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Ray-Pec Community,
As we move into the second half of October, I have two recognitions to share, as well as some words about our approach to winter weather this season.
Yes, it’s time to start thinking about that.
But first…..
National Principals Month
October is National Principals Month. Our school staff is doing some incredible things for our students, and one reason is because of the tremendous leadership of our building principals and assistant principals. Leading a building through all of the twists and turns of the last couple of years is challenging. I ask that you join me in thanking our building leadership for a job well done. I know they would appreciate that.
National Custodian Appreciation Day
Nationally, time in October is set aside to recognize another hard-working and sometimes overlooked group, and that is our custodians. Our custodian team works tirelessly not only in keeping our buildings clean but the too-numerous-to-mention “extra duties as assigned” to meet student and staff needs from a facility perspective. Many thanks and much appreciation to our custodians!
Winter Weather
The final item is about winter weather.
As I have confessed to you in the past, I am not a fan of winter. There are not many decisions that I like to make less than determining whether a school day will be closed to in-person learning because of inclement weather. It is definitely not my favorite part of the job.
Our Approach On Inclement Weather Days
As we did last year, an inclement weather day in Ray-Pec will be an instructional day delivered through virtual learning. Students in our VIPR program will not notice a difference in the day. Students in our in-person classes will attend classes online or have learning activities pre-assigned to them so that the learning will continue on inclement weather days when we are not at school.
We Will Communicate in A Variety of Ways
In the event of a virtual instruction day due to inclement weather, the district will use all available media to communicate effectively:
- Our SchoolMessenger service will be used to send a recorded telephone message to all employees and the family of each student.
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A text message will be sent via Textcaster. You can sign up here.
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All subscribers of RP Update, the district's electronic newsletter, will receive an email. Subscribe by sending a message to rp.update@raypec.org.
- Information will be shared on local television stations (4, 5, 9, and 41).
- An update will be available via the district information line at 816-892-3988.
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The announcement will be posted on the district website, Facebook page, and via Twitter.
We Will Try To Make The Call Early
I understand that an inclement weather day can cause disruptions for families. To mitigate that to the greatest extent possible, we will try to make an inclement weather announcement as early as possible, preferably the night before. Please know that this is a goal and not a promise, as conditions can and do change overnight at times. In the event that the weather data and forecast are not precise for the next day, we will make any same-day decisions about inclement weather by 5:30 am.
Many of You Will Think We Made the Wrong Call
One of the truisms of being a superintendent is that not everyone will agree with a weather day decision, no matter whether that decision is to close or remain open. I will own that upfront and ask for your patience and grace. Please know that our team will strive to make the safest, most prudent weather-related decisions relying on weather experts, their forecasts, and information from our public works partners in Raymore, Peculiar, and Cass County. With over 95 square miles of varied terrain and road conditions, we have to consider the entirety of the school district when making inclement weather day decisions. I appreciate your understanding.
Thank you for entrusting your children to the Ray-Pec School District.
Mike
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