As we continue to collaborate with our local health authorities, the District has decided to again pause our return to full in-person learning at the secondary level. We will delay the February 1, 2021, return to full in-person plans in grades 6-12. In-person learners in these grades will continue with their current alternating schedule learning scenario (see February's Alternating Schedule Calendar linked here). In collaboration with the Platte County Health Department (PCHD), recognizing that community spread is still at a high level, it is not the right time to begin full in-person learning. In addition, workforce availability continues to be a concern. Our goal is to return to full in-person learning, when we have the support of our local health authorities, and we have the available workforce. We will continue to plan for such a return, but will also continue to monitor data and information in collaboration with the PCHD to make difficult decisions. 

At the January meeting, the Board of Education decided to reconvene on February 4, 2021, to reconsider the possibility of returning to full in-person learning. At that time, District administration will provide an update on their continued collaboration with PCHD. If it is determined that a full in-person return can be implemented with the support of the PCHD, a return date will be identified and final planning will begin to ensure a safe return. Moving forward, the Board of Education plans to meet every two weeks to consider our learning scenarios until the decision is made to return to full in-person learning. 

Spring parent/teacher conferences are scheduled for February 24. Students will be released 2 hours early on this day. This is a very important time for parents to discuss or see their student's progress, as research has shown that parental involvement is one of the most important factors in a student's success in school. Additional details regarding each building's conferences will come directly from your child's school or classroom teacher.

Three candidates have filed for two positions on the Platte County R-3 School District’s Board of Education. Filing closed for Board of Election candidates on January 19.

The annual municipal election will be held on April 6, 2021. For more information about the PCR-3 Board of Education, visit the Leadership channel of District’s website. Board of Education members are elected to three-year terms during at-large elections. Elected board members must complete the sixteen (16) hours of board member training within the first year.

The last day to register to vote in the April 6, 2021 Election is March 10, 2021. Patrons may register to vote at the Board of Elections offices. Persons can also register by mail by visiting this website.

The Platte County R-3 School District Hall of Fame will induct three new members at the PCHS winter athletic signing ceremony, on February 3, 6 p.m., in the Wilson Auditorium at Platte County High School. Spectators will be limited to guests of the inductees and signees, but the event will be livestreamed on the PCR-3 Activities YouTube channel.

This year's inductees are: Dakota Fowler (3-time state wrestling qualifier, current U.S. Army Staff Seargent), Terry Hart (former Platte City Middle School Principal, middle school teacher, and retired Captain in the Kansas National Guard), and Anna Nutt (retired middle school teacher, youth leader, and multi-sport coach for PCHS).

Parents and current 8th grade students are invited to join PCHS administration, school counselors, and teachers as they discuss opportunities for incoming Freshmen for the 2021-22 school year by signing up for a Curriculum Night on January 26 or 27, through the link below. When the date draws near, you will receive (via email) a link to join the event. One of the sessions will be recorded for families who are unable to attend the event. Contact your 8th Grade Counselor, with any questions:

In the event of school cancellation, PCR-3 will get that information out as early as possible through automated phone calls and texts, the District website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, the District Hotline (816-858-2752), and local media. If snow, ice, or extreme cold make conditions unsafe, we now have options to 1) make those days up per our academic calendar or 2) implement our Inclement Weather Virtual Learning Days or AMI (Alternative Methods of Instruction). Click here for details on our Inclement Weather Virtual Learning Days.

Please visit the Winter Weather Information page on the Parents Tab of the District website for information regarding recess and clothing considerations (there will be no outdoor recess when the wind chill is at 20 degrees or below), cancellations, notification, and Y-Club info.

Parents: If you haven't yet opted in to receive texts and wish to, text the word "YES" to 67587.

Platte County Health Department Vaccine Interest Survey

Platte County Health Department (PCHD) is asking Platte County residents interested in receiving the COVID-19 vaccine to complete a brief survey. Although vaccine availability has been expanded to individuals in Phase 1B, Tier 1, PCHD currently has no vaccine in its possession. However, that can change with little advance notice. To help them prepare, they are asking Platte County residents interested in receiving the COVID-19 Vaccine to complete the brief survey linked below.

The District will be holding four informational meetings for residents to learn more and ask questions about the April 6, 2021 No Tax Levy Increase Bond Issue. Visit our April 2021 Bond Program pages to learn more.

For the Pirate Pride portion of the January meeting, the Board of Education recognized Barry's newly formed Step Team (see cover photo and caption) as well as community members, Deb and Walt Hawk and Shirley and Gene Goode. Since the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020, the Hawks and the Goodes have served as volunteers at the Treasure Chest by loading vehicles with food, toiletries, and household cleaning products to ensure our families are furnished with items needed.

Each month, PCR-3 recognizes staff members who are living our vision, mission, and values, by presenting the "SCHIVIR Me Timbers" award. SCHIVIR is an acronym for our values:

At the January board meeting, Courtney Duncan, Music Teacher at Pathfinder Elementary, was recognized for her visionary leadership and student focus, for her efforts in creating a creative solution to Pathfinder's music program during a pandemic. Check out the program here.

Dr. Mike Brown, Assistant Superintendent - Academic Services and Continuous Improvement provided an update on some of the different programs and plans that support our students' college and career readiness. The update included highlights from the Northland Career Center, NCAPS, Project the Lead the Way, Advanced Placement, and ACT.

Andy Hall, Director of Information Services, shared with the Board a Key Process Update of the District's Information Management and Technology Services.

In the department’s efforts to better meet the needs of all users, and empower all users to be safe and capable in the use of technology, they highlighted three areas of emphasis:

In addition to continuing with their regular duties, the technology department has also learned to deal with supply chain disruptions, providing support to remote users, and providing access to activities virtually during the pandemic.

Since the proposed construction activities included in the April 2021 bond issue will include clearing of trees, the PCR-3 Board of Education approved the bid from Clay Nob Hill Timber Company for the felling of these trees to occur in February 2021. This window of time falls within the recommended timeline to protect the habitat for the endangered Indiana and Northern Long-eared bat species. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service protects these species of bats as endangered and important to our nation's ecology and economy. The clearing of these trees will occur just west of the Platte County High School football stadium to allow this area to be used for future construction.

The removal of trees in this area supports the District’s current Facility Master Plan, provides an opportunity to reduce the construction schedule, and creates space for future athletic facility upgrades. There is no cost to the District for this work.

February 9: Bond Program Informational Meeting, 6:30pm, virtual

February 12: No School, District Inservice

February 15: No School, Presidents' Day

February 18: Board of Education Meeting, 6:30pm, (reconvene from closed session which begins at 5:30pm)

February 23: Bond Program Informational Meeting, 6:30pm, PCHS Wilson Auditorium

February 24: PLC Day, 2-hour early dismissal, Spring Parent/Teacher Conferences

March 4: Bond Program Informational Meeting, 6:30pm, Pathfinder Gym

March 25: Bond Program Informational Meeting, 6:30pm, virtual

Thank you to all our Pirates ROCK Star business partners who support character education in our schools! And thank you to our District-wide Pirates ROCK Star partner, Tradition Home Group.

Vision: Building Learners of Tomorrow...

Mission: To prepare individual learners for success in life, 

Values: Student Focus, Collaboration, High Expectations, Integrity, Visionary Leadership, Innovation, Results Orientation