CCSD Schools Close Their Doors for the Rest of the Year

“…extraordinary circumstances require extraordinary measures,” said CCSD Superintendent Dr. Scott Siegfried, “I know the Cherry Creek Schools community is up to the challenge.”

COVID-19 crashed throughout America in a way few expected, and with intense social distancing advisories, overwhelmed hospitals, and a complete lack of precedent, communities nationwide are forced to shut down.

Our community is not an exception.

During Grandview’s spring break, Dr. Siegfried first announced CCSD closure up until April 17th. Soon after, it was extended up to the 30th. Students felt the impending closure for the rest of the year was not far away, but still held onto a false hope

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“I was going to do a graduation performance…I would get one last performance…,” said Grandview senior Mitch Segura.

Despite the crushing news, Dr. Siegfried ensures that “remote learning” will be a continuous effort to ensure students obtain the education they need.

“The first week of remote learning was not without challenges, but there were many positives as students and teachers reconnected and got back to the business of learning,” said Dr. Siegfried.

With such an unprecedented action, students are left with questions, which Dr. Siegfried proactively addressed in his e-mail.

“We will not be holding commencement ceremonies in May as originally scheduled, but I am committed to find a way to celebrate the milestone of graduation for the class of 2020,” said Dr. Siegfried, “…once it is safe to do so.”

“Our free meals program will continue through the end of the school year, but the dates and some locations are changing, effective Monday, April 16th,” said Dr. Siegfried.

In the end, many are frustrated with the virus and those who neglected to take it seriously.

“I was hopeful that we could have come back, but I am disappointing in how many people went out and spread it despite orders to stay inside,” said Segura.

Siegfried’s decision, though heartbreaking to many, was vital to slowing the spread of COVID-19 and protecting students.

If you are struggling and need someone to talk to, the CCSD Healthline was just launched for all CCSD students in order to address physical and mental health, which you can reach at 720-544-4584.

Dr. Scott Siegfried’s Letter:

April 3, 2020

Dear Cherry Creek School Community,

I am writing to let you know that the Cherry Creek School District will continue with remote learning for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year – our buildings and facilities will remain closed. This difficult decision was made to protect the health and wellbeing of our students, staff, families and community. It was made after consultation with our Board of Education, local and state public health agencies and other metro area school districts.

We will continue to focus on and refine our remote learning system, to ensure that all of our 55,000 learners are receiving high-quality educational experiences through the end of the school year. The first week of remote learning was not without challenges, but there were many positives as students and teachers reconnected and got back to the business of learning.

I know you have many questions related to the closure decision. I have some initial answers now, and more will be coming in the days and weeks ahead.

School activities – all in-person school activities for the remainder of the school year are cancelled. I thank Parents Council and our PTOs and PTCOs for their leadership around this issue and for their efforts to keep our students, staff and families safe.

Graduations – we will not be holding commencement ceremonies in May as originally scheduled, but I am committed to find a way to celebrate the milestone of graduation for the Class of 2020, once it is safe to do so.

Student belongings at school – we will develop a process for families to pick up student belongings at school and to return items, once it is safe to do so.

Free Meals Program – our free meals program will continue through the end of the school year, but the dates and some locations are changing, effective Monday, April 6. Free grab-and-go breakfast and lunch meals will still be provided to students 18 and younger on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 10 locations across the district. Students will receive two days’ worth of meals on Mondays and Wednesdays. Get more information at https://www.cherrycreekschools.org/freemeals.

Health and Wellness – On Tuesday we launched the CCSD Healthline, a free service to support our students’ physical and mental health. CCSD families can call 720-554-4584 to be connected to a school nurse or a mental health professional. The line is available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday for the rest of the school year. Get more information at https://www.cherrycreekschools.org/healthline.

Like you, we are deeply disappointed that we must sacrifice our face-to-face interactions with our students for the rest of the year, along with the many activities and events that make school so meaningful. But extraordinary circumstances require extraordinary measures. I know the Cherry Creek Schools community is up to the challenge.

Stay safe. Stay healthy.
Scott A. Siegfried, Ph.D.
Superintendent