Defender News

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March 19, 2020

Dear Defender Families,

“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace…”  (Romans 15:13) 

What a great prayer for us all from God’s Word!  

Greetings To Our Amazing OPCA Families!

We are ready for the new adventure of DISTANCE LEARNING!!  This letter is to give you the information you will need to help your student succeed in the 4th quarter of this school year.  

In an effort to keep students and families healthy and to comply with social distancing standards, all schools are currently being required to continue the education of their students through distance learning at this time.  In order to help our OPCA family to comply with this requirement and maintain educational standards, we would like to share the following information with you.

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Collecting materials for your student:

• FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 2020,  2 – 6 PM  (Drive-through event)

• Parent or a representative must come to OPCA to collect student books and materials needed for distance learning. 

• ALL ATHLETIC UNIFORMS MUST BE TURNED IN AT THIS TIME.  Please drop them off to Mrs. Renee Moody at the FLAGPOLE.  Please bring them on Friday to avoid a missing uniform fee.

• Please place a sign with your student’s name and grade level on you dash.

• All traffic will enter at the normal entrance for pick up and drop off.

• There will be signs directing you to the outdoor table for your child’s grade level.

• Please remain in your vehicle and the materials will be passed to you.                                                                                             

Technology Issues

• Distance learning requires the use of technology (cell phones, computer, internet, etc.).  Below is a list of technology needs for OPCA distance learning.  We have made every effort to employ technology that is as “user friendly” as possible.  This will be new for some parents, but please rest assured, you will be able to succeed in this—and you are not aloneJ.

• REMIND app.  Instructions and class codes to access REMIND are on the OPCA website.  PARENTS MUST HAVE THIS APP for distance learning.

• infoNOW.  Parents and students MUST have access to and use this web site.  

• ALL PARENTS WILL BE RECEIVING NEW ACCESS CODES AND INSTRUCTIONS WITH THEIR MATERIALS DURING THE PICK-UP ON FRIDAY, MARCH 20 FROM 2-6 PM

• All other learning platforms/technology needs will be communicated by teachers through the REMIND app. 

  • There are different needs for Elementary, Middle, and High School. 

• Please send a message on our Facebook page or an e-mail if you need assistance with these items. 

Attendance

• Attendance will be taken each day through the REMIND app (a cell phone app)

• Please remember that all parents MUST have this app in order for students to be successful in distance learning. 

4th Quarter Grading

• Fourth quarter grading will all be communicated via infoNOW and will reflect the students progress in distance learning.

3rd Quarter Grading

• We are planning to have grades posted by April 1, 2020.  If you have concerns about assignments or make up tests from the 3rd quarter, please contact your child’s teacher.

Parent Communication

• We would LOVE to talk to you!!  We are planning to have one of your child’s teachers call you to discuss any needs or concerns you or your student may have. 

Patience

• This is a new adventure for all of us!!  We want to be as patient and as helpful as possible for you and your student.  Please be patient with us as we all navigate this learning process together.

In closing, educating your child/children is our calling.  We are called to teach them of Christ’s purpose for their lives.  It is our desire that they grow to become successful as Christian men and women.  I believe that this challenging time can be a positive growing and learning experience for our students in their faith, academics, family life, church life and community life.  Thank you for your support of your child’s education at OPCA.  OUR FAMILIES ARE THE BEST!!!

Praying for God’s wisdom and guidance in these unusual days,

Gary Griffis

Principal, Old Plank Christian Academy

All athletic activities and practices have been canceled until further notice. 

Helpful Links:

-Coronavirus Resources and information

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-Re-Enrollment information

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-Yearbook Order forms  Deadline to order is 4/20/20 

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