Dear Parents, Patrons and Staff;

At a Special Board Meeting earlier this week the Board of Education approved the following change to the district policy on wearing masks or face coverings:

1. Masks are still required for all students, staff, and visitors inside all district building and on district busses through the end of this school year which is June 30, 2021.
2. Masks are highly recommended but not required for students, staff, and visitors on district property outside of the buildings.

The board policy expires at the end of the day on June 30, 2021. As vaccine becomes available for younger students, it is our hope that the majority of our Jr. High and High School students will be vaccinated before the start of school in the fall and we can get back to what we used to refer to as normal. With all the new variants of COVID 19 popping up across the country and the world, wearing a mask is highly recommended any time we are in a crowd of people and especially around people we don’t know. Take care and be safe.

The Washburn University Tech. Summer Camp is open to students in grades 7-10 this June. USD 434 will cover the cost and provide transportation but a limited number of spots are available for students in our district. Deadline for applications is May 5^th. If interested contact Diana Hulings at dhulings@usd434.us.

The month of May has several days designated for education recognition:

                May 1 - School Principals Day
                May 5 – National Bike to School Day
                May 3-7 – Teacher Appreciation Week (May 4 – National Teacher Day)
                May 7 – School Lunch Hero Day
                May 12 – National School Nurse Day

State Assessments are underway in our district. Parents, you can help your children be more successful by simply making sure they get a good night’s sleep and a healthy breakfast before the assessment. Encourage your kids to do their best, it makes a difference.

Today is Transition Day for our 8^th grade students. They are visiting the High School this morning in preparation for their big move this fall. What an exciting time!!!!!

Community Resource Guide: I have attached a guide to community resources to families in Osage County. The guide is provided through KanCare Ombudsman Office. Basic services include Medical Information and referral, food, transportation, shelter and other general services.

Quote for the Week

                “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act but a habit.”

                                Aristotle

What habits have you cultivated in your life, or your children’s lives, that cause you or them to continually strive for excellence?

Have a Great Weekend!
Jim Lentz            

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