By Steve Waigand, Elementary Principal

The COVID-19 pandemic has gripped our country the past few weeks. Our hearts go out to the many organizations, businesses, and schools that are shut down for the immediate future and the families affected by these closures. We are a resilient nation that will triumph over these difficult times. A special thank you to our custodial staff, food service staff, and teachers for taking additional measures to keep our school clean and ready to go.

In addition, thank you to our classroom teachers on gathering educational materials for students to take home for this extended break. I have the privilege of working with an amazing group of professionals that are dedicated to doing what’s best for kids. I would like to take a moment and congratulate two of these wonderful educators, Mrs. Farley and Mrs. Simmons, on their upcoming retirements. They both have been a foundational component to the academic success of our students in the lower and upper elementary grade levels. Thank you for your dedicated service to public education and the Rock Port R-II School District. You will be greatly missed!

With these retirements there have been a few changes in personnel for the 2020-21 school year. Mrs. Leigh Ann Lawrence will be moving to kindergarten, Mrs. Jill Gilson to second grade, and Ms. Sheena Roup to fifth grade. We have also hired Ms. Kelli Schieber for fourth grade. Among those changes, three-year-old half day preschool will not be offered next year. Full day preschool will continue for four-year-old students. We are excited for the opportunities in store for our building moving forward!

Upcoming dates: Preschool registration for four-year-olds will be on April 16 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the south gym. Preschool screenings will be on April 17 from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Kindergarten screenings will be on April 20 and 21 from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Please contact the elementary office (660-744-6294) to schedule an appointment for screening.

I came across a quote from Mister Rogers the other day that is fitting given our current situation. He said, “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’ ” During this time may we pause and reflect on the many blessings right before us and look for the helpers. I hope our hallways will be filled with little ones again in a few weeks and that the measures taken to slow this pandemic have been successful. Stay connected with school updates on Twitter @RPBluejays. As always we strive to . . .

Love all our Passengers

Serve their academic needs

Care for the whole child

Every Student, Every Day