I want to first say thank you for your continued patience and support as we navigate through these difficult and unprecedented times. We have developed and are continuing to create options and resources for our students. Please know that we will continue to provide the best learning environment for our students and will work to accommodate your concerns throughout the COVID-19 public health emergency.We are working with school administrators, the Kansas State Department of Education, and the Geary County Health Department to identify and implement safety measures for the opening of the 2020-2021 school year. We take seriously the responsibility of creating a safe learning environment for students and a safe working environment for our teachers and staff. This past week principals, district administrators, teachers, and a representative from the Geary County Health Department rehearsed procedures to implement when a positive COVID19 case arises. During this time, contact tracing and steps for communicating to parents and all involved were discussed. This scenario was educational for everyone involved, and we hope that it will assist us in ensuring that the district minimizes risks for our students and staff during a similar situation.I want to remind everyone of the learning options for the 2020-21 school year. USD 475 will offer Remote Learning (some call virtual or e-learning) and Face-to-Face Learning (traditional school). Parents may only select one option for the upcoming school year. Additionally, the option selected is for the entire first semester of school. If you choose the Remote Learning option, the student is required 360 minutes (6 hours) of daily academic learning. This does not mean a student has to be in front of the computer the entire time. However, the student and parent must sign a daily log confirming that the student was engaged for the required minutes.The district will require all staff and students that enter school buildings to wear a mask. We are aware that some of our students may suffer from medical conditions, emotional challenges and/or special needs for whom wearing a mask will likely be impossible. We will provide exceptions for those students who are part of our special services or who may have a medical exemption. Masks worn by staff and students will be subject to our dress code policy. Printed words or graphics on masks will not be allowed if they are offensive to others or create a distraction.I am certain there will be instances when students lose or misplace their masks. Schools will have masks available to students needing one. We realize this is new for everyone and will do our best to teach students to abide by school rules and to respect the health and safety of others. If you have concerns about our mask policy, I invite you to consider our Remote Learning option. The district’s position on the wearing of masks is based on recommendations from the health department and the fact that ensuring social distancing will be a challenge.Finally, the Geary County USD 475 Board of Education will be meeting tonight, at 5:00 pm, via Zoom. It will be live streamed to the district’s Facebook page, and I encourage all of you to watch the meeting. We will be discussing many of the plans, procedures, and safety measures the district will be implementing for the 2020-21 school year. District administrators will be sharing important information with the Board Members, and these presentations will address many of the questions that families and employees have asked.We are preparing for the success of all children in Geary County. We know that the success of our students depends on a productive partnership between the district, our families, and the community. Your continued support will help ensure our students receive the best education we can provide them, regardless of these circumstances.Respectfully,Reginald T. Eggleston, Ed.D.SuperintendentGeary County Schools USD 475

USD 475 Superintendent of Schools submits open letter to the community