Thank you for your continued partnership and support this school year as we have worked to provide students with safe, positive learning experiences both at school and online. Today I am writing to announce that In-Person Learners in Grades K-8 will transition to four days of in-person learning each week during 4th Quarter beginning Tuesday, March 16. Please read this email for several important updates, and watch your email in the coming days for additional schedule information and school-specific details to support your student.
For families with children in Grades K-8 who chose In-Person Learning:
- On Tuesday, March 16, students in both Team Purple & Team Gold will begin attending school onsite Tuesday through Friday each week (4 days per week).
- Monday will remain a virtual learning day for all students.
- In order to plan for a successful 4th Quarter learning schedule transition in grades K-8, it is necessary for all students to remain in their current choice of learning option.
- All meals, both breakfast and lunch, will continue to be provided at no cost.
- Cougar Care will not be available at either Mesnier Primary or Gotsch Intermediate before or after school.
- All schools will continue to implement these five key mitigation strategies the CDC recommends to support safe learning environments and reduce the spread of COVID-19. While these strategies do not eliminate COVID-19 from our schools, they do lower the risk of transmission significantly. These strategies include: consistent, correct use of face coverings; social distancing to the largest extent possible; hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette; cleaning and disinfection; and contact tracing in collaboration with the St. Louis County Department of Public Health.
For families with children in Grades K-8 who receive Bus Transportation:
- All K-8 students currently receiving transportation will continue to receive bus service with Purple and Gold Group students riding the bus together.
- Each student will be assigned to their own seat however, there will be no empty seats between students. Masks are required at all times.
- There will not be an opportunity to add students to bus service at this time.
For students in Grades 9-12 who chose In-Person Learning:
- There is no change through 4th Quarter. Students will remain in the Fixed Blended schedule (2 days per week).
- Monday will remain a virtual learning day for all students.
- Affton High School will focus on providing additional supports for students who are struggling.
For families with children who selected Affton’s Virtual Academy or Virtual Academy Plus:
- There is no change through 4th Quarter. Students continue to participate in online learning.
- In order to plan for a successful 4th Quarter learning schedule transition in grades K-8, it is necessary for all students to remain in their current choice of learning option.
For families with preschool students:
- There is no change through 4th Quarter. Affton Early Childhood will continue on their current in-person schedule.
Affton has intentionally made learning schedule decisions well in advance of each quarter to allow staff and families time to plan and prepare. Additionally, we want to ensure a high degree of confidence that any changes to the learning schedule could be sustained even as community conditions may change due to the pandemic. Please keep in mind that while this transition decision has been announced and an implementation date has been set, Affton School District will closely monitor conditions in our schools and community and will adjust if necessary. Additionally, please note that it is still necessary for students and staff to quarantine when they are considered close contacts. As always, thank you for your patience and continued assistance as we work together to support our students and their learning.