COVID-19 Update 4/6/20

A message from Superintendent Dr. Nathan Morris: 

This afternoon, Governor Hutchinson has directed that all Arkansas schools continue with virtual learning for the remainder of the school year. Therefore, we will not have in-person school for the rest of the 2019-2020 academic year. This directive is in accordance with guidelines set by President Trump and the CDC’s recommendations on community mitigation strategies to prevent substantial community spread of COVID-19. The health and safety of our students and their families is always our number one priority, so while we are sad to be away from our students for an additional seven weeks, we are proud to do our part to stop the spread of this virus in Cross County. 

We have been preparing for the potential of extended closure and are committed to bringing our students quality learning and enrichment opportunities for the remainder of this school year. Our teachers have set up classrooms in their homes, have diligently prepared videos and lessons, and are constantly thinking about how to best serve their students in these times. Everyone at Cross County School District is working hard to support our students and we will not give up on teaching and learning despite these circumstances. 

We know that times have been extremely stressful for everyone, and are finding the balance between challenging your student and acknowledging the need for flexibility in our expectations. If you or your student have questions about their work or need additional accommodations, please do not hesitate to reach out. All of our staff members are available by email and are standing by to assist you. 

To help our students with limited internet access, we have recently opened several Wifi Access areas. They are: 

  • Cherry Valley Fire Department- Cvfire_school, password: CVFD19000

  • Cross County Elementary School- CrossWifi, password: crosscross

  • Cross County High School- CrossWifi, password: crosscross

  • Vanndale Fire Department- CrossMobileWifi, password: crosscrossmobile

We are working to add additional access points in Bay Village and Hickory Ridge for our students in those communities. If you have questions on how to log on to the internet at any of our open Wifi locations, please email our Technology Coordinator, Karen Seabaugh at karen.seabaugh@nt.crosscountyschools.com or one of our school TIP Managers. Our technology staff will be reaching out to the class of 2020 to arrange for computer return before summer begins.

We know how important graduation is to our Seniors and their families and are doing everything in our power to find creative solutions to give students a memorable graduation experience of some kind. We must follow all Health Department guidelines around social distancing while planning for an alternate graduation ceremony, therefore all safe options are being considered. We will be sure to communicate any plans with you as soon as possible. Our hearts go out to our Seniors, we know this is not how you imagined completing your last year at CCHS.

I want to thank everyone in our Thunderbird community again for your support. I can’t say it enough-- we have the best people in our school district. If you have any questions or concerns please reach out to your child’s building or my office. I wish you and your family safety and good health in the weeks to come.

Dr. Morris