HOPEWELL MEMORIAL JUNIOR HIGH

EDWARD KATKICH, M.Ed.	KYLEE BABISH, M.Ed. Principal                                                                    Assistant Principal
2354 BRODHEAD ROAD ALIQUIPPA, PENNSYLVANIA 15001-4592
PHONE 724-375-6691

FAX 724-375-5029

Dear Hopewell Memorial Junior High School Parent/Guardian,

Beginning on Monday, March 16 and extending at least through Monday, April 13, Hopewell Area School District is closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes school activities, field trips, and facility usage. At this time, all field trips, activities or events in the month of April are also canceled or postponed. We are asking that no students gather on school grounds.

Hopewell Memorial Junior High School is planning to continue instruction through our online learning platform, Google Classroom, beginning on Tuesday, March 31. Students in grades 5 through 8 are familiar with and have used this learning tool. All tasks/activities the teachers will ask of students are ones with which they have prior experience and are able to complete with guidance from their teachers.

In preparation for our students’ continuity of instruction, students should:

1. Keep current on Google Classroom. This will be the primary learning platform for all classes. A few classes will communicate and assign work using Schoology.
a. You may receive notification from your child’s teacher(s) with Google Classroom codes. To join a class, click on the + sign in the upper-right or lower-right hand corner and enter the code(s) that teacher(s) provide.
b. Access Google Classroom through www.clever.com/hasd, classroom.google.com, or by downloading Google Classroom’s App on a device.
2. Expect assessments and assignments that will require consistent work to keep up-to-date.

3. Have a backup plan if your internet goes down: Can you communicate through phone? Can your phone be a hotspot, so you can email teachers?
a. If you do not have access to the internet or any electronic device, please email your principal for alternative arrangements: katkiche@hopewellarea.org. You may also call Nancy Barber 724.375.6691 X 3009. Please don’t worry, we will work something out to keep your child learning!
b. If you have Internet but need a device, please fill out this brief survey: https://forms.gle/5dKuher6J54dnB8U7
4. Students must check their progress on Google Classroom.	It will be updated regularly by teachers to help keep individuals on track with grades and assignments.
5. Keep communication open. Students and/or parents/guardians should email teachers if there is an issue.
6. Online learning is all about open lines of communication - Students must ask for help and let the teacher know if they are falling behind. They, too, must ask questions on assignments.

Parents and guardians can check their child’s Google Classroom account. For assistance on everything Google Classroom, view this guide. Teachers will be available to digitally respond from the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 2 p.m. We recognize that family situations related to child care, work schedules, technology access, and other factors may impact a student’s availability. Families and students are encouraged to communicate any questions with teachers and all questions will have a response within 24 hours, Monday-Friday.

As a reminder, the District provides lunches and breakfast to students under the age of 18 between 11 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Junior High School’s main entrance. As of March 24, we will also have a pick-up location at Independence Elementary.

We appreciate all that you and your child will be doing over the next few weeks as we work through these uncharted waters together. At this time, we anticipate the posting of third-quarter grades on either Friday, April 3 or Monday, April 5. Please do not hesitate to reach out to the school for any needs you may have during this time. We will be available by email throughout the duration of the schools being closed. If you should require assistance, please contact either of us.

Respectfully,

Ed Katkich

katkiche@hopewellarea.org

Kylee Babish

babishk@hopewellarea.org