October 9, 2020

From Dr. Mead: October 9, 2020 part 2

Dear TSA Community-

This evening, the Governing Board of Toledo School for the Arts unanimously approved a plan to continue virtual instruction through the 2nd academic quarter. More detailed information regarding modifications to the virtual plan will be sent as soon as possible.

In arriving at this decision, many factors were considered, including but not limited to data and information from the CDC, the local health department, medical professionals, family survey results, staff survey results, and facility attributes. The primary factors which lead to this decision are:

  • An increase in the number of positive cases reported in schools across Northwest Ohio, including a large number of students required to quarantine due to exposure
  • TSA’s unique population that draws from a wide geographic area which increases exposure risk
  • Staffing limitations due to decreased pool of substitutes and likelihood of staff absences due to quarantine or isolation
  • TSA’s unique grade-level intermixing through art and academic elective programs, increasing the potential for exposure to the virus

This decision does not come easy as TSA is built on a foundation of hands-on learning.   Our primary objective is to ensure a safe return for everyone associated with the TSA Family.

While we are grateful for an opportunity to make this decision to keep our students, their families, and our Northwest Ohio community as safe as possible, we recognize that many families have very valid uneasiness about how this decision will impact them. In addition to physical health, we take the mental, emotional, and social health of our students and their families very seriously. Our administration, faculty, and staff are committed to making this virtual learning as supportive as possible as we move forward together. We will continue evaluating the situation throughout the 2nd quarter and promise to provide an update for the 3rd quarter before Winter Break.

I have no doubt that the level of passion, commitment, and creative enthusiasm shared from our community will continue as we navigate this pandemic.  I am privileged to work alongside an amazing group of individuals and can not wait to see everyone again soon!

Sincerely,

Doug Mead

Director, Toledo School for the Arts

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