Dear Pattonville families and staff,

I’m writing to update you on a few things. First, I want to acknowledge and thank our staff members who have done a tremendous job keeping our schools open and operating at a high level despite the significant spike in COVID-19 cases in our schools. Our staff members are stepping up to cover classes on their plan time, and other staff are filling in where we have gaps due to illness. I’ve never been prouder of our staff for their fortitude, perseverance and care during this difficult time. Below is some other important information to know. 

Masking Policy

On Dec. 14, 2021, the Pattonville Board of Education approved the district’s updated COVID-19 plan, which included transitioning to mask optional on Jan. 3. Part of that plan included a safety net requiring all schools with positivity rates of 2% or higher to wear masks for at least 14 days. The 2% threshold has been reached at all Pattonville schools. On Jan. 4, the St. Louis County Council voted to enact a new mask mandate in St. Louis County. Based on legal guidance, the district’s mask optional policy is currently being paused until more information is known regarding the impact of the county order on schools. For the time being, masks will continue to be required in all district buildings. 

Vaccine Interest

Vaccines remain an important tool in keeping individuals healthy, as they are the most effective way to reduce hospitalizations and deaths. In order to gain an understanding of how many Pattonville students have received a COVID-19 vaccine and whether we should host another clinic, we are asking parents to voluntarily update us on their children’s vaccine status. Providing this information is voluntary, but greatly appreciated. If you have not already done so, please complete a short survey in your Parent Portal. Instructions for completing the online form are as follows: 

• Use a web browser to visit the Parent Portal and login.
• Select the student you wish to fill along the top.
• Select the Forms icon on the left side.
• Click on the form called COVID-19 Vaccine Status.
• Answer the questions.
• Click Submit. (Follow these instructions for each student.)
• If you have any technical issues completing the form, please call our technology help desk at (314) 213-8146.  

Keeping Children Home When Sick

Our primary goal is to keep our schools open for in-person learning. To help us accomplish this,  it’s critical that students stay home when they are sick. If your child is experiencing any of the following symptoms, they should not attend school:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

Thank you for your support and assistance in helping us keep our schools open and ensuring a level of stability and continuity for our students as we navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. We’re proud of the way our students are doing their part as well and look forward to supporting them throughout the rest of this semester.

Sincerely,

Tim Pecoraro, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools