November 19, 2020
Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s):
On November 12, 2020, Governor Mike Parson, the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) announced modifications to Missouri’s K-12 school reopening and operating guidance.
Under this new guidance, proper mask wearing will now prevent individuals from being identified as close contacts in Missouri schools. This means that if both individuals – the person diagnosed with COVID-19 and the close contact – have their masks on and are wearing them correctly, the close contact who may have been exposed would not need to quarantine. The person who tests positive for COVID-19 is still required to isolate at home.
The Community R-VI School District has now been in session for fifteen (15) weeks, but we have recently seen an increase in close contact quarantines. At this time, we have one (1) active COVID-19 positive case, and one (1) recovered COVID-19 case. This resulted in the quarantining of fifty-six (56) students.
On Wednesday, November 18, 2020, the Community R-VI Board of Education amended the COVID-19 operating plan to include a mask mandate. Masks are to be worn at all times when students are on buses, during class time, passing time in the halls, school-sponsored activities or events, and anyone entering any campus building. When social distancing can be maintained, students are not required to wear their mask. Staff will give students mask breaks whenever possible.
Please continue to monitor and keep children home if they are exhibiting any symptoms. Thank you for your help and support as we continue to maneuver through this pandemic.
Sincerely,
Cheryl Mack