New Franklin R-1 Superintendent Brian Cordel sent out a letter making parents and students aware of the possibility of returning to school next month.
The letter says with several questions of when and how New Franklin will begin school – “we feel it is time to give you some information. As of now, both the State and the Missouri Department of Elementary & Secondary Education (DESE) has stated that reentry to schools is a local decision. After discussion with Howard County Health representatives and our Board of Education, New Franklin R-1 School District will begin school on the regular schedule date of August 25, and we will begin as usually and normal as we have in past years. As we continue to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and its proximity to the county, with very few, if any, recent cases in weeks, we feel this is a safe and highly-requested solution. Should there be a sudden spike in cases, our decision may need to be reevaluated and altered.”
Reentry information:
o As of now, we will plan to return to school on Tuesday, August 25, 2020.
o Buses will run as normal.
o School will run as normal with some added precautions such as; allowing frequent hand washing and the use of hand sanitizers, keeping social distance whenever possible, keeping students in same small groups when possible, frequent cleaning, etc..
o There will be no perfect attendance awards for the 1st semester (possibly for the year).
o All school activities will be conducted as normal with some precautions.
1. Please monitor your son/daughter’s health and if they have any COVID-19 related symptoms, keep your child home and inform the school.
2. If your son/daughter has a temperature (above 100 degrees), you will be required to keep your child home for 3 days after the temperature is normal with no medication.
3. If riding the bus, please instruct your children to sit with other family members.
o Water fountains will temporarily be turned off. Students are encouraged to bring their own water bottles to use and fill at water-bottle dispensaries located throughout the building. However, a water bottling company (Convoy of Hope), of Springfield, has offered to supply a limited amount of water bottles to all Howard County schools.
o Your child is welcome to wear a mask throughout the day should you prefer. This could change where it would be a requirement if the State mandates the wearing of masks prior to school starting.
o Should a student be confirmed with COVID-19, the district will do whatever is necessary to prevent the spread and contact parents accordingly.
o You will be receiving further beginning of the school information from the district office or your building principal prior to the start of school.
Cordel says: “New Franklin R-1 will do everything possible to keep your child safe while at school. Again, as a reminder, this may all change as we receive further information and guidance from DESE or the State.”