August 21, 2020
Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s) of LRJSH:
Welcome to the 2020-2021 school year! We are absolutely thrilled to be able to see our students very soon on Tuesday, August 25th! As you know, school is a safe haven for children where vast worlds of learning open up to them, and in a post-pandemic world, school rituals and routines may stay the same, may change, and may even improve out of necessity. We have a few changes to work around this year with health and safety and new construction as well. It is our hope that we do not need to make a lot of changes as the year progresses, but it is also inevitable that we may need to adjust or pivot when we encounter unforeseen challenges. We anticipate challenges or questions this year and have tried to plan for various scenarios. We feel confident we are ready to open as safely as possible for students while using the USD 444 reopening plan as a guide for all operations.
Like getting out of and getting into bed on the right side, good days start and end with good routines and common/consistent expectations. The information below may be helpful as you plan to send your child back to school.. Also, please know that students will be receiving a student handbook on the first day of school. Our policies are printed in the front of the handbook. Students will also receive their school issued computer on the first day of school as well.
Looking forward to a successful and fabulous year with our amazing students! Thank you for sharing them with us! Please email me or call with any additional questions.
Kindest Regards,
Dr. Herbst
(620)897-6201
Food and Drink - During Phase 2 of reopening, breakfast will only be served once. Breakfast will be served immediately after 1st hour. Students will have time for a mask break and are encouraged to go outside for some fresh air while eating breakfast. Picnic tables are located on the north side of the gym outside.
Drink containers - please bring a beverage cup from home. Water fountains are turned off, but you can refill your drink container with filtered water from the fountain. All drinks must be “Smart Snacks in Schools” compliant, meaning, no coffee, sugar, or any illegal substance.
Student Arrival and Departure - No student should arrive before 7:45 (8:45 on Wednesdays) unless they are arriving for a school sponsored activity. Students may only enter the building through the north or south commons doors or the locker room doors if reporting for practice.
Temperature Checks - All students’ temperatures will be checked before entry into the school. Students will only enter from the South Commons or North Commons doors. Any student with 100.4 temperature or higher will be required to go home pending guidance from the school nurse and local health agencies. Students with a fever at or above 100.4 will be quarantined outside or in a separate room until parents are notified and students are given permission to leave. Students with a fever of 100.4 or higher will not be allowed to enter classrooms.
Seating Chart - All students in each class will have a seating chart. This is only the case during our current Phase 2 of reopening. A seating chart is necessary in the event we need to identify potential exposure to the Coronavirus. This seating chart is necessary for the duration of Phase 2. Changes at the end of each quarter may be considered.
Masks & Personal Hygiene - Masks must be worn inside all classrooms, in the halls during transition, and when social distancing is not possible. Please bring a mask to school. Students should supply their own mask, but if one is forgotten, a mask will be provided. Mask breaks will be provided each morning, during lunch, and each afternoon.
Please wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds regularly. It is recommended that students wash their hands between classes. If you are unable to wash your hands, then you must use hand sanitizer between each class. There is hand sanitizer throughout the hallway and in classrooms. You are also welcome to bring your own hand sanitizer.
Please use proper etiquette and cover your coughs/sneezes. Social distance as much as possible.
Personal Electronic Devices - NO CELL PHONES are allowed in classrooms. If a cell phone is out in the classroom, teachers will confiscate it and we will follow the handbook, even if you are not using it. If a cell phone is in your pocket, it will be confiscated. Bring a cell phone to school at your own risk because it must be left in a bookbag, car, or PE locker LOCKED up. If brought into the building it must be silenced. Cell phones may be used before school, after school, at lunch, or during mask breaks for all students. High school students may check their cell phones during transitions to next classes.
Please refer to the student handbook for additional policy information.