West Plains – The West Plains School District released this statement earlier today. We are currently waiting on our exclusive interview with Dr. Lori Wilson, which we will post shortly.
March 19, 2020
Dear Zizzer Families & Employees –
The spread of COVID-19 in our region requires school districts to be flexible and make decisions in the best interest of public health. The district understands that this is a very uncertain time for everyone, but our community can be certain of one thing: the district is focused on protecting the safety and well-being of students, staff and their families. Based on guidance and collaboration with the Howell County Health Department and area schools, the West Plains School District is closed until April 3.
What this means for the West Plains School District
– All West Plains School District buildings will be closed through Friday, April 3
– Effective Monday, March 23 all athletics, activities, practices, events and school building rentals are canceled through April 5.
We know that in addition to education, our schools provide vital support to our communities and that this closure will have a major impact on our families. Children count on the reliable routine that a school day offers, from the classroom to the many people at school who know them and care for them. We know our families, too, count on the knowledge that children are cared for and supervised during the school day.
Please know that we are doing our very best to make decisions in the best interest of our students through this time. We may be closing our school buildings, but we will continue to support our students, staff, and families. Over the next few days, we will communicate our plan to support our community including:
Meal Options:
The West Plains School District has made preparations for free daily grab-and-go food pick-up for families who need this service beginning on Monday, March 23 at the below locations. Each grab-and-go bag will contain lunch as well as breakfast for the following day and delivered together at the same time each day. The Boys and Girls Club will provide a grab-and-go snack and dinner pick up each evening. First come, first serve. Please look for district buses at each distribution center. For planning purposes, please click here if you plan to to use this service.
Breakfast & Lunch Pick Up Locations from 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
- High school tennis courts – gravel parking lots
- South Fork Elementary parking lot.
- Southern Hills Shopping Center
- Ozarks Medical Center Thrift Store?
- Boys & Girls Club – 613 West 1st Street
Snack & Dinner Pickup – 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- Boys & Girls Club – 613 West 1st Street
Bridges Program Availability:
The Bridges Program will be available Monday through Friday – 10:00 – 11:30 at 1013 North College Street
Learning Preparations:
Teachers and staff will be meeting next week to develop alternative learning options for students. Once a plan is in place, we will notify parents. We realize this is not a substitute for classroom instruction but we hope it will provide structure and normalcy, as well as continuity of learning and connection to our students.
Visitor Restrictions:
All school buildings and facilities will be closed to visitors through April 5. If you need to visit the school for any reason, please contact the school to arrange a time.
Upcoming Events:
The district is looking at upcoming events and will be making decisions on those as we can. We will update you as decisions are made. These notifications may come from the district or only from your building. Buildings will send information via email, website, and the district app. To get instant notifications and updated information download the “West Plains Schools” app in the Google Play store and on the iTunes store.
We will continue to send frequent updates with information and resources via our web, email, text messages, and social media channels.
Families play an important role in protecting individuals from the spread of COVID-19 and are encouraged to follow the guidance of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The West Plains community is a special place, I am positive we will each do our part during this unprecedented time. Knowing the strength and power of our community, I am confident we will work together to help one another in the days and weeks ahead.
Thank you for your ongoing support,
Dr. Lori Wilson
Superintendent
West Plains School District
