Ozark Tiger E-News
First Day of School is Aug. 20
From Superintendent Dr. Bauman
All of our staff are now officially back to work! It feels so good to see people - albeit in face coverings - in our buildings and setting up classrooms.
Our Virtual Meet the Teacher will take place next Monday and Tuesday. We know this is not ideal; however, we are working to ensure all our families feel connected and supported as we start school.
This week you may have seen stories in the media regarding employees on quarantine. With a staff of almost 1,000, this is to be expected throughout the year. It doesn't mean everyone on quarantine has tested positive for COVID-19. The District has placed some individuals on quarantine out of an abundance of caution while others may be directed by the Health Department.
COVID-19 is here in our community. This is our reality and if we do not protect ourselves outside of our building doors, we have no chance of keeping our doors open. Because there is not one single option to combat COVID-19, we have to use multiple mitigation strategies to create the safest environment. We have identified five strategies outlined at the top of our Masking Requirements.
I am not saying this to alarm anyone. I want to be open and honest with all of you as we move forward. We know you have questions. We have created a FAQ on quarantine we hope may answer some of those questions.
I’d like to encourage everyone to celebrate what is right with our situation. For me, it’s getting to see our students come through our doors next Thursday. That is what’s right. I strongly believe the best place for our students to learn is in-person and we want to do everything we can to make sure this happens.
Dr. Chris Bauman, Superintendent
Included below are the links to all our teacher's virtual meet the teacher meeting. You may click on the link to the teacher you would like to visit with anytime from 3:00-7:00 p.m. on the appropriate day. Bear with us as different people pop in and out of meetings!
Monday, Aug. 17 3:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 18 3:00 - 7:00 p.m.
On the Bus - Transportation Department
In the Classroom - Custodial Services
In the Cafeteria - Nutrition Services
To reduce the risk of widespread virus transmission, social distancing and wearing masks when social distancing is not an option will be required for all students and employees in classrooms, labs, hallways, offices, buses and inside school facilities.
We need to provide additional time for all buses to get through OJH and OHS before picking up students at OMS.
Start times are listed on our website here.
- There is a $50.00 registration fee per child
- A.M. Session: $7 per day, each additional child $5 per day
- P.M. Session: $7 per day; each additional child $5 per day
Find out more information or register here.
Just a reminder school supplies for Tiger Paw and elementary students are taken care of for the year.
OMS and OJH school supply lists can be found here. OHS students will receive a supply list from teachers the first week of classes.
We know you all have questions about what happens and what to do if a staff member or student tests positive in your child's class and/or school. Here is an FAQ that helps answer those questions.
For students with disabilities, individual determinations regarding programming and services will be determined in collaboration with parents and each child's IEP team. Special education teachers and staff will work with parents to provide specialized instruction and support defined by each student's individualized education program (IEP).
As Special Education staff return to work, they will be contacting families to discuss each students' needs and amend IEP's as needed. This process will include planning for potential closures due to COVID-19. We appreciate your patience as we work through this process.
If you haven't already, be sure to fill out your back-to-school forms in Parent Portal as well!
Here are the immunization requirements
Deadline is Sept. 30
There is still time to ensure you are counted in the US Census! However, the US Census Bureau has announced that Sept. 30, 2020, is now the final date for responding to the census.
Self-responding is the easiest way to make sure you are counted! It is quick, easy, and can be done online at my2020census.gov or over the phone by dialing 844-330-2020. Households do not need an ID code to respond to the Census online or by phone. Making sure you are counted now is the easiest way to ensure an enumerator does not knock on your door in the future.
The Census helps secure future funding for our communities. Emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic are precisely why the government needs accurate Census data. Census participation will help ensure our communities get their fair share of funding for schools, hospitals, and other education and health programs we need for strong families and communities.
An accurate census and understanding our population are foundations of our democracy. Public health experts, government officials, and first responders all rely on population data to make critical decisions in crises like the one we are currently experiencing. Responding to the census is a way for residents to do their part in maintaining the functionality of our communities, as population data will be pertinent during our recovery from this public health crisis.
If you are in need of help with school supplies, click here.
Ozark School District
Email: ozarkcommunications@ozarktigers.org
Website: www.ozarktigers.org
Location: 1600 West Jackson, Ozark, MO, USA
Phone: (417) 582-5900
Facebook: facebook.com/OzarkSchoolDistrict
Twitter: @OzarkTigers