Kent Rotary Club August 11, 2020 meeting minutes
President Randy called the Zoom meeting to order at 12:15. After singing “God Bless America,” and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, Hal Loughry offered the invocation.
Visitors: Anne Moneypenny, interim director of Kent Chamber of Commerce was the guest of Roger Sidoti.
Announcements:
- Carol Crimi thanked those Rotarians who helped serve the Community Meal at the Lutheran Church on July 25.
- Carol also noted that the Kent Rotary Foundation Board would meet at 5:30 at the home of Steve Belli.
- Kathy Myers reminded everyone of the upcoming Stay Right at Home benefit for Coleman Professional Services. This year the benefit will consist of an online auction starting September 17 and culminating in an hour long virtual event on September 24 to encourage giving and announce the winners. Kathy noted that the committee is still looking for sponsors and to contact her if interested in supporting this worthwhile cause.
- President Randy announced that the newly-formed Ways and Means committee will begin publishing a monthly Club financial report on the second Tuesday of each month.
Rotary History by Jim Myers: The text of Jim’s Rotary History installment is available on the website. Take a look and learn all about the Chautauqua Salute.
Today’s Program:
Tom Larkin introduced fellow Rotarian George Joseph, Superintendent of Kent City Schools. George is starting his 40th year in education and his sixth year as Superintendent in Kent. He noted that back to school this year will be unlike any other given the challenges we face with the Covid-19 pandemic. In his talk he outlined accomplishments made since the shutdown in March, plans for opening in this Fall, and expressed his thoughts about the future.
On March 16, Kent City Schools switched from face-to-face to online instruction. The first goal was to ensure every student had a computer for contact with his or her teacher and classmates. After 55 days out of the classroom, teachers feel generally positive but note that kids who struggle in a classroom setting continue to struggle in the online setting. Online instruction is especially problematic for students in younger grades.
With input from all constituents, Kent City Schools will offer parents two options from which to choose. One option is an entirely remote online classroom; the other is a blended approach with two days per week in a face-to-face environment with proper physical distancing, mask wearing, and careful sanitation. The other three days will be online. Both plans depend on parental support. Because of hot weather considerations, school will start later than August 24.
In terms of the future, nothing is certain and the community should expect many changes as plans evolve. Questions from Rotarians were mainly concerned with what Rotary members can do to support this effort.
Asad Khan, whose children are students in Kent City Schools, provided the response.
Respectfully submitted,
Thomas Hatch
