Eastmont Middle students will start the school year in online classes.
Despite keeping an around-the-clock work schedule this summer, crews working on renovations on the middle and top levels of the building, 101000 S. 130 East, will need several extra weeks to complete the $13 million project to the point that students, teachers, and staff can safely return to the school.
As a result, the Patriots will pivot to remote learning until at least Labor Day.
Eastmont families were informed Friday of the online-learning schedule. That was the day that teachers and staff also learned about the waylays in the construction timeline and decision to start the school year online instead of temporarily moving to another school.
“Due to construction delays, Eastmont Middle won’t be ready in time for the start of school. Some key and instructional items — such as ceiling tiles, beams, working restrooms, drinking fountains, schoolwide WiFi, projectors, and cafeteria access — are not yet in place,” stated the message sent to the Eastmont community. “Simply put, the renovation project is not completed to the point that it would be safe for our students to the building.”
Eastmont students can check out a Chromebook, starting Monday, Aug. 11, from the bottom floor of the school, which is safe to occupy and will be open to the public, personnel, and students while crews work on the renovation projects on the middle and top floors.
From 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, Patriots can go to the south doors of the auditorium that open to the bottom parking lot to get their Chromebooks.
The goal is to distribute all Chromebooks by Friday, Aug. 15, when CSD holds Sixth-Grade Orientation at all middle schools. On Monday, Aug. 18 — the first day of the school year — sixth- through eighth-grade students at Eastmont attend classes online.
Breakfasts and lunches will be provided during the remote-learning schedule. Additional information, including where the meals will be available for pick-up, will be made public as soon as the plans are finalized.
The school’s office will remain in the choir/theater room, where it has been located all summer. Office hours will be from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Registration support is being provided in the temporary offices.
Teachers will be at the building, leading the online classes from the arts rooms. Each teacher’s online office hours will be during their prep periods.
Students who have questions about assignments can schedule Zoom time with teachers.
The auditorium and other parts of the bottom floor of the building also will be open for students to use if they do not have Internet access at their homes. “We know this change may be frustrating and we truly appreciate your patience and support as we work to make sure Eastmont is safe, functional, and ready for an excellent school year,” stated the community message. “We wanted to make sure to give you as much notice as possible for these changes. We will be constantly re-evaluating the situation and updating you.”
