The Alternative View

Back to School Edition -- September 7th, 2020

Center Alternative School

Center Alternative School

Center Alternative School

8434 The Paseo, Kansas City, MO, USA mwoolf@center.k12.mo.us (816) 349-3439

Dear Students & Familes

Almost 6 months to the day, we will finally welcome back (Group B) students and staff tomorrow, September 8th. Staff have been prepping for weeks (or longer) creating lesson plans, learning virtual instruction, establishing COVID guidelines, and collaborating with each other. Students completed 8 days of virtual instruction last week and, starting tomorrow, will return 2 day/week for in-person learning. We are cautiously optimistic as we resume school. We appreciate all your help and patience; please read the information below to help make our return to school smooth and successful.


Sincerely,


Mr. Woolf

Principal

CAS Back to School Info

Tues/Wed...1st days of scool

  • On Tuesday, 9/8, we welcome back students in the B group; on Wednesday, 9/9, we welcome back students in the A group. If you aren't sure which group you or your student are in, please email mwoolf@center.k12.mo.us.
  • If you ride the bus, you were given your time and stop location last week. If you need this information, email Mr. Woolf. School starts at 8:00am
  • You MUST wear a mask on the bus and social distance as best as possible.
  • There will be a process to enter the building. Please be patient as we navigate these new procedures together.
  • You will attend all 4 of your classes. 1st hour starts promptly at 8:00am. Please come prepared to learn with your laptop and a writing utensil. School ends at 3:00pm.
  • B group will attend again on Thursday; A group will attend Friday. After this week, school will resume a Mon-Thur A/B/A/B schedule, with Friday used as tutoring, intervention, and staff development.

Staff working hard to prepare for YOU to return!

COVID-19 Guidelines

Learning at home is as tough as teaching from home. We are fortunate to be able to return on a limited basis, but only if we are careful and cautious. If we are not, we may end up back at home learning and teaching virtually. It is essential that students (and staff) follow these safety guidelines:


  • All persons must wear a mask when in shared spaces. This includes the bus and any space inside the building. You are expected to bring your own mask each day.
  • Masks must cover the nose and mouth.
  • Students and staff should self-screen before arrival and throughout the day. If you have symptoms, inform and stay home. Temperatures over 100.3 should stay at home.
  • All persons entering the building will need to hand-sanitize, have temperature taken, and answer a couple basic screening questions.
  • Social distancing of at least 6' is expected.
  • Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly.
  • Clean and sanitize your area before leaving class, cafeteria table, or other spaces.
  • Water fountains will be disabled, but the bottle filler will still operate. Please bring your own clean water bottle to school each day.
  • Passing period needs to be used for just that: passing to the next class. We realize that this is traditionally a time to socialize and relax, but at this time we need students to walk to their next class on the right side of the hallway and maintain social distance. Teachers will provide outdoor breaks when possible.
  • For the most comprehensive and up-to-date information, please visit https://www.center.k12.mo.us/covid-19
CAS COVID Procedures
CAS 20-21 Info

CAS 20-21 Info

Below is some important information to note before returning to in-person learning:



  1. CAS will use a 4x4 schedule this year. This schedule allows 4 classes/day for 95 minutes each. Because the classes are longer, students will complete a semester course in a quarter, and a year-long course in a semester. Students will also earn 8 credits in a year, as opposed to 7 last year.
  2. Just like last year, to keep the focus on learning, student cell phones should be put "Away for the Day." This is from 8am-3pm, unless given permission from admin. Students who violate the policy may have their phone pouched for parent pick up. Come on, you're only at school for 2 days a week...you can do this!
  3. Our cafeteria services have been moved to Center High School. With fewer students in the building, this was the most sound decision. Breakfast and lunch will be prepared at CHS then transported to CAS at meal times. Students will be able to use the SoHappy app to order their meals ahead of time. For the first week, we will use a fixed menu while we adjust to this new process. The menu is posted below.
  4. Wearing a mask that covers your nose and mouth is mandatory. Students who do not follow these health guidelines will be sent home.
  5. Students who choose Virtual Learning will be enrolled at CHS because they are 100% virtual learning. This will continue until Semester 2 in January or when health and safety guidelines change.
  6. We will again utilize Launch as our online credit recovery program. Students enrolled in Launch courses will be expected to work independently with a remote teacher in the state of Missouri. For motivated students, this option can be a great way to make up failed courses. Check out https://fueledbylaunch.com/ for more info.
  7. Missouri Option is a mastery-based high school graduation program offered by DESE and Center School District. Students who are credit deficient, are in their cohort graduation year, but are at risk of not graduating, may take the entrance test to qualify for the MO Ops program. Contact Ms. Michele Hamilton for more information.
  8. Parents/Guests: Please limit your physical visits to CAS as much as possible. Because of COVID guidelines and Center's implementation of the Hallpass Visitor Management Program, please call/email or we can set up a Microsoft Teams virtual video meeting.
CAS 20-21 Info

First Week Breakfast & Lunch Menu

Tuesday, September 8, 2020

BREAKFAST

Mini Pancakes

Applesauce Cup - Juice

Milk

LUNCH

Popcorn Chicken with Ranch or BBQ

Buttered Corn – Baked Beans

Diced Peaches

Milk

Wednesday, September 9 , 2020

BREAKFAST

Assorted Muffin with String Cheese

Banana- Juice

Milk

LUNCH

Nachos- Taco Meat and Nacho Cheese

Refried Beans and Baby Carrots

Orange

Milk

Thursday, September 10 , 2020

BREAKFAST

Cinni Mini

Apple Juice- Applesauce Cup

Milk

LUNCH

Chicken Patty Sandwich

Baby Carrots- Fresh Broccoli

Apple

Milk

Friday, September 11th, 2020

TBD

Homecoming 2020

While Homecoming this year will look different, it will still occur. Friday, September 18th, is Center Homecoming with a schedule of virtual and safe activities.


Because it is so soon this year, the CAS staff voted last week for our 2020 Homecoming King and Queen. And the winners are....

Big picture

Superintendent Dr. Yolanda Cargile

We are thankful for the leadership our new Superintendent Dr. Cargile has and will continue to show to our district and CAS.


You may schedule Virtual Office Hours with Dr. Yolanda Cargile this month on Thursday, September 10, 2020.


Dr. Cargile will host 15 to 30-minute virtual office visits on the 2nd Thursday of each month from 3:00-5:00 p.m. Email sarchie@center.k12.mo.us to schedule a virtual visit.