A Message from the Superintendent
Mr. Todd Whiteman - Superintendent
Dear Foxfire Community Member,
Welcome to the 2020-21 school year at Foxfire Schools.
The 2020 school year ended in a way that none of us ever imagined as Covid- 19
forced a “Stay At Home Order” and schools were shut down. I am extremely proud
of how the students, parents and our staff adapted on the fly to Remote
Learning that none of us were prepared for. The 2020-21 school year brings a
ton of change, questions, uncertainty and new barriers as we are still
currently in a National Pandemic. We have worked long hours over the last 6
months to prepare for all types of potential scenarios this year. Social
distancing norms and protocols are now a part of our everyday language and
daily life. Our All In – All Out Plan includes the following: If we are in Orange
or Yellow in Muskingum County = ALL IN – we come to school as scheduled. If we
are in Red or Purple in Muskingum County = ALL OUT as students will be on line
in remote learning and not in the buildings. For the students and families who
do not feel comfortable sending their children back we are offering The Phoenix
Academy. This academy is all on line and you can choose to commit to it for a
semester or the entire year.
Despite the new
challenges and barriers we face due to Covid-19 our vision remains to connect
to our students and to create personalized pathways for success. We are
extremely proud to be recognized as” The Model Drop Out Recovery School
District” by the U.S. Department of Education and promise to build upon the
tradition and culture we have established. Our culture provides a personalized,
relevant educational opportunity as a compass for our journey.
Foxfire is extremely proud of our rich tradition.
Positive and personal relationships remain at the forefront of our success. We
pride ourselves on Developing the Whole Child and providing innovative
personalized instruction. We specialize in teaching at–risk youth by
eliminating/reducing non-academic barriers and connecting our students to
pathways, resources, and community connections. Foxfire provides a multitude of
embedded services to address the non-academic barriers our student face which
includes a full time school resource officer, licensed social workers, mental
health counselors, drug/alcohol counselor, family counseling, school nurse,
student services –transitions coordinator, and career readiness
coordinator. We will always do what is best for students and live by the
mantra that “Every Child Deserves a Champion.”
Many of our students have been dealt a bad hand in
life but they have two choices, they can play the cards they were dealt or they
can fold. The goal is to create strong personal connections and personalize
each child’s educational plan. Every member of our community is a
critical stakeholder in the education of our students and their future. We need
your collaboration, partnership, and support in meeting the needs of our youth
and community. The 2019-20 school reports have been enclosed along with
pertinent information for this school year. This calendar is just one vehicle
that we use in communicating important information to you. We will also utilize
the strong partnerships we have developed with WHIZ TV and Radio, WYBZ, as well
as the Times Recorder, Y City News, Progress Book Twitter, Parent Engagement
Nights, Parent –Teacher Conferences, Home to School Newsletters, and Curbside
Coffee. You can also utilize our district website that is updated daily
to gain information, updates, and announcements by visiting www.foxfireschools.com.
Parents we welcome and expect you to play a vital role in your child’s
education and future. Together we can accomplish more.
I am proud, excited, and eager to begin a new and
exciting school year. In the midst of a pandemic we are both excited and
committed to adapt and do what is best for all kids. We will have to more
flexible than we ever have and we expect our students, parents, staff and
community to do the same I firmly believe that if Row the Boat TOGETHER, that
no matter what storms we face this year, we will get to our desired destination
of success. If you have any questions or concerns please stop and see us at 2805
Pinkerton Road Zanesville, Ohio 43701 or call us at (740) 453-4509.
Yours in education,
Mr. Todd Whiteman - Superintendent