March 26, 2020
Dear Parents, Students and Staff:
As stated in previous communication, Aurora R-VIII personnel have continued to work closely with the Lawrence County and Barry County Health Departments, as well as, other area schools to monitor concerns related to COVID-19. The purpose of this collaboration is to determine a suitable timeline for a safe return to school. After discussing with those mentioned above, the decision has been made to extend the current closure of the Aurora R-VIII School District.
Therefore, following the recommendations of the Lawrence County and Barry County Health Departments and in conjunction with other area school districts, Aurora R-VIII will extend the closure through Friday, April 24. We will reevaluate circumstances before the end date and, if cleared by the Health Departments, plan to resume classes on Monday, April 27.
The extension of this closure includes all extracurricular and co-curricular activities including practices, competitions, programs and events.
In order to better comply with guidance from the Health Departments and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, all Aurora R-VIII campuses will be closed to all non-essential employees and all community patrons. All building offices will be closed. You may call any of our campuses and the call will be routed to Central Office to be answered.
We will make every effort to continue providing instructional materials during the closure. Additional details will be released in future communications. Teachers will be making periodic contacts with students to check their progress.
The District will continue to provide meal service Monday through Friday. Pick-up times are from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Robinson Elementary Entrance. Students do not have to be present during the pick-up for parents to receive food for their children.
As this situation continues to evolve, we will do our best to provide additional information as it becomes available. Please be vigilant regarding preventive precautions, including social distancing recommendations, in order to slow and contain the progress of COVID-19. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we make our way through this situation.
Sincerely,
Billy Redus
Superintendent