Below is the letter Dr. Hollister distributed regarding our upcoming online learning:

March 24, 2020

Dear Elanco Families,

By now you have probably heard that Governor Wolf extended the school closure “until at least April 6”.  The purpose of this letter is to explain the upshift in the educational program for all learners in the District.  Officially starting Monday, March 30, the District faculty will be providing guided instruction on fundamental concepts in all curricular areas.  While this certainly will not be the same as the traditional face-to-face learning, we will strive to make it as focused and pertinent as possible.

We fully understand that there are limitations to this form of learning, especially for some of our most special learners and we expect additional limitations will crop-up based on the limits of technology, the personal circumstances of some teachers (many have young children at home too and some, unfortunately, will be directly effected as COVID-19 cases increase here in the County) and the unknowns that we have not anticipated.  We will work each problem as it presents itself and do our best to provide a meaningful educational experience for each learner.  We remain concerned about some of our most isolated families.  The District has devices to assist families that do not have internet service in their homes. Please help us get that word out if you know families in this situation.

If your child’s teacher has not already been in contact, expect that contact to occur soon!  Learning will consist of basic lessons led by teachers.  Depending on the teacher and subject matter, learning activities will be both live in real time (with direct contact with teachers -synchronous) and or indirect off time (asynchronous).  Regardless, we ask for your patience as our teachers warm-up to this form of teaching and learning.

• Note: Change in Food Distribution: Food distribution will shift to two days a week (Monday and Wednesday) with additional meals provided each of those days.  Any person under age 18 may pick up meals at: New Holland Mennonite Church (18 Western Avenue, New Holland) and Eastern Lancaster County Library (11 Chestnut Drive, New Holland).  Please remember the child or children in a family must be present at the pick-up site to verify legitimacy.  You may contact the Director of Food Service at jami_leisey@elanco.org  for more information.

We are operating based on the latest information from the Governor’s Office and the Pennsylvania Department of Education.  Everything is subject to change with updated directives from the Governor or the President.

Stay well.

Respectfully,

Robert M. Hollister, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools

jwj