As the number of COVID-19 quarantines continue to rise, Slater School District has announced the closure of its elementary schools.

According to a news release from Superintendent Debbie Gonzalez, elementary buildings will be closed Tuesday, September 14 through September 20. During this time a thorough cleaning of buildings and classrooms will be conducted.

Gonzalez says junior high and high school students have not been affected as badly, and will continue in-person learning.

In addition to elementary schools closing, effective tomorrow, all persons in the district that have not been vaccinated are required to wear a mask. All vaccinated persons, including students, will need to show proof of vaccination to the Central Office and will have to option to wear a mask or not.

Gonzalez says, “While we are aware of both sides of the mask issue, our focus needs to be what is best for our students and the ability to keep the majority of them as in-seat learning. Packets and distant learning has shown this is not where our students will be successful. This is also to say that later down the road this can be lifted.”

For additional information, you can contact Superintendent Debbie Gonzalez by calling (660) 529-2278 (ext. 111).