SKYLINE TIGER NEWS
Covid19 Update
With the 1st quarter complete, it is a good time to provide you with a general overview of what Skyline and other schools have experienced related to Covid19. We have been active in seeking data related to how readily the virus is spreading in schools. My hope is that providing this information to you will reduce any anxieties as a result of sending your child to school. Skyline has joined a collection of 79 other southwest Missouri schools in combining Covid19 related information. The results of this data include Skyline's individual data and a group of schools in southwest Missouri (see below). School leaders are growing increasingly concerned with the negative impact that quarantines are having on our student's educational and mental health. As you can see below, the collection of schools reported that less than 1% of their quarantined students have tested positive. Over 130 students/staff have been quarantined at Skyline and one has tested positive. A separate national study has also indicated similar numbers to what the area schools are seeing. This is not to say there have not been outbreaks in schools, but at this time, it appears those cases are less common.
As it stands, we have been willing to adjust practices when they are not serving the best interests of students or staff. There has been some trial and error and I anticipate some of that to continue. We will continue to evaluate what we do on a daily basis and adjust when necessary with the goal of always doing what is best for our students. We are seeking a balance between protecting our community while reducing any possible negative impact on our students as a result of quarantines/sickness. We wanted to share this information with you along with other COVID-19 school related research to inform you of national efforts as well as our efforts to keep the holistic well-being of our students at the forefront. This is all very promising information and we are more optimistic that we may be able to stay in school without interruption. Click the box below if you wish to look at the school information I am referring to.
Sincerely,
Randy Dougherty
Skyline School District Superintendent