Update: March 29, 2023

 Update:  March 29, 2023

Progress has been made in our return from our most recent disruption in learning, but I do need to share that our Pre-school, Transitional Kindergarten, and Kindergarten classrooms will not be ready for class this week.  We are currently making plans to provide classes beginning on Monday, April 3, 2023 for students in these grades.  The delay is due to the fact that our EC staff members do not have access to their rooms at this time.  This means they are not able to gather materials for instruction or gather student supplies.  However, we will gain access over the next two days making a Monday return possible.

With that said, AHSTW Community School District will be in session on Thursday, March 30 and Friday, March 31 for students in grades 1 – 12 on our regular schedule, with classes resuming for our early childhood classrooms on Monday, April 3, 2023 at alternate locations.  

A detailed plan discussing our EC classrooms locations and schedules will be shared by Mrs. Kock tomorrow or Friday.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation,

Mr. Darin Jones

Superintendent

AHSTW Community School District 

***Information regarding updates will also be posted at:  https://darinjones-updates.blogspot.com/ ***

Update: Events of March 28, 2023

 Hello,

On Tuesday evening around 9:00 PM, I received a phone call indicating our fire alarm system was sounding and that staff members saw smoke in the PK-TK-K pod.  This led to fire units being dispatched from both Avoca and Walnut.

Once on scene it was determined that a rooftop air handling unit appeared to have overheated and ignited filters in the unit causing smoke to move through our early childhood pod.  The smoke also left a small amount of soot on tables, chairs, and other classroom items in multiple classrooms.  

ServiceMaster arrived late Tuesday evening or early morning Wednesday to assess our facility and determine the necessary actions needed to appropriately clean and improve the overall air quality of the elementary section of our building.  Although cleaning has begun, it will not be finished in time for school.  At this time, we will cancel classes on Wednesday, March 29, 2023 to allow ServiceMaster the opportunity to complete a deep clean of classrooms and air ducts for a safe return.  

All after school activities for March 29, 2023 will be able to continue as scheduled.

The positive in this event is that there is no structural or water damage to our facility, classroom furniture, and materials in classrooms.  We are thankful for that and all of those who assisted us.

I do anticipate returning to school on Thursday, March 30, 2023 on a regular schedule, but I will share an update later Wednesday afternoon to confirm our Thursday schedule.

Respectfully,

Mr. Darin Jones