CEDAR RIDGE SCHOOLS

Cedar Ridge Parents, Faculty, Staff, and Community Members, Thank you for your attention to district communications regarding COVID-19 (Coronavirus). As we round out the first week of off-site schooling during the building closures, I just want to take a moment to update you with what we know at this time. As of 8 p.m. on Friday, March 20, there is at least 1 confirmed case of COVID-19 in Independence County, with the number of confirmed cases in AR totaling 100. Yesterday the Governor announced that schools would continue doing off-site instruction after Spring Break (March 23-27) through April 17. That means we plan to be back in school on Monday, April 20. While that is our true hope, we understand that the closure could be extended if the situation escalates. Today our Secretary of Education announced that the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) would be filing for a federal waiver made possible by President Trump that will cancel ACT Aspire testing for this school year. We want to make sure our students and families have everything they need to get through this unprecedented time. Parents, please contact us if you need additional AMI packets, food, etc. Call Paula or Tracey at 870-201-2577 ext. 0210 or 0308. I want to thank our faculty and staff for jumping in and doing their very best to make this situation work. I think everyone learned some good lessons about remote instruction this week, and so I think our students will have an even better experience with this distance learning when we return from Spring Break. Please continue to practice social distancing for you and your families. While you’re distancing yourselves from some of the most common distractions we face, I hope you’ll enjoy time together and be able to make the best of this unusual situation. This situation is not at all ideal, but I appreciate the support and understanding that parents are giving us as we try to create the best possible instructional opportunities for your children. We have enjoyed partnering with our parents and community members this week, and we look forward to continuing that partnership. Sincerely, Dr. Andy Ashley Superintendent

Attention Cedar Ridge community: At the authorization of Governor Asa Hutchinson, all school districts in Arkansas are to be closed until April 17, 2020. At this time, Cedar Ridge School District is scheduled to re-open on Monday, April 20, 2020. Information regarding Alternative Methods of Instruction (AMI) that will take place during this time, along with other important announcements, will be posted soon. We appreciate your attention to district communications regarding COVID-19 (Coronavirus). The health of our students, their families, and our staff members is our utmost priority. For ​accurate​ school information and updates please check the ​Cedar Ridge Schools​ website (www.cedarwolves.org) and download the district app ​on​ ​iPhone​ or ​Android. We are doing all that we can to provide the best care for our children.

Cedar Ridge Special Education Department will continue to offer related services to students who receive Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy and/or Speech Language Therapy Services as written in their Individual Education Plan (IEP). Services will continue to be provided by the same therapy providers that provide services at our school: Speech Language Therapy: Laura Keller Occupational Therapy: Kim Crouch Physical Therapy: Meshell Gipson Services will be provided at the Magness Community Center; however, transportation will not be provided. The building, as well as all equipment, will be well sanitized, and precautions will be taken to minimize risks as much as possible. To schedule a therapy session for Wednesday, March 18 - Friday, March 20, please call or text Kim Crouch at (870) 307-5688 by Wednesday.

Parents and Guardians: Cedar Ridge Schools will be offering FREE sack lunches for pickup between 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 17 - Friday March 20, 2020. Lunches will be available in the Agri building lobby for all students 18 years of age and younger. Food bags will also be available in the Agri building lobby from 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. during the closure. These food bags will contain additional food (not pre-made) for our students and families. If you need to have a food bag delivered, please contact us at 870-201-2577 ext. 0210 or ext. 0308

Happy Friday! Today for #StaffFeatureFriday, we are spotlighting Mrs. Jabeth Willett. Jabeth was born and raised in Swifton, AR and graduated from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. She started working at Cedar Ridge in August of 2018 and currently works as the Resource English Language Arts teacher for grades 6-12. Her favorite part of teaching is being able to share different perspectives and opportunities with her students (even new food experiences) and having great conversations with them. "I have wanted to be a teacher since I was in second grade. I had some amazing teachers throughout my school career. I hope I can give my students as much as those teachers gave me. I have taught individuals with special needs at every age level birth to adulthood. My heart lies with students with Autism and severe needs. I have been married to Nolan Willett for 22 years. We met thanks to a tornado in 1997. He was in the Army National Guard and was on duty protecting Jacksonport when we met. We lived in Swifton until our oldest child graduated and then moved to Newark about 10 years ago. We have 6 children and 9 grandchildren. They are a true blessing in our lives. Together we enjoy spending time with family, kayaking with the adventure crew in the summers, and watching our 7 year old daughter compete in Brizillian Jiu Jitsu. We like to tent camp, swim, love to fish, and go on spontaneous road trips." Cedar Ridge is lucky to have someone like you, Jabeth!

Attention Cedar Ridge community, Earlier today, false information was dissimenated involving the COVID-19. We would like to clarify that there is no positive case of the coronavirus at Cedar Ridge School District. Please disregard all false statements concerning the virus. As of today, our District is not at risk. However, we continue to take precautions to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, and other viruses including the flu and the common cold, and are closely following guidance from the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH). Thank you, Dr. Andy Ashley Superintendent

Join us for a night of laughter and fun!

Attention Cedar Ridge community, The Arkansas Department of Health recently published a guidance document for schools and children regarding COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus disease). We wanted to share this information with you - http://adecm.arkansas.gov/Attachments/Educ_LetterCovid19-2.28.20final_082832.pdf At this time, Cedar Ridge School District is not at risk. However, we continue to take precautions to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus, and other viruses including the flu and the common cold. Student wellness is a top priority, and our custodial staff works hard daily to provide students and staff with a clean and healthy learning environment. We truly appreciate your help keeping our students healthy. Thank you, Dr. Andy Ashley Superintendent

Softball Reminder - Today's softball games against Highland will be played at Ash Flat City Park.

Happy #StaffFeatureFriday! Today, we are spotlighting Mrs. Lori Goings. In 1991 she began as a High School Math Tutor, then worked as a secretary for the Special Education LEA and Early Childhood Director. Her love for early childhood began and she later became the Early Childhood Director, where she has been for the last 13 years. She attends at least 30 hours of early childhood professional development training each year to better direct and care for early childhood children, faculty and staff. Lori was raised as a farmer's daughter. Having loving parents was a big part of defining her outlook on life as well as her love for God, country living, and what makes the little things in life so important. She is blessed with her husband Marty of 42 years and two sons, Shane and Joe. She has one daughter in law, Felicia, and four grandchildren, Joseph, Jacob, Bethany, and Eden. Lori enjoys planting flowers, the ocean, and being with her grandchildren, family and friends. "I am blessed to be the Cedar Ridge Early Childhood Director where children are the first priority for a safe, learning and healthy environment. I love being a Timberwolf and love being a part of a great Early Childhood team. " Cedar Ridge is so lucky to have someone like you, Mrs. Lori!

Tomorrow for Dr. Seuss Spirit Week, Cedar Ridge Elementary will be learning about Theodor Seuss Geisel. "The books of Dr. Seuss have characters galore. Dress up as one today, the one that you adore!" Tomorrow is Character Dress Up Day.

Mark your calendars!

Tomorrow for Dr. Seuss Spirit Week, Cedar Ridge Elementary will be reading Dr. Seuss's Daisy Head-Mayzie. "Colorful, spikey or curly cues, show up at school with some brand new hairdos!" Tomorrow is Crazy Hairdo Day!

Tomorrow for Dr. Seuss Spirit Week, Cedar Ridge Elementary will be reading Dr. Seuss's If I Ran the Zoo. "Zebra, cheetah, leopard if you dare, which kind of animal print or camouflage will you wear?" Dress up in animal print or camouflage!

The Cat in the Hat made a visit to Cedar Ridge Early Childhood yesterday for Dr. Seuss Spirit Week!

Tomorrow for Dr. Seuss Spirit Week, Cedar Ridge Elementary will be reading Dr. Seuss's Sleep Book. "Instead of a sleepover, a nap, or bed, come to school in your pajamas," the Principal said. See you tomorrow for PJ Day!

The School Choice deadline for the 20-21 school year is May 1, 2020. Applications can be found on our website at https://www.cedarwolves.org/o/cedar-ridge/page/freedom-of-choice or at each building office.

Happy #StaffFeatureFriday! This Friday, we are spotlighting Mrs. Prisscilla Callahan. Mrs. Callahan has been teaching at Cedar Ridge since 2012. She teaches 6th grade Keyboarding and 10th-12th grade businesses classes, and is also the Yearbook Advisor and Co-Sponsor of FBLA. She has been married to her high school sweetheart for 23 years and they have one daughter, Clancy, who is a Junior at Cedar Ridge. They love to watch sports as a family, so you can usually find them in the stands after school cheering on the Timberwolves! They also enjoy traveling, with their favorite vacation destination being Disney World. Prisscilla's hobbies include photography, bass fishing, watching movies, and shopping. "The most rewarding part of teaching for me is when former students come up to me at ballgames or in public and say 'thank you' for teaching me how to pay my bills or create a resume or fill out a job application or prepare for an interview. That always reminds me of why I am still teaching." Cedar Ridge is so proud to have someone like you, Mrs. Callahan!

UACCB hosted Arkansas Story Porch, a folktale play, today for 2nd - 5th grade students to enjoy. Many students have read folktales from around the world this week in preparation for today's play. Thank you for having us, UACCB!

ATTENTION: 11th Graders will be taking the State Administered ACT Test TOMORROW. Students need to be here by 7:50am so the test can start promptly at 8:00am. Students, the test will last over 4 hours so make sure you eat beforehand. There will be no electronic devices allowed during the test.