MileStone Academy uses this website as the main platform for communicating key updates to our community, parents, partners, staff, and students. If you would like to receive direct notifications, please click here to subscribe to our mailing list.
MileStone Academy is actively following the corona-virus pandemic closely and takes the health and safety of its students, staff, and neighbors seriously. We follow guidance from the CDC (cdc.gov), while recognizing that may be over-ridden or changed by the school district, state, or local authorities.
Keeping our community connected and working as normal as possible is serious right now. With this in mind, we have put together the following frequently asked questions regarding access to healthy meals, teaching and learning, facilities maintenance and other topics. Each answer was provided by the school districts or the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Are healthy meals available for students while schools are closed due to COVID-19?
Yes. The School District of Jenkintown and Philadelphia, several charter schools, and the Housing Authority are coordinating with the local offices of children and families to provide free, nutritious grab-and-go meals for all Philadelphia children and youth at 100+ locations throughout the Greater Philadelphia region. We strongly encourage families to bring a backpack, pushcart, or reusable bag with them to carry the items. Click here to review distribution locations and hours of operation.
Are meals available for people who are not a student?
Yes, call the WhyHunger hotline at 1-800-5HUNGRY or text your ZIP code to 1-800-548-6479 to receive a list of nearby food pantries. You may also visit the Community Resource Connects website to find food and other resources in your area.
Who qualifies for free healthy meals?
Everyone is eligible for free meals and no ID is required.
Does the child have to be physically present at the meal site to receive meals?
No, the children do not have to be present at the meal distribution sites. Family members can pick up enough meals for all children in their household.
How is the food being served with safety in mind?
Each of the grab-and-go sites are staffed by food services employees who are trained in proper hygiene and cleanliness practices. In addition to following the social distancing and hygiene recommendations from health experts including covering your mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and regular hand washing, they are also required to wear appropriate food service attire including hairnets and gloves. All food serving stations and surfaces are regularly sanitized using a disinfectant solution that is proven effective against coronavirus, and sanitizing wipes and gel is used in all packing and distribution areas.
How can I receive creditable updates from the City of Philadelphia?
For COVID-19 updates from the City, please visit phila.gov/COVID-19 or text 888-777 and enter message “COVIDPHL” to receive regular updates.
How can I donate food or money?
We ask that all food and monetary donations for food be directed to MileStone Academy. Click here to get started.
What can I do if I missed the opportunity to pick up a Chromebook for my K-12 student?
Unfortunately, individual schools are no longer distributing Chromebooks. If you still need one, there are two centers still working during specific days and times:
- SDP Administration Building – 440 N. Broad St. Philadelphia, PA 19130
- Fitzpatrick Elementary School Annex (behind Fitzpatrick Elementary School) – 4101 Chalfont Rd. Philadelphia, PA 19154
Parents or guardians must bring a form(s) of identification to help us in verifying their student’s identity. High School students should bring their official School District ID badge. More info is HERE.
What are the options for internet access?
In addition to providing Chromebooks, the District continues to work with the City to create a comprehensive list of low-cost Internet options or access to free WiFi mobile hotspots across the City. The list, and more information about getting connected can be found HERE.
For those families who live in areas of the city where Xfinity WiFi is available, Comcast is making Xfinity WiFi free for everyone – including non-Xfinity Internet subscribers. For a map of Xfinity WiFi hotspots, visit www.xfinity.com/wifi.
How will you grade students who do NOT participate in online lessons/work? Do they receive a failing grade?
We want all students to continue to learn and grow while school buildings are closed. It’s important for all students to participate in MileStone Academy’s virtual learning plan, so they can continue to learn and enhance their skills. Regular participation and completion of coursework is required to receive grades and class credit, just as it would be if schools were open. If you are having challenges with having your child’s participation, please contact your child’s guidance counselor or teachers for support. More details will be shared when available.
When will the school year end?
Per the Department of Public Education, there will be no change to the current calendar for the school year. The last day of the 2019-2020 school year is June 12th.
Will students have the option of repeating the grades they are in?
We will handle requests on a case-by-case basis as we have done historically. Our plan is to minimize the need for students to repeat their grade. Our virtual learning plan for May and June is aligned to what would have been covered during the 4th report period. As we plan instruction for the 2020-2021 year, we will also reinforce instructional skills and concepts from the current report period.
How do I talk to my children about COVID-19, especially when they are showing signs of stress?
With so much information being shared about coronavirus, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. These and other resources are available in the Resources section of the School District website at https://www.philasd.org/coronavirus to help you talk to your child about coronavirus and manage any stress you or your loved ones may be feeling.
Thank you for your flexibility and patience as we take time to work things through thoughtfully and with the best interests of all children in mind. This website is updated regularly, so visit often for the latest information or subscribe to our mailing list. Please take care and stay safe!