Students return to e-learning after break
GREENFIELD — Students in the Greenfield-Central and Mt. Vernon school systems will dive into e-learning next week, as their two-week spring break wrapped up on Friday.
Both corporations have announced plans for their e-learning schedules through May 1, which is how long schools are currently required to be closed statewide.
Greenfield-Central is taking a state-approved student waiver day on Monday. E-learning will resume on Tuesday, and will take place every weekday but Wednesdays through April, in addition to April 1.
At Mt. Vernon, students will practice e-learning on Tuesdays and Thursdays through April.
Teachers in both systems will have structured office hours in which they’ll be available to communicate with parents and students.
Governor signs new executive order
INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb signed a new executive order in a continuing effort to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Per the order, the Department of Workforce Development has suspended the one-week waiting period that is required before paying unemployment benefits to allow claimants to receive their checks more quickly. The suspension is retroactive to March 8.
Vernon Township providing assistance
VERNON TOWNSHIP — The Vernon Township trustee’s office is providing assistance through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Under an executive order from Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb, landlords cannot evict tenants and utilities cannot disconnect customers during the coronavirus crisis.
The township is waiting for direction from the state, as it normally has the option to assist when there is a disconnect or eviction. However, in the absence of those two assistance triggers, the township is working closely with Love INC and the Salvation Army until it has further guidance. The township is taking applications on the newly released short form: vernontownship.us/townshipassistance.
The township assistance manager is helping applicants file for food stamps and working in coordination with area food pantries. The list of sites is updated regularly at vernontownship.us/ food-pantries.
ISSMA cancels remaining music events
INDIANA — The Indiana State School Music Association Executive Committee has canceled all remaining ISSMA-sponsored student music events for the 2019-2020 school year.
While Indiana schools remain closed or are utilizing e-learning, the opportunity for students participating in high school music ensembles to rehearse together is either very limited, or does not exist, the ISSMA said in a news release.
