With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing its stranglehold on the state of Missouri and much of the nation, school administrators and boards have been working on plans for the upcoming school year.

Slater Superintendent Debbie Gonzalez says the school district believes:
1. The safety and well-being of our students and staff is foremost;
2. A quality education for all students will continue to be provided;
3. It is important to continue our partnership and support of our families; and
4. Every decision is centered on what is best for our students and staff.

Gonzalez says the procedures and protocols outlined in the plan are based on recommendations from federal and state resources in collaboration with the Saline County Health Department, the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Slater School Board, staff and administration.

Gonzalez said the administration has been communicating with the teachers for several weeks to come up with a good proactive plan.

Gonzalez says superintendents from all of the districts in the county have been meeting with health-department officials regularly all summer.

Gonzalez said that if the parents/students choose to go Slater Online at the start of the first semester, they have to stay online for the duration of the semester. She said then the option will be opened up again in January, and they can switch.

Gonzalez also says in order for students to participate in any extra-curricular activity, they are required to be enrolled in face-to-face classes.

Gonzalez says the hope is all students choose to return for in-person, face-to-face classes. The first day of school is scheduled for Tuesday, August 25.

Gonzalez said she is planning on hosting a Zoom meeting for parents and community members to talk about the plan and any concerns or ideas they might have at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, August 4.