Dear students and parents,
The Governor announced Thursday, April 9, schools would remain closed through the remainder of their academic calendar.
The Governor’s office and the Department of Elementary and Secondary School required the school to continue to provide learning opportunities through the individual districts academic calendar, for Gasconade County R-2 that is through Wednesday, May 20. There are many questions on how will this look, how will grades be figured, and what will the end of school look like.
Unfortunately, we do not have answers to all these questions, but we have the same concerns. The main point is the district will continue to provide learning opportunities, as directed, for students.
The district has adopted a “hold harmless” approach to grading. Elementary schools do not have traditional letter grades, as they have transitioned to standards based grading. So, students will continue to receive work through paper packets, our website, or email.
The elementary schools will continue to communicate with parents and students about drop off and pick-up procedures.
Middle school and high school will continue to provide learning opportunities for students and work completed will still receive grades with the stipulation that they can improve, not harm, their academic standing in courses. Dual Credit courses will follow the guidelines established by the university for college-level credit and grading.
Student grading practices for these courses will be determined by the university. Hold-harmless will not apply for dual credit courses. It is important students continue to work on the assignments. We do not know the full consequence of what next year will look like academically.
But, we are confident if students do not work on the assigned work, they will struggle next year. Parents concerned with academic regression due to the COVID-19 closure are recommended to enroll their student in the summer school program. Summer school information will be sent out once details and dates are established.
There are many activities like summer school, graduation, prom, check-in/out, uniform turn-in, academic awards, enrollment for next year, etc., that have not been decided on how to proceed.
But, all these activities are currently being discussed and when a clear picture of how these events will proceed; these will be communicated as quickly as possible. Questions may be directed to your child’s teacher, principal, counselor, or the administrative office.
Thank you for your continued efforts to support your children’s education.
Dr. Chuck Garner,
Superintendent, Gasconade County R-2 School District.
(Editor’s note: Garner’s letter was distributed April 17).
