Notice to Parents
Friday, April 17
Dear Central Lyon Families & Staff,
As we learned today from Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, schools have been closed through the remainder of the school year. Just because the buildings are closed does NOT mean school has been cancelled; Central Lyon will continue to provide Distance Learning Resources to students. These resources meet the “voluntary educational enrichment opportunities” requirements as outlined by the Iowa Department of Education. This means the minimum days and hours requirements in Iowa Code will be waived, and students will not need to make-up any days missed due to closure to stop the spread of COVID-19.
School leaders are devising a plan for the pick-up of materials that remain at school. When these plans have been finalized, we will share them with you. In the meantime, if you need to pick up learning resources, the Central Lyon “post office” is still operable in the vestibules at the entrance of each building. Preschool-grade 8 students may access any needed materials in the elementary/middle school entrance, and 9-12 grade students may access the high school vestibule for pick up.
Our last day for distance learning will be May 15, 2020.
Commencement, Prom & School Activities
My heart aches for the Class of 2020. You, your parents, families and friends have been robbed of the pomp and circumstance that is a hallmark of your senior year. At this time, I want you to know that we have rescheduled commencement for Sunday, June 28. School administrators are planning a virtual senior awards ceremony, in addition to partnering with student leaders, parents and families, and community members to conduct a variety of activities to congratulate and thank the Class of 2020.
As previously stated, prom will be held Thursday, June 18 – more details will be shared in the near future.
Unfortunately, the spring sport season and spring activities have been cancelled, and summer activities remains uncertain. The Iowa High School Athletic Association and Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union plan to announce their plans for summer sports by June 1. At this point, all Central Lyon co-curricular and extra-curricular activities are suspended until June 1. The Central Lyon calendar will display the most accurate information regarding activities schedule for the summer and the 2020-21 school year. As the Iowa Department of Education, athletic, and activity associations provide further guidance we will share updates with students and families.
Free Meals Available Monday - Friday
Our free grab-and-go meal program will continue through Friday, May 15. Thanks to the generosity of our community partners, Central Lyon has served more than 3,703 children/students 18-years of age and younger. Individuals and businesses who wish to financially support the meal program should email Jackie Wells at jwells@centrallyon.org.
Meal are available for pick-up at the high school entrance (circle drive on 1010 S Green St), and in Doon at the public library parking lot. Meals will be delivered to those living outside the city limits of Rock Rapids and Doon. To receive this service, call the high school office: (712) 472-2664.
Public Health Reminders
For those of you planning to participate in the Fill the Loop activity in Rock Rapids tonight, Public Health Administrators of Lyon County have asked all community members to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 by refraining from socializing outside of vehicles, congregating in parking lots in groups, to remain inside of a vehicle rather than riding in the back of a pick-up truck, and to only have family members in your vehicle. As difficult as it is, we must continue to social distance, avoid discretionary trips, practice good hygiene, and stay home when we are sick.
In trying to find the words to accurately capture the solemnity of today’s announcement, Mr. Lorenzen’s note to the track athletes captures the spirit most appropriately:
“Even though the announcement that the spring sports season [school year] has been cancelled was probably expected, it still hurts to hear it. I know to some of you it is not a big deal, but please think of the Seniors at this time. Seniors, we sympathize with you and the impact that the virus had on your last chance to compete in track and field [final days and months as a Lion]. I am proud to say I was able to coach [teach] you Seniors over the past few years, and I hope that we made a little difference in your lives. You will be missed on and off the track, and thank you for all of your hard work [impact on Central Lyon].
Those of you who are underclassmen, let this be a life lesson for all of you. Even though you hear coaches [teachers, parents, siblings] say it, I know most of you don’t believe us when we tell you to cherish your sport, teammates and coaches [school experience, classmates, and all those who love you] because they can be taken away in a moment. I hope now we all realize it, and going forward we enjoy each day we are able to be involved with the great opportunities sports [school] allow us to have and never ever waste a practice or competition [day of school]. I know as a coach [teacher], I will have a renewed work ethic each and every day I am involved with sports [school] the rest of my life, and hopefully it is a good wake up call to everyone. Now we should look forward to summer sports [next school year], and getting back to normal.
Since the track season [school year] is officially over, I will no longer be posting workouts, but it would be in your best interest to continue working out [learning] as hard as possible for our summer and fall sports [next school year] which will hopefully run as scheduled.
So once again seniors, thanks for being part of the CL track program [all you have done to make Central Lyon such a special place to learn]. You have created a lot of memories and accomplished a lot over the past 3 [13] years. You will be missed.”
~ Toby Lorenzen
Onward Lions,
Brent Jorth