Dear Pattonville families and staff,
On July 29, I notified the Pattonville community that our schools would start the 2020-2021 school year in phase 3 of in-person learning, which is the 100% virtual format. As I mentioned at that time, the decision was made based on the current health and safety conditions of our community and with input from the St. Louis County Department of Public Health. At that time, all Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) athletics and activities in Pattonville and other 100% virtual school districts were suspended based on the MSHSAA Constitution which prohibited member schools from participating in activities if the school district begins the school year or transitions to entirely virtual instruction.
On Aug. 4, the MSHSAA Board of Directors waived the requirement for member schools to provide in-person instruction in order to participate in athletics and activities, thus leaving the decision on whether to allow participation up to each individual school district. On Aug. 13, the MSHSAA board took action to allow for the scheduling of alternate fall and spring sport seasons for schools unable to participate in the traditional fall sport season.
Pattonville plans to participate in the alternative fall season for all sports and activities that traditionally take place in the fall season. We are working with a number of other member school districts in the St. Louis Suburban Public High School Athletic and Activities Association and St. Louis area school districts who are members of other leagues to provide our students with competition opportunities in the spring.
The alternative fall season is scheduled from March 12 through May 1 and will consist of a regular season as well as a MSHSAA post-season. The MSHSAA Board of Directors has also created an alternative spring season which we can select to be a part of at a later date if we choose.
Pattonville recognizes the valuable importance of athletics and activities, but our primary focus is on getting students back into the classroom when public health officials recommend it is safe to do so. In addition to our athletic teams, we have several academic clubs and other activities (band, chess, orchestra, robotics, etc.) that have been impacted by the school closure. I look forward to all of these activities resuming to in-person practices once students physically return to school. Your child’s coach and sponsor will continue to connect with your child virtually while we are in phase 3.
I realize this school year is going to be different than anything we have experienced in the past. Our goal is to provide our students with as many opportunities as possible once we return to in-person learning. We will continue to work closely with the St. Louis County Department of Public Health regarding the health and safety conditions of our community. We will provide updates if the status of our learning environment changes in the weeks ahead. Thank you for your understanding and support.
Sincerely,
Tim Pecoraro
Superintendent of Schools