Hello Black Bears,
It has been a difficult few days for our students and community, and the days ahead are likely to be even more difficult.
The Kansas Commisioner of Education is holding daily webinars with superintendents to disseminate accurate information and get input for next steps. All Kansas schools were closed this week. We were already out for spring break so that did not affect us. It is likely that extended closures are coming. The Kansas Department of Education has put together a task force to develop plans for continuing learning if we have an extended closure.
We are making arrangements to continue serving meals to students if there is a closure. They will be sack meals that can be picked up and eaten at home.
There is a good possibility that some of the big school events coming up will have to be postponed, canceled, or done creatively. CDC guidance that there should be no gatherings of more than 50 people until May 15th is likely to be extended. As we get more information we will make those decisions, but please be aware that there is a chance they will be canceled. If it comes to that, we will put together a committee that will include teachers, parents and students to come up with alternate plans.
I will post updates every day to keep you informed of the information I receive from KSDE, KDHE, and the Rice County Heath Department.
For now, take the recommended precautions and be especially protective of family members and neighbors over the age of 60. This virus has hit that group especially hard. The virus can be spread by infected people that show NO SYMPTOMS. If you visit elderly family members take EXTRA precautions to make sure you do not unknowingly spread the virus to them. Wash your hands before going, avoid hugs and kisses (especially difficult with grandmas) and DO NOT GO if you have a cough or any cold or flu like symptoms.
More information soon,
Jim Goracke
Superintendent of Schools, USD 376