ELSBERRY, Mo. — After the Lincoln County Health Department asked that schools within the county return to school as virtually as possible, the Elsberry School District has opted for a mix of online and in-person return to learning.
Students in grades K-6 will attend in person, however grades 7-12 will be virtual through first quarter which is set to end Oct. 21st. For students who wish to continue participating in extra-curricular activities, the Missouri State High School Activities Association has amended their by-laws to allow schools who are virtual to make the decision as to whether or not participation is still allowed. According to the letter released by the district, student-athletes at Elsberry will still be allowed to participate if they wish.
Yesterday the Winfield School District opted to go entirely virtual for first quarter, but as of last night, Troy-Buchanan School District has stuck with their option of allowing parents to choose in-person or online education. The only change made by the Troy School District is they will now be requiring masks while on district property. For more on the updates for the Troy schools visit https://www.troy.k12.mo.us/updates
Here is the full letter from Elsberry Superintendent Dr. Tim Reller…
The Elsberry R-II Board of Education and Administration have been continuously monitoring the spread of COVID-19 in our community. We have been in communication with the Lincoln County Health Department and monitored updates from the Center for Disease Control and Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. Based on the latest information from these sources, last night the Elsberry R-II Board of Education voted to transition to Tier 2 of our return to school plan through the end of 1st quarter on October 21. Tier 2 calls for students in grades Kindergarten through 6 to attend in person and students in grades 7 through 12 to attend virtually. This plan will allow us to use additional space and staff to create lower class sizes in the grades that are attending in person which will increase our ability to practice social distancing.
The virtual education for students in grades 7-12 will look much different than it did in the spring of 2020. Generally, students will follow their existing schedule and login at certain times during the day to interact with their classroom teacher. Additional details will be sent out in the near future.
All students in grades 7-12 have or will have a Chromebook that they can use during this virtual instruction period. Additionally, the district has secured a limited number of cellular hotspots. A survey will be sent out in the near future for families to request use of these hotspots, families with students in grades 7-12 will receive priority in receiving these hotspots.
In accordance with updated guidance from Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA), the Board of Education also voted to proceed with extra-curricular activities for students who wish to participate in these activities.
I realize that parents will have many questions and will do our best to continue to get information disseminated as quickly as possible. If you have a specific question related to your student, please contact your building office beginning next week.