Good evening, Red Hawks,
It has been an eventful week with plenty of change as we approach the beginning of our school year. I want to take some time to explain some of the changes and how it will impact students, staff and families. As this is a fluid situation, we will do our absolute best to keep you informed. Furthermore, we will seek to provide some certainty when and where we can.
At our special board meeting this week, the board delayed the start of the school year for students. The new start date is September 2 for grades kindergarten, 5, and 9. All other students will start on the 3rd. The reason for that delay is primarily in response to the need for planning as we incorporate the new requirements and guidance from the Kansas Department of Education. Those requirements are reflected in our USD 415 Return to Learn plan. The guidance in both documents focuses on safety and learning. Those of you who were able to hear my remarks at the board meeting heard but a small portion of the details. I have enclosed a link for our Return to Learn plan. Please know the plan is our guidance for how we intend to conduct school and incorporate required changes. It describes many responses to a variety of contingencies. Many of the listed responses represent possible responses as opposed to absolutes. It is also a first draft. There will be changes as we proceed throughout the year. The plan should provide some helpful information regarding the following:
- The three phases in which school could occur and some description regarding the health conditions which may dictate the phase
- Health protocols regarding preventative measures and responses
- Cleaning and disinfecting protocols as they relate to the buildings, food service, transportation and other
- Requirements for remote learning
I would encourage you to read the plan and let your building principal or I know of questions you may have. We look forward to helping our students and families as we work together during these unprecedented times. I thank you for your continued patience and support.
Sincerely,
Lonnie D. Moser, Superintendent
