local agencies. We appreciate all the work our staff and families will be putting forth during this unprecedented time to keep our students safe and continue their education. #WeAreMG
Sincerely,
Scott A. Deetz
Dr. Scott A. Deetz
Superintendent
Madison-Grant United School Corporation
Oak Hill United School Corporation statement:
Oak Hill Parents/Guardians and Staff,
Upon full consideration of COVID-19 information provided to Oak Hill by local, state, and national authorities the Oak Hill United School Corporation will be closing as of the end of the day today. The current plan is to return to our normal “school day” routine on Monday, April 6, 2020. If it is necessary to extend this school shut down period you will be notified. This closure includes all extra and co-curricular student practices, activities, and events. We appreciate your understanding of this special circumstance.
Monday, March 16 and Tuesday, March 17 will be state approved “waiver days” with no eLearning expectations for students. However, starting Wednesday, March 18 at least some remaining school days (not Spring Break days) during this close down time may include eLearning expectations. Please watch email for details.
iPads are not going home with K – 4 students today because of our need to complete a major technology project that requires us to have each device available to our technology staff. We do plan to have this completed by the end of the day on Tuesday, March 17 and work with parents to distribute iPads to students on Wednesday and beyond. Details will be provided at a later time through email.
We plan to have all building offices open during this time
Please contact your child’s school building office with any questions
Teachers/Staff are welcome to be in the buildings as necessary
Please watch email for updates
*If you are in an OHUSC employee group other than certified, secretarial or custodial please be patient for a determination of your work/pay situation. We are discussing this topic and will communicate with you all as we know more.
Thank you,
Joel Martin
Superintendent
Eastbrook Community Schools statement:
Dear ECSC Students, Parents and Community,
We continue to monitor the latest information on the Coronavirus (COVID-19). With multiple confirmed cases in Indiana, we want all families to be prepared should the virus be detected in our own community. We are staying in close contact with local health officials. I have complete confidence in these health and medical experts to make recommendations regarding the health of the children and adults in our community. Their guidance and advice will play a significant role in any decision we make going forward.
Please understand that Eastbrook Community Schools is considering all possible scenarios to protect the well-being of our students, staff and school community as we monitor COVID-19.
Please consider the following information to help you and your family be prepared:
• At this point, there has not been a confirmed case in our county. However, in monitoring the spread of this virus throughout the United States and the rest of the world, it is very clear things can change suddenly.
• In the event that Eastbrook Community Schools are required to close, I encourage all parents to develop plans now for your children. Unlike winter weather-related closures, school districts in other states that have closed for COVID-19 have shut down for one or two weeks. We understand this would create a hardship for many of our families, especially if we are required to close with very little advanced notice.
• We will continue to share updated information with you through emails, texts, phone messages and our school website https://eastbrook.k12.in.us . We have created a new space on our website with information on COVID-19. Our website will be your primary source for updated plans for supporting schools and students, including learning resources in the event that alternative learning options such as eLearning become necessary.
We will continue to stay in close contact with the Indiana Department of Education, Grant County Health Department and the Indiana Department of Health as they are issuing guidance to Indiana’s school districts. We want our families to be prepared for all possible scenarios, including an extended closure of schools, should COVID-19 become an issue locally. All decisions will be made in the best interest of the health of our students, staff and community.
Also, here are some important reminders:
● Prevention is important.
● We are increasing our cleaning and disinfecting efforts within our schools.
Additionally, here is what you can do to support our efforts:
● Please keep your children home if they are sick and not feeling well.
● Have your children get plenty of rest.
● Everyone should wash hands frequently with soap and hot water. If they are not available, then use hand sanitizer.
● Everyone should avoid touching their face.
● Everyone is to avoid handshakes, high fives and unnecessary touching.
● Use the following, credible websites to find updated and helpful information on COVID-19.
Indiana State Department of Health: www.in.gov/isdh Center for Disease Control: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
Please continue to monitor our website for additional updates, and thank you for your support and cooperation.
Sincerely,
Brett Garrett
Superintendent
Eastbrook Community Schools
Indiana Wesleyan University statement:
Indiana Wesleyan University is still open with modified, online-only classes starting on March 16th. Due to the dynamic nature of this situation, we will continue to monitor the outbreak and will make decisions in response accordingly. Updates will be posted on this page.
Frequently Asked Questions:
HAS ANYONE FROM IWU BEEN INFECTED?
There are no confirmed cases of students, faculty or staff who have tested positive for COVID-19.
WHAT INTERNET OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE DURING THIS TIME?
Due to the continued challenges facing students and employees as a result of the current Covid-19 outbreak, several internet providers have announced free internet for customers who do not currently have service for a period of 60 days. These offers are aimed specifically at supporting students. Many companies are waving any cancellation fees if canceled within the 60 day limitation.
Additionally, most phone carriers have also either raised data limits before extra charges would occur, or are temporarily allowing Hot Spot activation on existing plans so that customers may connect their computers to the internet through their phones at no additional charge. Details can be found through the provider’s main web sites.
HOW IS EACH CAMPUS HANDLING THE POTENTIAL OUTBREAK OF COVID-19?
IWU-Marion students
Beginning March 16th all classes will be taught online through March 27th.
All University operations and services will continue to function during this time, including residence halls & designated dining facilities which will remain open during the next 2 weeks for those who need to stay on campus. We ask students to select housing locations that are safest for their health and the health of their families. Students who wish to go home, may do so.
Beginning Monday, March 16th:
Baldwin Dining Hall will remain open for students who are on campus. They are modifying food service procedures to minimize student contact with serving utensils as they continue taking proactive measures to ensure that workers have followed appropriate sanitary procedures.
Residence Halls will not be open for external visitors.
Access to all academic buildings will stop at 5:00 p.m. with the exception of the library and the student center.
UPDATE: Admitted Student Weekend (New Student Registration) has now been canceled due to the ban of gatherings greater than 250 individuals in the state of Indiana. The Office of Admissions is working on several new options for registration and is fully committed to working closely with all students and families in regard to future New Student Registration events. More information will be forthcoming soon.
Effective immediately at the direction of the Crossroads League and the Council of Presidents, all IWU spring sports will be suspended until March 31, with the hope play can resume on April 1. Games scheduled between now and March 31 will not be played or rescheduled.
The IWU Fusion Youth Conference 2020 will not be held on the IWU Campus. However, we are crafting an online version that will be streamed live. More information about the live stream will be coming.
Our previously scheduled World Changer events on March 24 and 25 are now canceled. We are working with Tamika Catchings to find a future date and continue to look forward to officially inducting her into the IWU Society of World Changers.
If you traveled over spring break to areas with widespread COVID-19 outbreak, follow CDC guidance to self-isolate for 14 days & monitor for symptoms. If symptoms occur, stay away from campus & call your doctor.
IWU-National & Global students
Beginning March 16th regional site classes will be moved to online learning for two weeks, until Monday, March 30. You will be contacted directly if you are impacted by this change.
All University operations and services will continue to function during this time.
Online students will continue to carry out coursework as usual.
Students who are enrolled into practicums or internships will receive direct contact via email regarding their assignments.
You will receive direct contact if you are affected by any of these changes.
Wesley Seminary students
All students will continue to attend class online as usual.
All University operations and services will continue to function during this time.
No decisions have been made regarding upcoming international trips.
HOW ARE EMPLOYEES IMPACTED BY THESE CHANGES?
Employees should consult the Announcements section of the University portal page for more information regarding changes about work schedule.
Ivy Tech Community College statement:
To all students, faculty, and staff:
As we continue to follow and learn more about the progression of the COVID-19 pandemic, and with your safety in mind, we have decided to take additional steps to lessen our on-campus population and better accommodate social distancing.
Ivy Tech Community College is delaying the start of all courses until March 23. The College plans to deliver courses virtually or through other alternate delivery through April 5. Students should check IvyLearn leading up to March 23 for instructions on their courses. The College will make a decision on March 30 about the need for continued virtual and alternate delivery of classes.
Ivy Tech campuses and sites will remain open to provide student and business office assistance including the ability for students to meet with advisors, admissions and financial aid, use computers, and access to faculty as needed. Accommodations will be made for labs, clinicals and some technology courses to meet in groups of 10 or less if social distancing can be assured. Information regarding such meetings will be provided to students from their faculty. Faculty and staff should plan to continue their work on campus/site. Additional specific information for employees will be shared by Julie Lorton-Rowland, Senior Vice President for Human Resources, and Kara Monroe, Provost.
While our students have been on spring break we have continuously monitored the coronavirus pandemic and have weighed all options. Our focus is always on the safety and academic success of our students. At this time, given the escalating cases in Indiana and across the country, we believe that offering our courses virtually is now the most viable alternative. Ivy Tech currently offers nearly half of our courses online today.However, with more than 1,600 faculty across our 18 campuses, we will use next week to provide faculty the training, tools, and support to provide quality instruction to our students so that they can successfully move forward with their educational and career goals.
As you know we offer 16-week courses that started in January and were at the midway point in the semester when spring break started on March 9. The restart of those courses will be delayed one week with this change. The College also offers a large number of 8-week courses, which had either ended by March 9 or are scheduled to begin on March 16. The start date of those second 8-week courses will be delayed with all courses starting again on March 23. In all cases under the current plan the semester will extend an additional week and conclude May 16. The College has not announced any changes regarding commencement ceremonies at this time.
Thank for your patience and understanding as we work through this unexpected situation together.
President Sue Ellspermann
Taylor University statement:
Taylor University officials have announced a four-week suspension of all face-to-face classroom teaching will begin after the end of classes on Tuesday, March 17, in response to the spreading COVID-19 pandemic. The announcement, made to the Taylor campus by Provost and Executive Vice President Dr. Michael Hammond, included several steps Taylor has taken as the coronavirus continues its advance.
They include:
1. Face-to-face classroom teaching will continue through Tuesday, March 17, after which an early Spring Break will begin.
2. Resumption of Spring Semester teaching on Monday, March 30, in a virtual setting with a tentative date for resumption of face-to-face classroom instruction on Tuesday, April 14.
3. Immediate suspension of all campus gatherings of more than 100 people. This most directly impacts Taylor’s chapel program, but also extends to sports events and tournaments, concerts, plays, and other events.
4. Immediate suspension of overseas study programs for the spring semester. All students in international locations are returning to the United States.
5. Immediate suspension of campus-sponsored travel outside the State of Indiana.
6. Advising of employees and students that non-essential travel outside the State of Indiana is strongly discouraged.
7. Postponement of the 24@taylor campus visitation program scheduled for today.
According to Hammond, residence halls and dining services will be open and continue to serve those students who are unable to return to their homes.
“As we have continued to monitor the COVID-19 outbreak, we have made the safety of each member of our community our primary concern,” Hammond said. “This plan has been developed with the utmost concern for our community safety while seeking to preserve many of the vital elements of our community experiences in the spring semester. It is our hope that we will have a successful restart to the on-campus programs and classroom-based learning on April 14.”
Important dates:
March 17: Last class day before Spring Break
March 18-March 29: Spring Break
March 30: Classes resume with online or virtual delivery
April 13: Students return to campus
April 14: Classes resume on campus in classrooms
