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RQS Learning Update: January 12, 2021
On Monday, January, 11 the Raytown Board of Education voted for a partial return to in-person learning beginning, Wednesday, January 20, 2021. Based on the Board’s decision, the following is set to occur:
- Tuesday, January 19, 2021 is scheduled to be a professional workday for all staff, no school; however, staff can work in-person or virtually on this date.
- Starting Wednesday, January 20, 2021, Three Trails and Elementary students are scheduled to return to in-person instruction (for those who selected in-person instruction) Monday-Friday on a normal schedule.
- Starting Thursday, January 21, 2021, Herndon Career Center B day students are scheduled to return at their normal times: 7:40-10:10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. - 2:10 p.m. Herndon Career Center will continue on a 50% schedule with students coming twice a week. A day students will return on Monday, January 25.
- Starting January 20, 2021, RSA elementary students are scheduled to return to in-person instruction (for those who selected in-person instruction) Monday-Friday on their normal schedule: 7:10 a.m. - 2:10 p.m.
- Starting January 20, 2021, New Trails, Northwood, middle school and high school students in self-contained programs are scheduled to return to in-person instruction (for those who selected in-person instruction) Monday-Thursday. Fridays will continue to be virtual learning.
- Secondary students (middle and high school) will remain in virtual learning until after Spring Break - Monday, April 5, 2021.
Additionally, the Board voted on changes to the 2020-2021 calendar.
- January 18: no school, District offices closed, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- January 19: no school, staff workday
- February 11: no school, staff workday
- February 12: no school, District offices closed
- February 15: no school, District offices closed, Presidents’ Day
- March 22-25: Parent-Teacher Conferences
- March 25: no school
- March 26: no school, District offices closed
- March 29-April 2: no school, Spring Break
- May 26: early dismissal 9-12
- May 27: projected last day of school PK-12 – early dismissal
The Board will continuously reevaluate this decision at their monthly meetings. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to provide a safe and productive environment for our staff, students and families.
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Potential Virtual Snow Day - Jan. 25
The National Weather Service (NOAA) currently predicts a 70% chance of snow on Monday, January 25. According to NOAA, rain will likely begin before 8 am, then snow will likely occur between 8 am and 5 pm with a chance of snow and freezing rain after 5 pm. During this time, the forecast predicts anywhere from three to five inches of snow accumulation.
To prepare for the predicted inclement weather, we are planning for a potential virtual snow day for Monday, January 25. If we have a virtual snow day, it will have an impact district-wide, modifying the schedule for both elementary and secondary students.
Students attending in-person school will bring home their Chromebooks/laptops and class materials on Friday, January 22. Families of students who are absent should receive communication from their student’s school to pick up their Chromebooks/laptops and class materials by the end of the day. Additionally, staff has been directed to take home all supplies to prepare to work virtually from home, if needed.
School Schedules
The virtual snow day schedule for all students will be synchronous/live teaching during the morning and asynchronous in the afternoon. Families will receive a specific schedule and information from their student’s teacher(s) later today. Please contact your child’s teacher or principal if you have any questions.
Elementary and Middle School MO-LEAP Testing
The MO-LEAP benchmark math test for elementary and middle school is scheduled to begin on Monday, January 25 at schools across the district; however, if we have a virtual snow day, we will shift the start day for schools scheduled to begin on Tuesday, January 26. More information about the MO-LEAP test will come from the District’s Assessment Office.
Great Expectations Before and After School Care & Food Services
During virtual snow days, Great Expectations Before and After School Care will be closed.
Additionally, if we have a virtual learning day on Monday, curbside meal distribution will be suspended for the day.
Staff
Should we have a virtual snow day, District offices would remain open during this time; however, all staff who can work remotely are allowed to do so as long as it is approved by their supervisor (Food Service, Facilities Operations, and Transportation employees will also receive more guidance from the supervisors). This means that during a virtual snow day, for families and patrons who need to communicate with district or school administrative offices, email is the most reliable form of communication during a virtual snow day. Staff email is firstname.lastname@raytownschools.org.
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Thank you for your patience and partnership as we work to provide a quality education for our students while maintaining a safe learning environment. We will continue to monitor the forecast for Monday, January 25. Please keep in mind that this notice is a precautionary measure, families and staff will be officially notified if we have a virtual snow day either Sunday evening or Monday morning. We are also aware of the one to three inches of snow predicted for Wednesday, January 27. If you have any questions, please contact your student’s school.
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Secondary Semester Schedule/Grading Change
Effective Wednesday, January 20, secondary hours for virtual learning will be modified to more closely mirror students’ in-person learning schedule. Classes will normally be 45 minutes in length followed by 30 minutes of tutoring or time for students to complete work. Middle school and high school hours will be as follows:
Middle School
- 8:00 - 9:15 am (1/2)
- 9:30 - 10:45 am (3/4)
- 11:00-12:15 (5/6)
- 12:15-12:45 (lunch)
- 1:00-2:15 pm (7/Advisory)
High School
- 7:30- 8:45 am (1/2)
- 9:00-10:15 am (3/4)
- 10:30-11:45 am (5/6)
- 11:45-12:30 pm (lunch)
- 12:30-1:45 pm (7/Advisory)
Additionally, we will move to a 50-point grading scale for the second semester in all secondary buildings. In short, this means that the lowest grade a student can receive will be a 50%, even if they do not turn an assignment in. The lowest grade for an assignment that is turned in with substantial effort will be a 60%.
This modification to grading is being made to address the needs of our students. We recognize the negative impact a zero grade can have on students who are struggling to adjust to the obstacles presented by the unconventional learning environment created by the pandemic. We believe a student’s grade should reflect the student's understanding of the content and capacity to apply the content more than on their responsibility defined by turning their work in.
Our district also recognizes that accountability is an important lesson we teach our students. Please keep in mind that this is a pilot; we do not have long term plans for this new process. We appreciate your partnership as we continue to work to provide the best possible learning experience for our students.
If you have any questions, please contact your student’s school.
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Meal/Hygiene Distribution Reminder
Curbside meals/hygiene distribution at secondary locations ended on Friday, December 18. Updates to this program will be shared via phone, email, mobile app notification, the District's website, and social media when available.
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RQS Update: Return to Virtual Learning
The District will return to virtual learning for all grades, PK-12, Monday, December 14 through Tuesday, December 22. While secondary has remained virtual for the entire first semester, this will be a change for elementary, special education, and Herndon Career Center students currently attending in-person instruction. Additionally, due to staffing limitations related to COVID-19, students attending Northwood School will return to virtual learning on Wednesday, December 9.
The decision to return to virtual learning was made in accordance with recommendations from local health authorities. District data, as well as data from Eastern Jackson County, supports the projected post-Thanksgiving uptick in COVID-19 cases predicted by local health. As a result of this trend, the District continues to struggle with staffing key positions while maintaining a quality learning environment for in-person students.
Students currently enrolled in-person learning will be required to take all supplies home with them on Friday, December 11 to prepare for virtual instruction. Additional communication (including medication pickup information) will come from individual schools. If you have any questions, please contact your student’s classroom teacher or school administrator. Staff emails are firstname.lastname@raytownschools.org and can also be found on each schools' website under “staff.” School sites are listed here: http://bit.ly/33prO7l.
District administrative offices will not be staffed in-person during this time. District phone lines and voicemail will be monitored; however, some staff will not have regular access to phone lines. District staff will be expected to be responsive via email during business hours.
Thank you for partnering with us to protect the health of our students, staff and families. Below, you will find additional information pertaining to our district-wide return to virtual learning.
Food Service
During virtual learning, drive up and walk up meals will continue to be offered through Friday, December 18. Curbside meal pick up will be available from 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Monday through Friday at Raytown Central Middle, Raytown Middle, Raytown South Middle, Raytown High School and Raytown South High School.
Technology Help
For technical support on using your Chromebook or laptop, please contact studentsupport@raytownschools.org. Please note that student account information will only be provided if you send an email address associated with SISK12 parent portal account. Families can also call the Helpdesk at 816-268-7172. This line should only be used for tech-related phone calls, additional contact information is provided at the bottom of this message.
Great Expectations
Great Expectations Full-day care scheduled for December 23 and December 28-30 will no longer be offered. Families who signed up for Full-day care will receive a separate communication with additional information. No essential care will be provided at this time.
Winter Break
The District, including all administrative offices will be closed for Winter Break December 23, 2020 - January 1, 2021.
Virtual Social-Emotional Learning Resources
For mental health support:
- Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255 (24 hour access)
- CrisisTextLine.org or text 741741 (24 hour access)
- CommCare Access Crisis Intervention 888-279-8188 (24 hour access)
Safety Resources:
If you are having a life-threatening emergency, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.
If you need a Safe Place, go to any QuikTrip, Police Department or Fire Department and tell them you are in need of a "Safe Place" and they will help.
- You can also call 816-741-8700. OR
- Text the word “safe” and your current location (city/state/zip) to 4HELP (44357).
If you are in need of other community resources or assistance, visit 211kc.org or dial 211 (United Way).
Communication
The most up-to-date information is posted on the District’s dedicated website for coronavirus updates at https://www.raytownschools.org/coronavirus.
- Technology Help Desk studentsupport@raytownschools.org
- Interpreter/Translations interpreter@raytownschools.org
- Food Services foodservices@raytownschools.org
- Great Expectations greatexpectations@raytownschools.org
- General Inquiries communications@raytownschools.org
Fall 2020 Reopening Guide (Draft)
Internet Resources
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We encourage families to ensure students have access to the internet at home, should the District close for an extended period of time. Some internet providers are offering free, low or reduced cost programs and resources for families. Please follow the links below for more information.
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Everyoneon.org
- Find low-cost internet service and computers in your area by zip code.
- https://www.everyoneon.org/find-offers
- In response to the coronavirus pandemic and its impact on society, multiple Internet Service Providers (ISPs) have made updates to their low-cost internet service programs to ensure individuals and families stay connected to the internet during this challenging time. EveryoneOn has updated their low-cost internet service options tool to reflect these changes.
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All Connect
- Shop the best internet service providers and compare dozens of internet options and choose the best one for your home with your zip code.
- https://www.allconnect.com/internet
- Call one of their experts who can make a recommendation based on your needs or take your order by phone. 1-888-209-5085
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Comcast
Comcast Internet Essentials
- Speeds and Costs:
- 15 megabits per second $9.95 plus tax
- No contract, no credit check, no installation fee, in-home Wi-Fi
- Eligibility:
- You are eligible for public assistance programs such as the National School Lunch Program, Housing Assistance, Medicaid, SNAP, SSI and others.
- You do not have outstanding debt to Comcast that is less than a year old. Families with outstanding debt more than one year old may still be eligible.
- You live in an area where Comcast Internet service is available but have not subscribed to it within the last 90 days.
- https://www.internetessentials.com/apply
- Once becoming an Internet Essential customer you have the option to purchase a laptop or desk computer at a discounted price:
- Speeds and Costs:
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AT&T
Access from AT&T
- Speeds and Costs:
- 10 megabits per second $10 per month, 5 megabits per second, for $10 per
month, 3 megabits per second, for $5 per month. - No commitment, No deposit, no installation fee, in-home Wi-Fi modem and WiFi access at more than 30,000 AT&T hotspots nationwide –included.
- 10 megabits per second $10 per month, 5 megabits per second, for $10 per
- Eligibility:
- At least one person in your household must be a participant in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP.
- You must live in one of the 21 states where AT&T provides wireline home Internet service, and at least one of the Access from AT&T Internet speeds must be available at the address where you live.
- https://digitalyou.att.com/low-cost-internet/
- https://www.att.com/shop/internet/access/#!/
- English: 1-855-220-5211
- Spanish: 1-55-220-5225
- Speeds and Costs:
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Charter-Spectrum
Spectrum Internet Assist
- Speeds and Costs:
- 30 megabits $14.99 per month and
- $5 per month for home Wi-Fi (router included)
- No contract, no data caps, free internet modem, free security suite, and
parental controls
- Eligibility:
- To qualify for Spectrum Internet Assist, a member of your household must be a
recipient of one of the following programs: The National School Lunch Program (NSLP); free or reduced cost lunch, The Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) of
the NSLP, or Supplemental Security Income (≥ ages 65 only)
- To qualify for Spectrum Internet Assist, a member of your household must be a
- https://www.spectrum.com/browse/content/spectrum-internet-assist
- Speeds and Costs:
Free Local WiFi
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*Click the image about for a list of local businesses offering free WiFi
Using Your Phone as a Cellular Hoptspot
Helpful Links
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
