Central Elementary

Congratulations to the class of 2020. This of course isn’t how any of us thought the 19/20 school year would end. Though there was much that went far beyond our control, it’s important to note that in no way do the past couple months diminish or overshadow the many accomplishments of the class of 2020. The class of 2020 has definitely left its mark on UHS and is most certainly prepared and equipped to make a positive difference in the world.

As previously shared, the district has committed itself to doing everything possible to create the full graduation experience. Though we have had to delay the graduation ceremony, we are excited to announce our finalized plans. As a district, our highest priority has been and continues to be the safety of students, staff, parents, and members of our community. As a result, our high school administrative team has reviewed this plan with county health officials to ensure we meet all health guidelines and safety requirements.
Please see attachments for additional details including dates and times for the ceremony.

On behalf of the entire district, I want to thank you for your partnership during these trying times. This unprecedented situation has no doubt been a struggle on multiple fronts. But as a district, we appreciate how you’ve continued to support us and put confidence in our district to do the right thing.

Here are a few updates and items of information as we look toward the month of June.

Summer school: We will NOT have a typical ‘in school’ summer school in June. We do however have a handful of students at the middle and high school level who are doing online virtual learning in the month of June.
We are looking at the possibility of a July ‘in school’ summer school beginning on July 6 and lasting through July 31. This possibility is contingent upon guidance and recommendations from both state and local government and health officials. Once a decision is made about if or whether we will have July summer school, more information will be shared.

Graduation: Friendly reminder, we have postponed graduation until June 18 at Union High School. We are still finalizing plans as we review and await further guidance from both state and local government and health officials. As soon as details are complete, more information will be shared.

FREE meals: It is our intent to continue to distribute free meals on Tuesdays from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm at Union High School to all children 18 years of age and under through Tuesday, June 23. As long as we have demand and families picking up meals, we plan to continue this opportunity for the next four Tuesdays.

Survey: In the coming weeks, you can expect to see a survey from the district that will assist us in planning efforts for the 20/21 school year. Your participation in this upcoming survey will be much appreciated.

Again in closing, thank you for all your cooperation and patience as we work through these challenging times. If there is anything you need from the district, please don’t hesitate to reach out and we will do everything we can to assist.
Thank you and stay well.

Dr. Steve Weinhold, Superintendent of Schools

Under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act of 2020, families that qualify for free or reduced price meals at school may be eligible for a new one-time Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer (P-EBT) of up to $302 per child (Pre-Kindergarten – Grade 12) to help cover the cost of meals students have eaten at home on days that schools have been closed. Students can receive P-EBT benefits even if they have been or continue to receive meals provided by the school district during the school closure. If your child was not previously eligible for free or reduced price meals, but you have now lost income, you may be eligible to receive P-EBT benefits (review the P-EBT Eligibility Criteria document below).

The benefit is placed on an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card families use to buy food. If you received Food Stamp (SNAP) benefits in March, do not apply for these new/additional benefits. The full $302 will automatically be loaded to your existing EBT card. If you did not receive Food Stamp (SNAP) benefits in March, you must apply for this benefit by June 30, 2020 (see below).

The most efficient way to apply is to submit your application online at EmergencyMealSurvey.com/MO. You will also likely experience a faster approval process. If you’re not able to apply online, you can follow the link below to the paper application. The fillable PDF document can then be emailed or mailed to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). You will find complete instructions and additional details in the letter to families below.

Please review these important documents carefully:

•        P-EBT Letter to Families
•        P-EBT Eligibility Criteria
•        P-EBT Online Application
•        P-EBT Paper Application (hard copy to fill out and email or mail to DESE if you’re not able to submit the application online)
•        P-EBT Frequently Asked Questions
  To request a paper application be mailed to you, please contact our Food and Nutrition Services office at 636-583-5840 x1. Please do not send completed applications to your school; see the letter to families above for application submission information.

The Department of Social Services (DSS) will send families a letter indicating they are approved or denied. If you have questions on how to apply for the P-EBT benefit, contact DSS through the online chat feature at mydss.mo.gov or call 855-373-4636. For more information on the EBT card, visit: mydss.mo.gov/food-assistance/ebt.