Back to School 2020
Return to school
The return to school looks very different this year, but Ray-Pec staff are working hard to plan for a successful 2020-2021 school year! We are implementing many changes to reduce risk and increase safety for students and staff. Thanks to the teachers, staff, parents, and community members who have provided insight and feedback as the Board of Education and district leaders develop plans for our school re-entry.
Our goal is to provide:
- a risk-reduced in-person learning experience for as many students/parents who want it for as long as we can, and
- a virtual learning experience for students and parents who want an alternative.
Note: Thursday, July 23, 2020, was the deadline to choose the virtual learning experience. Families who registered after that date and requested virtual learning will be placed in classes if space allows.
School Supply lists
- Shull Early Learning Center
- Elementary Schools (grades K-5)
- Ray-Pec East and South Middle Schools (grades 6-8)
- Ray-Pec High School - There is not a universal supply list for grades 9-12 due to the variety of classes taken at the high school level. Students will learn about their specific supply needs when classes begin.
What will In-Person School look like?
In-person learning will take place at school in a traditional classroom environment. Students in grades K-5 will attend school five days per week. Students in grades 6-12 will follow an alternative schedule, which will allow for fewer students in the high school and middle schools each day. The reason for this will be to allow for physical distancing to a greater extent.
To reduce the risk of virus transmission, we are implementing many health, safety, and hygiene protocols.
What about lunch?
- Breakfast and lunch will be consumed in the classroom, if possible.
- Disposable packaging and utensils will be utilized.
- Students will select pre-assembled meals from the cafeteria.
- Students will not have access to a microwave or refrigerator.
What about face coverings?
- Face coverings will be utilized by students and staff members whenever physical distancing of 6 feet for grades 6-12 and 3 feet for grades K-5 cannot be achieved. This includes when moving throughout the school during such times as arrival, dismissal, passing time, bathroom break, transitioning to a special class, etc.
- Face coverings will be optional in the classroom when physical distancing of 6 feet for grades 6-12 or 3 feet for grades can be achieved.
- For students with special needs, exceptions to face coverings may be granted on a case-by-case basis.
- Face coverings will be utilized by students and bus employees while on the bus.
Read the more detailed School Procedures for the August 24 Re-Entry Phase.
Virtual Instruction of Ray-Pec (VIPR)
If you desire an alternative to in-person school, we are providing a rigorous virtual learning experience. We are proud to introduce the Virtual Instruction Program of Ray-Pec, a platform by which any Ray-Pec student can access their education online.
It won’t be like Spring 2020!
We heard your feedback! During the unexpected school closure in Spring 2020, teachers provided the absolute essentials for each grade level/course. There was some virtual interaction with the teacher, and generally, a short time period was required to complete assignments. VIPR will be different.
Some key elements of VIPR:
- Built by Ray-Pec
- Daily online instruction by Ray-Pec certified teachers
- Follows regular Ray-Pec curriculum
- VIPR includes many, but not all, of the courses offered for in-person school.
- Includes live instruction with online activities and independent work
- Students who select VIPR are still eligible for MSHSAA sports and activities
- Students who select VIPR are still eligible for free/reduced price meals
- K-5 students will be given feedback through the standards-based grading system (TeacherEase gradebook)
- 6-12 students will be given feedback through the A-F grading system (SIS gradebook)
Live Google Meets will be offered for students to engage with their teacher and classmates. These Meets will also be recorded by the teacher and shared in the event a student cannot attend.
Since a student will be enrolled in a full course load of up to seven subjects a day, families should expect the student to be working online for multiple hours each day. This may include direct instruction, group instruction, watching an instructional video and independent work.
Many more details are included in these documents:
Document needed to verify residency
When you register your student(s) for the 2020-2021 school year, you must provide one document to verify residency. Acceptable proofs of residency include utility bills (water, electric or gas), in the resident’s name, showing the service address. The documents must be recent (within 30 days). How to verify residency
In-person Registration
If you need assistance completing the online registration forms, please contact your child’s school to schedule an appointment.
DESE and DHSS guidance on reopening school
The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services offer guidance on the reopening of school.
MSHSAA Guidance and Recommendations for opening sports and activities
On July 15, 2020, the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) and the MSHSAA Sports Medicine Advisory Committee (SMAC) issued these Guidelines and Recommendations for Opening Sports/Activities.
First day of school
Currently, the district plans for the first day of school on Monday, Aug. 24, for all students, PreK through 12th grade.
Student/parent handbooks
High School Handbook (grades 9-12)
Middle School Handbook (grades 6-8)
Elementary Handbook (grades K-5)