Markham Colocation Update, April 16

Dear Markham staff and families,

As we mentioned in our previous message, district leaders are working closely with Dr. Brown-Warrens to develop a temporary fall relocation plan that will serve the Markham community until the school building is ready to reopen.

We are committed to finding a site that meets the unique needs of students at each grade level, while also allowing us to provide the wide array of services that our school communities require to thrive.

In evaluating possible sites for the fall, our main priority is to bring Markham students and staff back together to learn and grow as one community.

We are also considering the following factors:

• Academics & Special Subjects

• Does the site have enough existing primary classroom space? If not, can the site accommodate portable classrooms?

• Does the site have space to facilitate art, music, library, and physical education instruction?

• Where will the youngest students go for recess?

• Special Education Services

• Can the site accommodate an intensive skills classroom?

• Is the site ADA compliant? If not, what modifications do we need to make to achieve compliance?

• Transportation

• Is the site within a reasonable distance of the community we’re serving?

• Is there enough space for bus parking and circulation?

• Nutrition Services

• Is there a cafeteria on-site? If not, what work do we need to do to facilitate meal service?

• Safety and Security

• Can the site be secured (with fencing, badge access, etc.) and can the district's standard emergency response procedures be implemented?

• Technology/Internet Connectivity

• After School Care

• Can the space accommodate MCCA and SUN students?

• Administrative Spaces

• Is there space for front-office staff, as well as the Markham student support team?

• Is there sufficient age-appropriate restroom access?

• Timing

• Will the site be fully equipped and ready when the new school year begins in August?

We will discuss all of the above factors and the sites under consideration in an upcoming virtual meeting with the Markham community very soon. We had hoped to be able to share an invitation to that meeting in this week’s message, but we are still finalizing a date. We will reach out early next week with a link to the meeting and more information about contingency plans for the fall.

As always, thank you for your continued patience.

Sincerely,

Dr. Jon Franco, Chief of Schools

Dan Jung, Chief Operating Officer