Super’s Monday Message

Grateful for our leaders, educators, and outstanding staff

This afternoon our Superintendent Sandra “Sam” Himmel sent an email to our staff which I feel gives a glimpse into the vital and important work and planning going on behind the scenes at Citrus County Schools. As a parent of a student in our schools, husband of a teacher in our schools, and as a school board member, I am so appreciative of Superintendent Himmel’s email where she clarified some concerns, provided assurances and portions. I am so grateful to our Superintendent, her executive staff, the many departments’ leaders and their staff, the school administrators, school staff and teachers who have been working tirelessly addressing the needs of our students and preparing for the transition to virtual instruction on March 31^st.

I encourage you to read the whole letter, but I especially cherished her words of hope and responsibility where she shared, “This is a critical time for the nation and our local community. I believe, as educators, you have the exceptional opportunity to serve as a positive force in helping our students and families get through this difficult time. Conversely, if we do not manage ourselves and our circumstances appropriately, we have the potential for contributing to the frustration and fears permeating throughout our society.”

Superintendent Himmel goes on to encourage our professionals, “As we navigate through this difficult time, it is my expectation that all employees display the highest level of patience, flexibility, and compassion.  Together, and only together, will we overcome this challenge, and I have no doubt that we will be stronger as a result of this experience.”

Thank you, Superintendent, and special thanks to all who have been developing, and will be implementing ‘Citrus CARES!’

Superintendent Sandra “Sam” Himmel sent to all administrator, teachers and Support staff at 3:27 pm on March 23rd, 2020

Good Afternoon,

I am writing with the intent of providing clarity to some misconceptions that resulted from the email I sent Saturday evening.  At this time, all staff members are scheduled to resume their duties and responsibilities on March 30^th, as circumstances allow.  In order to meet this expectation, staff members are not being required to be physically present on school campus. This includes the planning session on March 30^th. However, it is the responsibility of each staff member to obtain all information and directions needed in order to begin the implementation of the district’s Instructional Remote Plan that begins, Tuesday, March 31^st.

Below is an excerpt from our soon-to-be released plan, titled Citrus CARES! (Continuing Academics Remotely to Every Student) Remote Learning Plan, which clearly outlines requirements for staff participation and expectations for the duration of this crisis:

March 30^th is scheduled as a planning day for staff to prepare for remote learning. Staff members are permitted to plan from home or from their school site. If staff work from school sites, staff must adhere to all CDC guidelines. Staff who choose to work from home, must contact their immediate supervisor to ensure the correct time sheet is completed and there is a complete understanding of duties and responsibilities.

Last week, I scheduled a meeting for Tuesday, March 24^th, with a small group (less than 10 people per CDC guidelines) of instructional staff members to present the plan and elicit feedback while it is in draft form.  We will make revisions and updates, as needed, based on the feedback we receive from this group.

We anticipate being able to release the entire plan to all staff by no later than Friday, March 27^th.   Please understand this plan is subject to change as our situation evolves. This is not a situation school districts or government agencies anticipated. In this unprecedented national crisis, we will continue to do everything in our control to take care of our students and staff.

Due to the nature and timing of circumstances, we fully anticipate this situation will continue to be fluid.  Therefore, we ask that you remain patient and understanding as our circumstances evolve.

This is a critical time for the nation and our local community. I believe, as educators, you have the exceptional opportunity to serve as a positive force in helping our students and families get through this difficult time. Conversely, if we do not manage ourselves and our circumstances appropriately, we have the potential for contributing to the frustration and fears permeating throughout our society.

As we navigate through this difficult time, it is my expectation that all employees display the highest level of patience, flexibility, and compassion.  Together, and only together, will we overcome this challenge, and I have no doubt that we will be stronger as a result of this experience.

Sam Himmel
Superintendent
Citrus County Schools

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