Burlington administrator addresses school closure

Editor's Note: During this historic time in southeast Iowan's lives, Pen City Current is printing statements regarding school closures as received.

Good afternoon GRCS families,

It is with great sadness that I must report that Great River Christian School will not be meeting in the school building for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year. However, GRCS will continue with our Digital Learning Platform via Zoom through Friday, May 15th.

Earlier today, Governor Kim Reynolds closed schools for the remainder of this school year to help remediate the continued spread of COVID-19.As a private school,GRCS must comply with the CPI (Competent Private Instruction) rules through the State of Iowa. Believingthe governor may close schools for the remainder of this school year, theGRCSBoard of Directors held a Work Session to formulate our response.We realize this is a great imposition for you however we strongly believe that by providing continued instruction is what is best for the students. The GRCS option shortens our currentschool year by one week, complies with both the quarterly & yearly CPI regulations, allows students to finish the current grade level curriculum and will not compromise the start of the2020-2021 school year.As a reminder, ALLZoom classes are still for credit, attendance is counted and grades will be posted.

Great River Christian School is like a family.  A family who grieves together, celebrates together and encourages one another. While this is a difficult time for all of us, I cannot help but think of three very precious young women: Anika Morton, Lily Rosenkoetter & Ashley Virgin.  These ladies are the GRCS Senior Class of 2020! We plan to hold a graduation for them, however we do not know when that will be or how that will look.  In the meantime, make sure to encourage them, acknowledge their accomplishments, congratulate them on their successes and pray for them as they follow God's path for their lives.

In the coming week you will receive information about the "FINAL WEEK OF SCHOOL" and how that will look. Books, laptops, and other materials rented or borrowed from the school will need to be returned and items left in the school building will need to be picked up.  To comply with the social distancing requirements, we will provide a schedule for pickup/return of materials. Know that we are praying for you and I ask that you continue to pray for us.

Thank you and may God continue to be our guide!

Laura Francisco

Administrator, Great River Christian School