Rider Restart and Reopening 

In addition to the Auglaize County wide document, St. Marys City Schools will be implementing safety protocols and taking extra steps to keep our students and staff safe. This is a general overview of what you can expect to take place when school resumes in August. It is not an all-encompassing list, but our general guidelines. Modifications may be needed based on data and trends throughout the school year. 

• The new first day of school for students will be Tuesday, August 25th. The scheduled staff PD days on 9/28 and 10/12 will now be regular student school days. Staff will use the extra days at the beginning of the year for professional development, training, and preparation for the year. (Revised calendar attached)
• Instruction will take place 5 days a week in person.
• Students in grades 3-12 are strongly encouraged to wear masks. This will be a parental decision. Effective August of 2020, all students and staff members will be required to wear masks as required by Governor DeWine.
• We encourage you to send a water bottle with your child. While water fountains will be cleaned frequently, this is an area where germs can spread easily.
• We will provide instruction to staff and students on proper hand sanitation, use of masks (for those who wear them), avoidance of touching eyes, mouth, and nose.
• Staff will be trained on the symptoms of COVID-19 and best safety practices.
• Hand sanitizer will be available in all high traffic areas such as entrances and hallways.
• Shared surfaces like desktops will be cleaned frequently, and we will limit students using shared supplies.
• We will increase cleaning procedures and frequency in high traffic and common areas.
• Cafeteria tables will be sanitized between lunch periods.  Students will be given choice on lunch seats/tables and then asked to sit in these spots every day at lunch. Primary students may eat in their classrooms.
• Students will have assigned seats in the classrooms.
• Each building will have a separate designated location for students who show COVID-like symptoms. They will be monitored by a nurse practicing social distancing and wearing appropriate PPE.
• Visitors will be prohibited from entering the building unless they have an appointment, or it is an emergency. If someone does enter the building, they will be asked to follow safety protocols.
• During class movements, students will be instructed to move to their next period and not congregate in the hallways.
• Buses will be cleaned between AM and PM routes each day. Students will have assigned seats.
• Students will come to school and report directly to class with their classroom teacher to eliminate the congregating of students in gyms, cafeterias, and hallways. Each building will develop procedures for students who wish to eat breakfast.  
• When calling in student absences, whether talking to the secretary or on the voice mail system, parents will be asked to identify if the child has a fever and COVID symptoms or other illness.
• Parents who do not feel comfortable sending their child to school will be able to take advantage of a district online learning option which will include similar time and work expectations as in person learning.

Between our county-wide plan and the items above, I hope we have addressed many of your concerns. We plan on sending a brief survey to each family to get their intent for the Fall so we can better plan our staffing and resource needs. We appreciate your patience and support through this unprecedented time.

Sincerely,         

Bill Ruane, Superintendent

ST. MARYS CITY SCHOOLS

CALENDAR FOR 2020-2021 SCHOOL YEAR

*Revised 2/19/2020  *Revised 7/8/2020

*February 12, 15, April 1, 5, May 24, 25, 26, & 27, 28, 2021   May be used as make-up days.  (Policy 8210)