Yes. We are in the process of developing this course. 

No, if your child has typical symptoms related to allergies, asthma or other conditions which have been documented with the school nurse which are not suspected as COVID-19 your child won’t need a doctor’s note to return to school. 

Yes, as in year’s past, when students are absent from in-person classes, assignments will be provided to the student. 

 Yes, students who are enrolled in the A+ program and complete/pass the course will meet the A+ program attendance requirements. Regardless of whether a student is enrolled in virtual or in-person coursework, all A+ program requirements still apply.

Gifted education will be provided for both in-person and virtual. More information will be communicated to parents of gifted students.

 In most cases students will not be able to switch learning platforms after the semester begins. A hardship waiver may be completed for students whose circumstances may have changed during the semester. For consideration the waiver must be approved by the District’s hardship committee. 

In most cases students will not be able to switch learning platforms after the semester begins. A hardship waiver may be completed for students whose circumstances may have changed during the semester. For consideration the waiver must be approved by the District’s hardship committee. 

Fort Osage will do our best to accommodate all schedule requests. After exhausting all options if we are unable to offer the course virtually you will be notified to discuss your schedule.  

Fort Osage will exhaust all reasonable measures to provide virtual courses consistent with in-person courses. In the event that the District is unable to accommodate the student virtually, consideration for good cause will be given to in-person options for students 9-12. Approval would need to be given by the building administrator. 

Students will need to be available Monday-Friday during the school day to participate in teacher led instruction and feedback. Homework and assignment completion can be done beyond the school day. 

Staff members will be screened each day at school. Plans are being developed on how this will be implemented. 

Staff will check students for visual signs or symptoms of illness. Plans are being developed on how this will be implemented.  

Parents will need to make a selection for their student to either be in-person or virtual learning by July 24th.  The selection you are making for your student will be for the first semester, running August 24-December 22, 2020.  Additional information for the second semester will be shared with parents in late fall.  

Parents are asked to complete the Fall 2020 Return to School Education Selection form by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, July 24.

To comply with guidelines from the Jackson County Health Department, all staff and students 5 years of age and older are required to wear a mask at all times with the following exceptions: 

• Those who are deaf or hard of hearing
• Children younger than five years old
• Persons with a medical condition, mental health condition, or disability that prevents wearing a face covering
• When engaged in high intensity activities

Masks should be positioned carefully over the mouth and nose. Students are encouraged to bring their own mask.  If they do not have one, a paper mask will be provided for them.  If a student has a documented medical issue or special education designation which makes wearing a mask unadvisable, we will need to have a doctor’s note on file to excuse the student from mask wearing.  

We realize that wearing a mask is unusual and it will take time to adapt.  We appreciate parents doing their best to find a mask that fits their child, practice putting it on properly without assistance, and practicing wearing it at home.  Parents should speak with their children about the importance of wearing a mask and that it is not acceptable to take off your mask or pull it below your nose and mouth.  

If a student has a documented medical issue or special education designation which makes wearing a mask unadvisable, we will need to have a doctor’s note on file to excuse the student from mask wearing.   

No. Students should plan to spend the equivalent of a regular school day on teacher-supported instruction. Instruction will include one-on-one virtual meetings, group/class meetings, live lessons, and pre-recorded videos. Assignments will need to be completed and graded, and students will be tested on materials learned. Families who choose the Fort Osage Virtual Learning will be required to review the handbook.

As we work to keep students and staff safe during this pandemic, we will share as much information as possible with you, while still following legal and ethical privacy rules.  

If a student or staff member has a positive COVID-19 test we will follow these guidelines:

• If your child has been in direct contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19 or whose medical provider diagnosed them with a presumed case of COVID-19, you will be contacted.
• We will work with the Jackson County Health Department to determine what precautions we must take and whether we need to close a classroom, building, or school.

Yes. Guidelines and information will be shared with parents prior to the start of school.  

Plans are still being developed as to how breakfast and lunch will work. In order to maximize space, it is possible students will be eating meals in classrooms or other areas of the building.  More information will be shared with parents prior to the start of school.  

Yes.  Each school’s recess schedules will be assessed to provide as much distancing as possible. Additional guidance will come prior to the start of school. 

Please consider taking your child to school instead of sending them on the bus if you are able. We will not be able to provide social distancing on the buses, but we will take as many precautions as possible.  

• Students will be required to wear masks.
• Drivers will wear masks when students are on the bus.
• We will disinfect all surfaces on the buses at the end of each route.
• Students will have assigned seats. 
• When possible, siblings will be seated together on the bus.  

No, we are not allowing field trips at this time.  We will continue to re-evaluate this decision on an ongoing basis.  

Yes.  Plans are still being developed and will be communicated at a later date.

Yes.  Each school will look different than in the past. More detailed information will be shared with families who choose in-person learning closer to the start of school.

There will be hand sanitizer stations throughout the building.  Students may also bring their own travel-sized bottle to use. Frequent hand washing will be emphasized. For younger students, the most important thing will be stressing proper handwashing. We appreciate parents helping younger students understand how to wash for a long enough time (singing happy birthday or the ABC song); to make sure soap reaches all parts of their fingers, hands, and wrists; and to fully rinse and dry hands.