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April 9, 2020
Dear Ritenour Families and Community,
Today, the decision has been made to close all St. Louis County and St. Louis City schools for the remainder of the school year.
I wanted to share with you that I, along with superintendents from across the county, had been in conversation with representatives from the St. Louis County Health Department and County Executive Dr. Sam Page’s office regarding the unprecedented effects of the historic pandemic. It was clear during our discussions that we all have a responsibility to do what is needed to “flatten the curve” and keep the health and safety of our staff and families a priority.
With that said, staff and students will not return to our buildings for the remainder of the school year. However, instruction and learning will continue through June 2, which is our planned last day of school that includes four make-up days for inclement weather. Distance learning will continue with materials being sent to our elementary students’ homes and online learning for our middle and high school students. Our school leaders continue to look into alternative learning options for our families that do not have computers and lack internet access.
Regrettably, with our buildings closed and social distancing in place, all extracurricular programs, athletic programs and community activities associated with our schools also are canceled for the remainder of the school year.
Our Ritenour High School seniors and their families will be getting a separate communication regarding alternate plans for graduation.
The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) will be providing school districts additional guidance as we navigate these uncharted times with the pandemic.
Like I have mentioned before, my pride in Ritenour has reached new heights in recent weeks as I have witnessed our district leaders, teachers, support staff and families step up to meet the challenge of reaching Every Student, Every Day. We will face the monumental challenges of educating, feeding and meeting the social-emotional needs stemming from the obstacles of this historic pandemic together.
I’ve also included a video message for you to view as well. Please take good care of yourselves and your families and be well.
Sincerely,
Dr. Chris Kilbride, Superintendent
