Raymond Central Public Schools
August 2020
From the Desk of the Superintendent...
Everyone acknowledges that a full return to in-classroom learning is a best-case scenario for our students’ educational advancement and social-emotional well-being so we are continuing to work to balance those needs with the competing interests of a pandemic. It is important we acknowledge the new normal we are living during and after the COVID-19 pandemic and take all possible steps to decrease the possible exposure risk for staff and students. While we understand that there are current concerns about an increase in cases within Lancaster and Saunders Counties, we also believe that we need to take the first steps of returning to school so we can establish routines, find success in our protocols, and work towards normalcy for our children. Teaching our students to read, write, think critically, and other essential skills are functions that we do not take lightly. While we will continue to closely monitor all guidance provided by public health officials regarding the start of the 2020-2021 school year, our previously-stated plan to open our on August 12, 2020, remains in place. There is nothing easy about these circumstances, but we take these steps fully aware of the necessary fluidity of the situation. We also want you to assure you that the health and safety of your children will continue to be our number one priority as we return back to the classroom.
While there is no perfect plan for school districts across the state, Raymond Central believes our plan is a balance between following all local health department recommendations and health directives to ensure the safety of our staff and students. To learn more about Raymond Central’s Reopening Plan, click here. The document is updated every week to ensure we are using the most current data available when making decisions.
As we welcome students back into our buildings for the first time in 149 days, Raymond Central will require all students (except PK) to wear a mask as we do our part to reduce the level of exposure for our community until we feel comfortable with the COVID-19 Risk Dial’s placement for Lancaster and Saunders County.
Below is one of the most important components to the district’s reopening plan, our plan for COVID-19 mitigation. The information was developed in partnership with the local health department and their current recommendation for people who either test positive for COVID-19 or come into close contact.
We understand the 2020-2021 school year poses many challenges as we work diligently to keep students learning at our school sites. We will continue to communicate any changes to the reopening plan in a timely and efficient manner.
Policy and Procedure for COVID-19 Mitigation at Raymond Central
It is crucial that parents and guardians communicate with schools to prevent a school outbreak of any communicable disease; this is especially true with COVID-19. Communication is key for social responsibility so the schools can act quickly to make appropriate changes to keep students and staff safe. All information from students and families regarding COVID-19 is strictly confidential. These are truly unprecedented times and we appreciate your cooperation to help keep schools and communities safe.
If a student has tested positive for COVID-19
You must call and alert the building Principal as soon as you are aware.
You must remain at home and not attend school or activities.
A 14-day quarantine will be required.
If siblings/household members attend Raymond Central Schools (Pk-12), they must quarantine for 14 days.
All members of the household/family will not be allowed at school or activities.
If any other member of the household/family becomes symptomatic, they may need to be tested also or begin a 14-day quarantine. (call School Nurse/Principal for guidance)
If anyone in the household/family has tested positive for COVID-19:
You must call and alert the building Principal as soon as you are aware.
A 14 day quarantine period will be required.
All members of the household/family will not be allowed at school or activities.
If a member of the household/family becomes symptomatic, he/she may need to be tested also or begin a 14-day quarantine from the onset of symptoms. (call School Nurse/Principal for guidance)
If a student or student’s household/family member is being tested for COVID-19 and is waiting for test results:
You must call and alert the building Principal.
You must remain at home and not attend school or activities until a negative test result is received.
If a student or student’s family members have been in close contact with a person who has tested positive for COVID-19:
Contact the Health Department for guidance on contacts.
Do not attend school until given instructions by the Health Department AND after you have informed the building Principal or School Nurse.
Lancaster Co. Health Department: 402- 441-8006
Three Rivers Health Department: 402-727-5396
If you have or plan on traveling out of state, you are required to inform the Principal. Be advised that there may be some restrictions/requirements upon returning.
Do Not Forget!
Raymond Central is excited to announce a new partnership with Civic Nebraska and the RC Foundation. Over the course of two years, RC and the RC Foundation researched how to create and implement a before and after school program for our district. At first, the idea was to try and create a program on our own, until we met Civic Nebraska. Civic Nebraska has a large footprint in providing before and after school programs in Lincoln and Omaha. Raymond Central will be the first rural model for the organization with the hope to expand into more communities. The program will be an extension of the school day with a focus on academic support, student enrichment, physical activity, and more! To learn more about our awesome partnership, check out the website - https://www.civicnebraska.org/raymond/.
Go Mustangs!
Dr. Joel
GRADES 1-5 MEET & GREET
MONDAY, AUGUST 10, 2020 from 6:00-7:00 PM
Weather permitting, teachers will meet students and families outside on the playground space
GRADES 6-7 ORIENTATION
6th Grade--MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2020 from 5:30-7:30 PM
7th Grade--TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2020 from 5:30-7:00 PM
GRADES 8-12 OPEN HOUSES
8th-12th Grades--WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2020 AND
THURSDAY, AUGUST 6, 2020 from 1:00-7:00 PM
APPOINTMENT ONLY
Check your email for the Sign-Up sheet
START/DISMISSAL TIMES
ELEMENTARY: 8:15 AM to 3:15 PM--Ceresco and Valparaiso Elementary Schools, Grades K-5
SECONDARY: 8:10 AM to 3:30 PM--Middle/High School, Grades 6-12
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL--WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2020
No breakfast or lunch will be served on the first day of school.
Students will be dismissed early:
11:45 AM at Ceresco/Valparaiso Elementary
12:00 NOON at the Middle/High School
Buses will run accordingly
TRANSPORTATION
Bused students will receive notification letters of approximate pick-up times.
If you have not been contacted by FRIDAY, AUGUST 7th, please contact the
Superintendent's Office (402-785-2615)
Students residing in the towns of Ceresco, Davey, Raymond, and Valparaiso will not receive an individual letter concerning bus departure times.
Approximate pick-up times and locations will be posted.
BREAKFAST/LUNCH PRICES
Breakfast will be served in all buildings beginning Thursday, August 13th.
Students: $1.65
Adults: $2.20
Lunch will be served in all buildings beginning Thursday, August 13th.
Elementary: $2.65
Secondary: $2.80
Adults: $3.60
ADMINISTRATION
Dr. Derrick Joel--Superintendent--402-785-2615
Mrs. Allison Stansberry--Secondary Principal--402-785-2685
Mr. Brian Gralheer--Assistant Principal/Activities Director--402-785-2685
Mrs. Shelly Dostal--Valparaiso Elementary Principal--402-784-3301
Mrs. Ann Egr--Ceresco Elementary Principal/Special Education Director--402-665-3651
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Harriet Gould--President
Scott Black--Vice-President
Lori Springer--Secretary
Matt Blanchard--Treasurer
Brad Breitkreutz--Member
Cathy Burklund--Member
FBLA
Follow Raymond Central FBLA on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
7-12 grade students if you are interested in joining FBLA email Mrs. Schaffer (keely.schaffer@rcentral.org) for more information! Our first meeting is August 18 at 6:30, location is TBD.
Message from Coach Hummel...
Destination Imagination
Students in grades 6-12 if you like to create things, build gadgets and gizmos, perform an 8 minute skit, then you need to join Destination Imagination (DI). DI is an after school program that lets you choose a challenge and come up with your own solution. If you wish to join, please contact the team manager at lwiese@rcentral.org