What we know for USD #346 on July 8, 2020
Kansas is in the Top 14 in the nation for having both the fewest restrictions and the fastest coronavirus spread.
Linn County has had 18 confirmed cases and currently has 5 active cases. Covid-19 data shows that there is a 2% death rate and an 11% chance of hospitalization if you are infected with the coronavirus. A hospital bill for being on a ventilator for three weeks can exceed 1 million dollars.
Graduation is still planned for July 18th at 9:30 AM. We believe we can keep everyone safe by social distancing and wearing masks if need be. We have several plans prepared for that day (inside-both gyms and overflow areas, outside, or even a drive-in graduation if need be). We will monitor the county numbers and decide closer to Graduation day what works best for our situation. Please check our website and/ or Facebook page prior to attending graduation for last minute information. We will continue to ask everyone to follow these practices while attend school functions:
1. Wash hands frequently;
2. Cover coughs;
3. Refrain from touching faces or other surfaces unless required for the school activity;
4. Wear a mask unless the school activity does not accommodate this precaution, as determined by the district administration and as directed by the school activity coach/sponsor;
5. Don’t attend if you are not feeling well and/or have a temperature;
6. Remain 6 feet apart from other students and staff whenever the school activities allow;
7. Submit to any wellness protocols established by the district for participation in school activities. Such protocols may include, but may not be limited to, taking the student’s temperature upon entry to any school facility, property, or event.
Prom- After much consideration and visiting with educational, medical, legal, and county staff members we are making the tough decision to cancel Prom which was scheduled for July 25th. We are most disappointed for the students, but also apologetic to the parents who have bought dresses and ordered tuxes.
Beginning of school- The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) will be sharing recommendations and guidelines for educational practices and safety of students and staff on July 16th. Our administrative team will meet on that day and adjust our current plans to hopefully adopt best practices for our students, staff, and community. Prior to or during the week of July 20th we will send out another round of surveys so you may have a voice in the overall plan.
There will be NO conditioning and volleyball on Tuesday, July 7th, but instead makes plans to attend Girls Basketball camp, Monday-Wednesday, July 6-8th. Conditioning and volleyball will resume on Thursday, July 9th at 6:00 p.m.
Update - The USD 346 administration is very concerned with the increase in Covid-19 infections in Kansas. While we have not changed our plans for the July 18 Graduation as of yet, please check our communication platforms frequently in case we do have need to make such a change.
Due to the nature of our planned Prom, we are questioning the ability to ensure student safety during such an event and will be making a decision in the next few days as to whether we will proceed with Prom. We apologize for the uncertainty, but will do our best to keep our students safe during the pandemic. We will update frequently through our communication portals.
Parents and Students: Today (6-30-2020) is the last day of our Summer Breakfast and Lunch program. A special thank you to food service workers, bus drivers, and other essential staff that produced and delivered nearly 4500 meals a week since late March. We are blessed to have so many caring people work for our school district.
As for the future, the administrative staff and I have been working on 3 different plans to begin school in August. Which plan we use will depend upon the trend of COVID-19 cases closer to the first day of school which is scheduled for August 13th. The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) will be sharing recommendations and guidelines for educational practices and safety of students and staff on July 16th. Our administrative team will meet on that day and adjust our current plans to hopefully adopt best practices for our students, staff, and community. Prior to or on the week of July 20th we will send out another round of surveys so you may have a voice in the overall plan.
Currently, we still plan to have graduation July 18th at 9:30 am at the JLHS gym and we hope to provide enough space where everyone is able to social distance. Right now, masks will be strongly encouraged unless COVID-19 cases start to neutralize or worsen closer to graduation day.
Finally, I have been asked to encourage all of you to participate in the 2020 Census and share why it Is Critical for Our Children’s Future. The talking points are listed below:
• it is so critical to count everyone – especially our children – in the 2020 Census.
• The census determines each state’s representation in the U.S. House of Representatives and helps decision-makers in Washington, D.C., Topeka and Linn County determine how to allocate funds for programs that serve children – including those we are proud to teach – in our community and other small towns.
• Counting everyone in your household, including children, ensures they will be included in the 2020 Census. This is important because census statistics help determine funding for the next 10 years for new schools and programs such as special education, teacher training, rural education, Head Start and nutrition assistance. Yet young children are among the populations historically undercounted in the census. So please be sure to count all children in your household, including babies born on or before April 1. If we do not count everyone, our area could lose critical funding for programs, including those that support education, for the next decade.
• By now you will have received information about how to fill out the 2020 Census. You are encouraged to respond promptly at my2020census.gov, by calling 1-844-330-2020 or by mail.
• So far, 50.7% of the households in Linn County have responded, but we need to count everyone. Help ensure our children count and that we are taking this important step to shape their future.
JLHS GRADUATION UPDATE
We are still planning on an indoor ceremony on July 18, 2020 at 9:30 AM in the JLHS gym. Graduates have a meeting and practice scheduled for Thursday July 16 at 7:00 PM. That meeting is also to be held in the JLHS gym.
Please note that all plans are subject to change according to County and Local Health guidelines. Should a change be necessary, updated plans will be communicated as soon as possible.
View our JLHS Class of 2020 Scholarship Recognition video:
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=717169602418803
Girls Basketball Skills at JLHS:
Starting on Monday June 22 all girls grades 7-12 are invited to attend skills workouts every Monday at 7:00 PM through July.
Basketball Camp will be July 6-8 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM
2020 JLHS Prom is now set!!! On Saturday July 25, the Junior Class of 2020 will be hosting this formal event at the Mound City 4-H building with walk-in starting at 7:00 PM and the dance from 8:00 - 11:00 PM. If you were a junior or senior this past year, please watch your school email for important information concerning this event. More announcements to come as we get closer to July 25.
It’s time to start Summer Workouts! YIPPEE! We are looking forward to seeing you at our first week of conditioning, June 9th and June 11th from 6:00-7:00 p.m. We will be making some modifications from our usual early morning/weight room format to keep everyone safe and healthy, but we are excited about the opportunity to get together and work on getting faster and stronger. This workout is for ANY GIRL that wants to come, 7th-12th grades, and ANY sport!
Here are some things to keep in mind:
1. If you are sick, have a temperature, or believe you have been exposed, please stay home.
2. We will be limiting groups to 15 or less, but don’t worry, we will have a coach to lead your group.
3. Bring your own water bottle. NO SHARING of water bottles will be allowed.
Come see us on Tuesday at 6:00 AT THE TRACK for a great workout and some even better friendships!
If you have questions, please call Christa Holt at (620)-224-0208.
Our Thursday Class of 2020 Salute features Jayhawk senior James Collins- Congratulations!

Parents and Students - Please be aware that our state activities association has updated the Pre-Participation Physical document that is used for participation in sporting events. The new form has additional sections that require student and parent signatures. The new form must be used by all students who plan on participating in extracurricular sports during the 2020/2021 school year. You may obtain this form on the KSHSAA website or pick up a copy at JLHS main office.
www.kshsaa.org
Our Class of 2020 Salute goes out to senior Quinn Hullopeter- Congratulations!

Information regarding 2020 Driver Education can be found at the following link:
https://www.usd346.org/o/jayhawk-usd-346/page/driver-education-2020
Our Class of 2020 Senior Salute features senior Jack Walrod- Congratulations!

Class of 2020 salutes to senior Masen Baker! Congratulations!

Our Friday Class of 2020 Salute goes out to senior Aubrey Nation! Congratulations!

ATTENTION 7-12 STUDENTS and GUARDIANS. JLHS Yearbooks are still for sale. You may purchase one by contacting the high school office at 913-795-2224 or through the Josten’s weblink below. The price is $45 without tax. The Josten’s link is:
http://jostensyearbooks.com/?REF=A02674700
Thursday's Class of 2020 Salute features senior Clint Barker! Congratulations!

Jayhawk congratulates senior Kyrsten Denyer-Capp with our Class of 2020 Salute today!

Tuesday's Class of 2020 Salute goes out to senior Daytin Croan! Congratulations!

