Return 2 Learn FAQ
Updated July 30, 2020
Please keep in mind that this is an ever-evolving situation and despite our diligent planning, nothing is set in stone.
SR3 is continually working on plans for our students in the fall. Parents and Guardians can expect weekly communication via email and the district website from now until school starts. The district will be holding community meetings on July 28th at Savannah Middle School and August 3rd at Savannah High School.
What is the plan for reopening Savannah R3 schools for the 2020-21 school year? Will my child physically return to his/her assigned school this fall?
SR3 is planning for in-person school in the fall with extensive safety precautions in place.
If you are concerned about your child’s safety, you will have the option to enroll your child in Savannah R3's Virtual Learning Program.
Both in-person classes AND virtual learning classes will start on August 24 and will have full grade-level designed work with timely feedback from teachers. Virtual Learners will be expected to spend multiple hours working in the program during the school day to meet the academic requirements set forth by the state and district so that the work they are doing is comparable to those in the regular classroom.
Please note that a parent or guardian can declare their student a VIRTUAL learner once each semester. If a decision is made to change a student's status to IN-PERSON learning, he/she cannot go back to VIRTUAL without medical documentation.
As we continue to receive feedback from our staff and parents, we will update and release more information regarding the distance learning plan.
In-Person Learner Option
Will the SR3 2020-2021 academic calendar be followed? Will there be extended breaks?
When is the first day of school?
Will In-Person Learners be required to wear masks?
In an effort to keep our campuses open and create the healthiest environment possible we are implementing the following:
SMS & SHS Students ~ masks will be required in the hallway and during group work that requires students to be in close contact.
All students will be required to wear a mask on the school bus.
Please keep in mind that guidance regarding masks is constantly changing. SR3 district administration will be working very closely with the Andrew County Health Department on this matter.
What about staff, will they be required to wear masks?
Will temperatures be taken every day when staff and students enter the building?
Virtual Learner Option
What if I don't feel safe sending my student to school on an SR3 campus?
The Virtual Learning curriculum will align with Missouri Learning Standards, just as our in-person curriculum does. Similarly, it will follow a Monday - Friday schedule and will be monitored by district teaching staff.
What is required to accommodate for Virtual Learning?
Currently, the district provides take-home Chromebooks for all students in 6th - 12th grades who have signed a Chromebook agreement and paid the yearly technology insurance.
ALL SR3 students who chose the virtual learning path will have the opportunity to check out a district-provided device. More information on this check out process will be sent to families as soon as it has been finalized.
What will a typical day look like for Virtual Learners?
Student workload at the K-5 level will be approximately 4-6 hours per day, while student workload at the 6-12 level will be approximately 5-7 hours per day. The amount of time spent working will vary by student.
How will attendance be tracked?
Are Virtual Learners eligible for extracurricular activities?
When will SR3 families be required to make a choice between In-Person Learning and Virtual Learning Paths?
These declarations are made on a student by student basis, not per family.
Does a decision to go in-person OR virtual affect school funding?
What if I choose a learning path for my student and circumstances change, can we change our learning path?
Secondary (6-12) students are committed to virtual learning courses for the semester. Even in the event that their learning status would change to in-person, the students would simply return to school and complete the online courses under supervision. The Edgenuity © Courseware courses must be completed in their entirety (semester-length) in order for the student to receive credit.
Will Virtual Students get school pictures taken?
More guidance on Virtual Learning can be found in the Virtual Learning Handbook.
Other Health and Safety Precautions
What safety precautions are being taken on the bus?
2020-21 Transportation Guidelines:
Busses will be cleaned and disinfected after all morning and afternoon routes
Bus routes will run as usual
Masks will be required for drivers and bus monitors in close proximity to students
Students will be required to wear a mask on the bus, with no exceptions
Buses will have hand sanitizer for students to use as the load and unload the bus
Bus Registration MUST be completed by July 31, 2020, for every student wishing to ride the bus
Registration forms can be found here or on the district website.
If you require assistance in filling out this online form please contact your school or the bus company (816) 324-1400
Computers will also be available at the community meeting on July 28th at SMS.
What additional cleaning measures are being taken to keep my child safe?
Our district custodial team will continue to clean and sanitize classrooms daily with hospital-grade, COVID approved disinfectants and restrooms will be cleaned every two hours.
More Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of changes can we expect for Breakfast and Lunch?
District Administrators are still working with our Food Service Director and their building food service department to finalize the plan that best suits their campus.
A Note From our Food Service Director
What changes are being made to the pick up and drop off procedures?
Any changes to dismissal procedures will be handled by each building administrator. Families can expect more guidance on this at their respective back to school night.
Will I be allowed to walk my student in on the first day of school?
What about Watch Dogs, Super Moms, and other parent volunteer groups?
What is the plan for extracurricular activities?
What about recess?
K-12 physical education classes will be held with similar precautions in place.