Updated 9:13 a.m.
Cincinnati Public Schools will distribute learning packets at 23 meal sites starting today.
The paper packets are for kindergarten through 12th grade students who don't have access to online learning. A CPS official says the packets aren't translated into other languages for the district's English Language Learners since they're taught English in the classroom.
"That practice is continuing during the mandated school closure," Spokeswoman Frances Russ says. "Our goal always is to help our students gain English proficiency." She says second languange teachers and bilingual staff are reaching out to students to offer support as they understand the enrichment packets.
Native Spanish, French, Arabic and Nepali speakers can call and leave messages in their languange on CPS voicemail boxes. Bilingual CPS staff will return the calls. Spanish: (513) 363-3251, French and Arabic: (513) 363-3073, Nepali: (513) 363-3745.
Ohio school districts are closed until at least May following a mandate from Governor Mike DeWine.
Families will be able to pick up packets based on their child's need. The district is also purchasing iPads for some students with disabilities to support their work during the pandemic.
Students will not receive a grade for completing the six weeks of work in English, math and history. However, teachers will give feedback through teleconferences to students.
Deputy Superintendent Tianay Amat says she sent out a Google Form to teachers the first week of April to track their interactions with students. Teachers will log their students' responses to questions about their wellness and what platforms students supported using, such as Zoom or Schoology. The principal at each school will supervise teachers.
Pick up for packets and meals are available between 11 a.m. and noon. The district says it limited pick-up times after data showed a higher volume during the first hour.
Evanston Academy will take the place of Withrow University High School and Fredrick Douglass School because of low turnout.
The current pick-up sites are now:
- Academy of Multilingual Immersion Studies
- Bond Hill Academy
- Cheviot
- Evanston Academy
- Hays-Porter
- John P. Parker
- LEAP Academy
- Mt. Airy School
- Mt. Washington
- Oyler
- Parker Woods Montessori
- Pleasant Hill Academy
- Riverview East Academy
- Roberts Academy
- Rockdale Academy
- Roselawn Condon
- Rothenberg Preparatory Academy
- Sayler Park
- South Avondale
- Western Hills University
- Westwood
- Winton Hills Academy
- Woodford Paideia Academy