The Scott County R-IV (Kelly) School District is committed to the health and safety of all students and staff. The COVID-19 pandemic has presented a multitude of challenges, including how extracurricular activities should "return to play". The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) and the Sports Medicine Advisory Committee (SMAC) "endorses the idea of returning students to school-based athletics and activities in any and all situations where it can be done safely." The Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) has allowed schools to return to play following the end of their regularly scheduled school year. Our school has begun the process of opening campus to extracurricular activities, and we are following multiple guidelines to mitigate health risks. The purpose of this letter is to communicate and highlight some of the procedures we are following so parents/guardians can make the personal family decision whether or not to allow their student to "return to play". 

• The district will regularly monitor information from governmental health agencies and MSHSAA 

• In response to our inquiry, over 80% of area schools have returned to play (as of 6/5/20) 

• Student attendance to campus activity is voluntary and parents/guardians are instructed that all risks should be assumed, both known and unknown. In consideration of being allowed to participate, parents/guardians understand and agree that participation includes possible exposure to and illness from infectious diseases. 

• Students and staff are instructed to stay home when appropriate, and are asked to take their own temperature before departing their home for campus. Upon arrival at campus, students will complete a health/wellness check about the existence of any COVID symptoms including fever, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chills, headache, sore throat, and loss of taste or smell. 

• All equipment will be sanitized after each use 

• Locker rooms will be used for equipment storage only 

• Students and staff will be instructed to use specific restrooms. Only one person will be allowed at a time, and the restroom will be sanitized following the conclusion of the activity. 

• Students and staff are to bring and use their own water bottles and not share any towels or other equipment. 

• Parents or other spectators are not allowed 

• Steps are being taken to limit the congregation of students and staff on campus before, during and after the activity 

• Masks are encouraged and students/staff are to use their own. Masks will be made available upon request. 

• Students and staff should practice healthy habits including adequate hydration, consume a varied vitamin-rich diet with sufficient vegetables and fruit, and get adequate sleep. 

It is understood that this situation is fluid, and our procedures may change as information changes. Student participation is voluntary, and ultimately it is the parent/guardian who will make the decision when their student returns to play. The Scott County R-IV (Kelly) School District is released from negligence to the fullest extent permitted by law. 

Sincerely, 

Dan Hecht Principal, Thomas W. Kelly High School