Dear Puxico Families,

Due to the significant increase in illness among our students and staff, Puxico R-VIII School District will utilize Alternative Methods of Instruction (AMI) days on Tuesday, October 20, and Wednesday, October 21.

We are experiencing a high number of absences due to illness, and our priority is the health and well-being of our students, staff, and families. We believe these two days will give those who are ill time to rest and recover while helping reduce the spread of illness throughout our district.

📚 AMI DAYS – TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY

Students will not attend school in person on Tuesday or Wednesday. Our teachers are preparing simple, meaningful instructional activities that students can complete at home.

We recognize that not all families have reliable internet access, and we are working to provide learning opportunities that are accessible to all students.

Teachers and building administrators will communicate additional information regarding assignments and expectations. We ask for your patience as our staff works to prepare these materials on short notice.

📅 PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES – THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22

Parent-Teacher Conferences will still take place as scheduled on Thursday.

We encourage families to attend their scheduled conferences from 1:00-7:00 p.m. However, if you or your child are experiencing symptoms of illness, please contact your child's teacher or building office to discuss alternative arrangements.

🏀 AFTER-SCHOOL & WEEKEND ACTIVITIES

We recognize that several school activities, athletic contests, and events are scheduled after school and throughout the upcoming weekend.

Some of these events may still take place, depending on how many healthy participants are available and the circumstances surrounding each event.

Coaches and sponsors will communicate directly with participants and families regarding any schedule changes or cancellations.

We want to be especially clear about one thing:

If your child is sick or experiencing symptoms of illness, PLEASE keep them home.

If your child is scheduled to participate in an athletic contest, practice, performance, or other school activity, please notify their coach or sponsor.

No student will be penalized for missing a school activity due to illness. We do not want students feeling pressured to participate when they are not feeling well. Please use this time to rest, recover, and avoid spreading illness to others.

❤️ THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

We understand that unexpected changes to the school schedule create challenges for families, and we sincerely appreciate your patience, flexibility, and understanding.

We also want to thank our teachers, support staff, substitutes, and administrators who have continued working together to serve our students despite the challenges illness has created throughout the district.

Our hope is that these days will give everyone an opportunity to recover so we can return to school healthy and ready to learn.

Please take care of yourselves and one another. We appreciate our Puxico families!

Sincerely,

Puxico R-8 School

Puxico R-8 School District

Our junior high is lucky to have you, Mrs. Watkins!