The words "Back to School" written on a background of school supplies

Dear USD 243 Families,

I would like to welcome everyone back for the 2020-21 school year. Our sincere hope is to provide an educational experience that is as close to normal as possible for you and your family. The best way I can think of to keep school close to normal is to make individual choices that help mitigate the spread of the Covid-19 virus.

USD 243 and Coffey County have developed many plans, procedures, and policies to best protect ourselves and others around us. Most, if not all, of the planning documents can be found on the District and School Website. Our leaders have tried to anticipate as many scenarios as possible that might be cause for concern to our students, staff, and families. School will definitely look and feel different.

In order to keep our schools open and to keep each other as safe as possible, we feel these procedures are extremely important. Some people may not agree with all of the requirements that have been developed. These procedures are necessary if schools are to open and to continue to operate as normally as possible. Please try to be flexible and understanding as we navigate these uncharted waters. Most people agree that children need to return to school. Our hope is that these special considerations are not long-term. Where things go from here is up to all of us.

Please keep your child home if they are sick with a Fever, Cough, etc. Communicate with the School or your health care provider if you have questions about an ill child. We do have some essential guidance and protocols available on USD243KS.org

The school district has adopted several safety measures that are recommended by the Coffey County Health Department, Kansas Health Department, as well as, the CDC. Safety Measures include but are not limited to: wearing face masks indoors while at school, social distancing greater than 6 feet, temperature screenings of students and staff, better air filtration and circulation, and many more measures that are too numerous to mention.

Once again, it is our goal to be in school in person as normal as possible. We can do this together. We need everyone’s support. Cooperation is critical.

If you have any questions please contact your child’s school attendance center. Sincerely,

Corey Reese

Corey Reese, Superintendent Lebo-Waverly USD 243