Holden Schools Closed for Remainder of Academic Year

An announcement came from Governor Mike Parson last Thursday, April 9, that Missouri schools will not reconvene this academic school year.
The Holden R-III District’s school year is set to wrap up on Friday, May 15, however, the remainder of the year will continue to be online learning at home, as it has been for the last two weeks.
These mitigation efforts are all due to the coronavirus pandemic, and to stop or slow the spread of the deadly COVID-19 infection.
Holden Superintendent Dr. Mike Hough sent a letter home to parents on Thursday, letting them know about the Governor’s order to close schools for the remainder of the 2019-20 year.
Dr. Hough told families that meal distribution will continue, saying, “Meal distribution will continue to operate as it has, until further notice. If you would like to sign up for meals or make a change to your previous request, please visit holdenschools.org.”
Dr. Hough went on to say, “Instructional supports will continue through the originally scheduled last day of school, which is May 15.
“Please continue to watch for emails from teachers with guidance on how to access those resources. Paper copies, if you requested them, will still be available or delivered on Wednesdays.”
The HHS Class of 2020 is understandably upset about missing the rest of their senior year and graduation, and Dr. Hough addressed the issue, saying, “The 2020 graduation ceremony, originally scheduled for Sunday, May 17, has been cancelled.
“An alternate plan is being developed and will be communicated with graduating seniors and their families by April 17.”
The district realizes students still have many personal items at the school campus and Dr. Hough said, “For the safety of students and staff, we are working on plans to allow families to collect personal items from the school buildings.”
There are also questions about summer school and the district is in the planning stages as to what will happen with that.
“We have important decisions to make about our plans for summer school,” shared Dr. Hough. “We are exploring options and will share this information with you as soon as possible.”
In closing his letter, Dr. Hough commented on the district’s feelings about the state of affairs for this academic year.
“Though we are disappointed our students and staff will not be together to conclude this school year, the district is committed to providing instructional and nutritional support for our families during this challenging time.”
So, online studies and meal distribution will continue through May 15, and announcements will be forthcoming regarding graduation and summer school when the district has finalized all plans.
Continue to watch the Image for updates or visit holdenschools.org.