Dear Parents,

Our administration and teachers have taken some additional time to collaborate and discuss issues and concerns with the upcoming Thanksgiving break, as well as continue to be mindful of the COVID-19 crisis and how we should appropriately respond. There have been some insightful conversations and concerns that have been presented.

The primary discussions have revolved around the following two matters:

1. Teachers: Planning, effectiveness and protection for their health

2. Students: Best learning environment, traveling, and protection for the their health

There were many ideas that were discussed in regard to the Thanksgiving break and the possible spread when students return from break. Returning to a remote environment was discussed. However, based upon what we have seen and experienced so far, parents have been active in communication and keeping us aware of exposure, and we have not seen “spread” in our building. Based upon this, we have decided to come back to the building as scheduled after Thanksgiving break.

The following has been decided in regard to break:

• We will dismiss at NOON on Tuesday, November 24 for grades TK - 12.

  • This time will be offered to teachers and staff as “flex time” which they can use how they see fit, whether that be for planning or rest.

  • Grades TK - 8 will have lunch, but Grades 9 - 12 will not

  • We will have Lions Den available until 4:00PM with students attending getting charged from 12:15PM to pick up time. *Lions Den rates will be charged.

• We will return to school on Monday, November 30th

• Family Travel

  • During your time away or at any time before returning to school on Monday, November 30th, if you know that you or your child were exposed to COVID-19, please contact us immediately so that we can discuss remote options

  • If you traveled to one of the higher risk states over Thanksgiving break, we ask that you please share that with us and we will work with you on the mandatory quarantine period.

• Family Option

  • If you are sure, but geniunely feel like you may have been exposed, you may choose to have your child participate in remote learning by communicating with us that you are going to use that option for safety of the school (temporary remote).

Please understand that everything we do right now reflects and remains contingent on the weekly reports and directives of the Governor. In addition, how we return from Thanksgiving break will ultimately decide what plan we will have after Christmas break. We are aware that some schools are discussing a longer remote period between Thanksgiving and Christmas, as well as after Christmas.

Our goal continues to be to design the best plan for our school and circumstances, and we thank you for all of your help with that task this school year.

Dan Moore, Building Principal
John Essig, Superintendent.