ALAH Schools closed, but work continues behind the scenes

The kitchen staff at Atwood-Hammond Grade School has prepared and distributed over 2,000 meals the past two weeks. Pictured are Diane Czerwonka, Paula Bialeschki, Jorena Hammel and Judy Daugherty. Photo courtesy of Principal Kristin Nall

By Doris Elmore
Staff Writer

The halls of the ALAH Schools are extremely quiet now, and the children aren’t playing on the playground during recess. There is no recess, the schools are shut down due to the coronavirus pandemic. It is a scary time for the world, not just the United States, but the world.

At the time of this writing, the school closure has been extended to April 7, according to information from A-H Grade School/Jr. High Principal Kristin Nall. By the time you are reading, it may be even later, but this is what we know now.

The school district has been very pro-active in keeping in touch with the students and parents either by video chats, e-mails or other social media.

Principal Nall told this reporter that on March 30 materials/activities for students to complete at home were distributed. If families picked up meals from 9:00-11:00 a.m. on Monday, the packets were delivered to their cars with their food bags. If they did not pick up meals, parents were asked to go to the school between 3:00-5:00 p.m. on Monday. The packets were delivered to their cars at that time as well.

Parents were asked to return the completed work at the next pick-up day. For questions they are to contact Mrs. Nall. Parents are also encouraged to download the school app and follow them on social media. However, not everyone is able to do that, so the Southern Piatt Record Herald is doing everything we can to keep the residents up on what is going on in the communities.

Principal Nall also shared the following “Fun Facts” for our readers:

The kitchen staff has prepared and distributed over 2,000 meals the past two weeks. She said that it has been amazing to be able to serve the community and fill this need. She also stated, “The kitchen staff has been awesome in prepping for this. They have spent countless hours counting and bagging food so the process of distribution can run smoothly. The teachers have been working on learning packets to provide for our students while they are off. Some have met with students via the Zoom app (a video conferencing platform).”

Mrs. Nall said the teachers have made numerous phone calls and sent many emails, texts, etc. to check on the students and their families. She added, “The parade of cars was amazing and we loved seeing the faces of our families and students. We miss the students and cannot wait to get back in school.”

It has been amazing to hear about all the stories and acts of kindness and compassion that has come out of this very scary situation.