As Owensville High School students and staff struggle to cope with the death of a schoolmate this past week, plans are being made for the final month of the 2020-21 term.

“The kids are at all points of the (grieving) process,” said Kris Altemeyer, principal at OHS. “We’re nearing the final weeks of the school year. The kids are struggling and we are doing the best we can to help them handle it.”

A memorial celebration for Drake Holzschuh was scheduled for Tuesday evening at Memorial Park. Altemeyer said friends of the freshman student were scheduling the memorial event.

“We’re at a mixed point,” he said Tuesday. “We’re trying to balance it out. This continues to be a tough time for everybody, staff and students, the freshman class especially. It was good to have prom. Everybody’s in a different place. Kids are still having struggles and this is to be expected. We’re trying to balance it out and move forward.”

Just a week ago, Altemeyer was addressing the Gasconade County R-2 School District’s Board of Education at their April 19 meeting, telling them the seniors are beginning to look forward to the end of the year.

“Graduation is set for 6 p.m. on May 23 and will be held outside,” Altemeyer said. “The academic awards ceremony is set for 7 p.m. on May 18 and baccalaureate will be at 7 p.m. the Wednesday before graduation. The senior barbecue is still up in the air.”

Seniors were able to attend their prom on Saturday, April 24.

Aside from senior events, the district is working to conduct MAP tests on both in-seat and virtual students.

“Bev Giebler is in charge of that,” Altemeyer said.

Other buildings, such as Gerald Elementary School, conducted MAP testing for virtual learners two weeks ago.