A message from FFSD's Dr. Davis on COVID-19 precautions
Greetings Ferguson-Florissant Family,
I’m writing to provide an update on the Ferguson-Florissant School District’s actions regarding the coronavirus. As you are aware, national, state, and county emergency declarations have been made. In addition County Executive Sam Page has prohibited gatherings of more than 250 excluding schools, places of worship, and a few other exceptions. In addition St. Louis County has two individuals with confirmed coronavirus infections.
In light of this information the Board of Education held an emergency meeting today and voted to accept the Superintendent’s recommendation to close FFSD schools in response to COVID-19. Ferguson-Florissant School District will be closed March 18 through April 3. Students will have a half day attendance on Monday, March 16, so staff can receive additional training in online instruction, and students will have a full day on March 17 to distribute devices and materials to continue teaching and learning while students are at home. FFSD’s spring break is scheduled for March 21-29, and we will not provide instruction during that time.
All athletic activities and other events including before and after care and our Child Development Center are cancelled during our school closure.
Many of our students rely on meals they receive from school, and we are making preparations for meal distribution in the event of a prolonged school closure. Food service and transportation staff are preparing to distribute meals to students on days schools are closed excluding the scheduled spring break, March 21-29.
Our teachers and staff will be paid during this closure because you will continue to work, although that work may be different from your usual routine. While teachers may teach from home they will need to remain available to report to school on closure days if the need arises. We realize that some staff are not able to work from home and may need to report to their buildings. Employees who have vacation time may use that option if they choose not to report to work. This is a rapidly evolving situation, and we will provide additional information to address staff questions and concerns as we move forward.
If you have additional questions you may find answers using the links below.
Again, as part of our comprehensive safety and security plan, CUBES, we committed at the start of the school year to clear communication. This is a continually evolving situation, and we will provide updates as additional relevant information is available.
Sincerely,
Dr. Joseph Davis
Superintendent