MESSAGE TO FAMILIES
Today, March 17, 2020 Governor Laura Kelly announced all school facilities will be closed for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year. This will place tremendous hardship on our families and staff, and impact the social and emotional well-being of our students.
We have been working on contingency plans since mid-March, including how we can meet the ongoing learning needs of our students and provide breakfast and lunch for our students. We will be receiving updated guidance from the Kansas State Department of Education on how we can effectively provide a learning platform for our students to finish out their school year. More information will be shared with families later this week and next on how that will be done.
Our staff and board of education are also working on other critical issues, such as what this means for our seniors, how this will affect next school year and what impact this will have on our employees. We will provide updates on these issues as soon as the information is available.
We are committed to working together as a community to support one another throughout these unprecedented times, and communication will remain a top priority. USD 322 will continue to keep you informed with regular updates through our district website, social media, emails and text messages.
As a reminder, this school closure is in response to the current public health crisis. The focus should remain on preventing the spread the coronavirus, or COVID-19 as it is also referred to.
Please be mindful of the following:
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing (cough/sneeze into your sleeve or a tissue).
• Please keep sick children at home.
• Avoid close contact with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms.
Follow additional guidance from these sources:
• National Center for Disease Control (CDC)
• Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE)
• Pottawatomie County Health Department
Signed by Rhonda Trimble, Superintendent and Jeff Koelzer, Board President
If you are looking for some PK-6 easily accessible online learning websites (no sign-in required) along with some non-digital ideas for learning, please see access the link below. There are not a lot, but there are sites for all content areas. The hope is that by keeping the list simple and by not requiring you or your children to create logins that it will simplify the use for all of you 🙂!
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zDF2k6dXbiMDCg8SvLhlowQ22GUfWfXU9CZBj-LU7XY
Many of you may already be aware that Governor Kelly in conjunction with the the Kansas State Department of Education has recommended the closer of all schools in Kansas this week, so that state and county officials have time to create plans to address the COVID-19 pandemic. We are hoping to receive updated guidance from the Kansas State Department of Education by no later than Wednesday or Thursday of this week. We have an advantage for already being on spring break, but we are currently making plans to provide services to students with special needs, provide meals for our students, etc. in the case schools are closed for a prolonged period of time - there is a chance that this could happen. Onaga Schools will follow all guidelines from KDHE to promote safety of all students and staff when school does resume.
The Kansas State Board of Education has formed a team of experts, many of whom are former Teachers of the Year, to build a comprehensive plan to address the challenges that schools are facing in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Among the specific topics this team will address are:
How schools can move education online, if necessary, so students can progress toward the end of semester.
How schools can assist students who do not have access to online tools to finish out the semester, especially those who are set to graduate in May.
How schools can provide for at-risk students and those who have Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).
How schools will ensure a continuity of school-based mental health services.
How schools can assist in providing meals for students who need them.
What role schools can play in assisting with childcare for essential local and state healthcare workers, first responders and other essential workers who live in their counties.
How schools will assist in efforts to keep children from congregating in community spaces and keep them quarantined in their own homes.
And educating parents on ways they can help the continuity of education for their children.
Governor Kelly continues to work closely with the Kansas State Department of Education and Kansas Department of Health and Environment, along with local and federal partners to develop sensible steps that can protect every Kansan. USD 322 will continue to share pertinent information as we receive it.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued new guidance surrounding COVID-19, including travelers, close contacts of confirmed cases and those being tested. Below is the link to that guidance:
https://khap2.kdhe.state.ks.us/NewsRelease/PDFs/3-15-20%20Quarantine%20recommendations%20FINAL.pdf
Mr. Kufahl's senior Government class ended its unit on State & Local Government with a city council simulation at Onaga City Hall today. They filled the roles of mayor, city council, and various groups for and against a city ordinance. Thank you Sarah & Susan for having us!
Mr. Goudy and Mr. Kufahl prepared the Onaga Junior High Scholars Bowl Team for this year's season. They challenged the students, who in turn, had fun and learned more about themselves. The coach, Mr. Goudy, is very proud of them and their accomplishments.
March 2nd is the anniversary of the birthday of Dr. Seuss, author of many well-loved children’s books. This quote is my favorite because it reminds me to enjoy the little things in life.
March 2nd is the anniversary of the birthday of Dr. Seuss, author of many well-loved children’s books. I like this quote because I can relate to this, and I don’t let people judge me or bother me.
OHS Baseball season is here! Follow the link to print your order form, https://5il.co/dldh. Orders and payment are due on Monday, 3/16/2020 to Coach Noel by NOON!!!! Coach Noel will meet you here Monday if need be, or orders can be turned in to Gayla tomorrow in the office.
Plans for potential COVID-19 outbreak is now available on the homepage news section.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/USD322Onaga
The new superintendent hire survey is now available on the URL above. Cut and paste it into your browser and let your voice be heard! Your input is important and appreciated! The deadline is March 23, 2020.
While you are at the school for your elementary student-led conferences, come and take a look at the Lost and Found table. The table is located in the elementary school across from Mrs. Rempe’s room.
March 2nd is the anniversary of the birthday of Dr. Seuss, author of many well-loved children’s books. This quote inspires me because it is very motivational. As a senior I only have a short time frame before I am out of high school. I am excited to move towards my mountain!
March 2 is the anniversary of the birthday of Dr. Seuss, the author many well-known children’s books. I like this Dr. Seuss quote because everyone should be treated fairly, no matter how well known they are or how much everyone likes them.
Check out our new Sensory Pathway during Parent Teacher Conferences! Kids are excited to see this come to life. Now, to see how creative we can get with new activities on the Sensory Pathway!
Just like college basketball, K-3 students are hosting a March Madness bracket but with 16 new picture books. The books support the Leader in Me Habits and the book characters are brave and bold. Unlike college basketball, the winner of this bracket will be announced Thursday.
March 2nd is the anniversary of the birthday of Dr Seuss, author of many well-loved children’s books. This quote is my favorite because it reminds me to always keep smiling!
Kindergarten roundup and Preschool screenings are right around the corner! If you have a child that is kindergarten eligible or interested in preschool for the 2020-21 school year, please see information bellow!!
Today Mrs. Labbe’s Physics class (composed of seniors) raced their cardboard boats as part of their buoyancy lesson. The seniors split into two groups to build and personalize their boats. The overall winner of the race was the Delorean team.
March 2nd is the anniversary of the birthday of Dr. Seuss, author of many well-loved children’s books. This quote is my favorite because it makes me realize there is always good in not-so-happy-times.
