The Eagle Radio of Hays Online Auction is currently underway!

There are several great items to bid on including:

$250 Certificate from Advantage Glass Plus When it comes to accessorizing your Truck, Suv, Car, or Van,
Advantage Glass Plus is the original specialist! They have a great selection to
match your needs. Along with Towneau covers, 3M glass tinting, glass
replacement and more. Advantage Glass Plus, the original accessory center, 1005
Vine in Hays. Certificate may not be applied to account balance. 2 certificates
per visit.

Current Bid: $127.00 Retail Price: $250.00

Best Western in Wichita Standard Room The Best Western Wichita North in Wichita, Kansas has
received the Best Western® Hotels and Resorts Director's Award for yielding
outstanding quality standards. This is a pet friendly standard Room in a great
hotel near WSU Campus and Hartman Arena combines service and value, and our
Wichita hotel has both in abundance for their guests. Their 're just six miles
north of downtown Wichita, so slipping into town for some fine dining,
entertainment or a special event is easy. They offer a complimentary hot breakfast
with steaming hot waffles, fresh fruits, a selection of cereal and more. Free
shuttle to airport and always, Pending Availability good till 3/15/2021.

Current Bid: $38.00 Retail Price: $145.00

$200 Certificate from Lewis Paint and Collision Lewis Paint and Collision Center offers auto detailing,
glass replacement, paintless dent repair, along with collision repair with
guaranteed color match. Great way to take care of your insurance deductible.
Certificate may not be used on account balance. Certificate good only at Lewis
Paint and Collision Center. See more @buylewis.com. Lewis Paint and Collision
Center 4240 Vine in Hays.

Current Bid: $37.00 Retail Price: $200.00

$500 Certificate from Tarps Unlimited/Wilkens Mfg. Inc. Protect your investment with a quality crafted tarp! Choose
from 16, 18 and 22 ounce polyester and nylon coated material in a wide array of
colors. All applications are top quality, fully guaranteed, and crafted to fit
your needs. Does not include Boat Tarps. Certificate value is $500. Offer valid
through September 30th 2020.

Current Bid: $160.00 Retail Price: $500.00

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/eagle-radio-auction">HERE</a>&nbsp;to see all the latest deals from local merchants.

Register, bid and buy from the comfort of your own home!

The Eagle Radio of Hays Online Auction is currently underway!There are several great items to bid on including:$250 Certificate from Advantage Glass Plus When it comes to accessorizing your Truck, Suv, Car, or Van,
Advantage Glass Plus is the original specialist! They have a great selection to
match your needs. Along with Towneau covers, 3M glass tinting, glass
replacement and more. Advantage Glass Plus, the original accessory center, 1005
Vine in Hays. Certificate may not be applied to account balance. 2 certificates
per visit.Current Bid: $127.00 Retail Price: $250.00Best Western in Wichita Standard Room The Best Western Wichita North in Wichita, Kansas has
received the Best Western® Hotels and Resorts Director's Award for yielding
outstanding quality standards. This is a pet friendly standard Room in a great
hotel near WSU Campus and Hartman Arena combines service and value, and our
Wichita hotel has both in abundance for their guests. Their 're just six miles
north of downtown Wichita, so slipping into town for some fine dining,
entertainment or a special event is easy. They offer a complimentary hot breakfast
with steaming hot waffles, fresh fruits, a selection of cereal and more. Free
shuttle to airport and always, Pending Availability good till 3/15/2021.Current Bid: $38.00 Retail Price: $145.00$200 Certificate from Lewis Paint and Collision Lewis Paint and Collision Center offers auto detailing,
glass replacement, paintless dent repair, along with collision repair with
guaranteed color match. Great way to take care of your insurance deductible.
Certificate may not be used on account balance. Certificate good only at Lewis
Paint and Collision Center. See more @buylewis.com. Lewis Paint and Collision
Center 4240 Vine in Hays.Current Bid: $37.00 Retail Price: $200.00$500 Certificate from Tarps Unlimited/Wilkens Mfg. Inc. Protect your investment with a quality crafted tarp! Choose
from 16, 18 and 22 ounce polyester and nylon coated material in a wide array of
colors. All applications are top quality, fully guaranteed, and crafted to fit
your needs. Does not include Boat Tarps. Certificate value is $500. Offer valid
through September 30th 2020.Current Bid: $160.00 Retail Price: $500.00Click&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/eagle-radio-auction">HERE</a>&nbsp;to see all the latest deals from local merchants.Register, bid and buy from the comfort of your own home!

Eagle Radio Online Auction continues!

GOVE COUNTY — One person was injured in an accident just after 10a.m. Friday in Gove County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1999 Ram Truck driven by Tyler Harry, 18, Colby, was westbound on Highway 40 just east of Main Street in Park.

The driver lost control of the vehicle. It did a quarter turn onto the drivers side and came to rest on its wheels in the north ditch.

EMS transported Harry to Gove County Medical Center. The KHP did not report seat belt usage details.

GOVE COUNTY — One person was injured in an accident just after 10a.m. Friday in Gove County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1999 Ram Truck driven by Tyler Harry, 18, Colby, was westbound on Highway 40 just east of Main Street in Park.The driver lost control of the vehicle. It did a quarter turn onto the drivers side and came to rest on its wheels in the north ditch.EMS transported Harry to Gove County Medical Center. The KHP did not report seat belt usage details.

NW Kansas teen hospitalized after pickup travels into ditch

ECHD prioritizes the health and safety of all residents of Ellis County.  We empathize with the fear and confusion of all residents of Ellis County and desire to provide the most up to date information possible. 

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5e87764031074a540ab516a7"> 
A positive COVID-19 patient has been admitted to Hays Medical Center according to Hays Medical Center press release.</a> This patient is not a resident of Ellis County. According to KDHE data as of 2 p.m. Friday, Ellis County does NOT have any cases of COVID-19 in Ellis County residents. We understand this creates confusion. Ellis County Health department cannot report on any cases that do not have a residence in or that directly impact the health and safety of Ellis County residents.

     
KDHE notifies the county health department of patient residence for anyone with a positive COVID-19 test.  The health department in the patient’s county of residence will begin a contact tracing and identify and notify any close contacts.  Again, currently Ellis County does NOT have any cases of COVID-19 in Ellis County Residents.  As information becomes available Ellis County Health Department will be the official source of information for COVID-19 patients that reside in or directly impact the health and safety of Ellis County residents. 

  
The public should continue to follow basic hygiene practices, engage in social distancing and continue to follow Governors Executive Order 20-16. If concerned about personal health, please call your family physician or the COVID-19 hotline at 877-261-7140.  911 services should be reserved for emergency care.  We encourage all residents to stay home whenever possible.  We understand and acknowledge that this is a fearful time for many and ECHD will continue to monitor the circumstances surrounding COVID-19 and keep you updated. 

  
Circumstances and education surrounding COVID-19 change rapidly.  Please continue to stay up to date with information provided by ECHD, HMC, KDHE and the CDC to help limit the spread and impact of the virus.  
For more information visit www.cdc.gov/COVID19 or www.kdheks.gov/.&nbsp;

Ellis County Health DepartmentECHD prioritizes the health and safety of all residents of Ellis County. We empathize with the fear and confusion of all residents of Ellis County and desire to provide the most up to date information possible. <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5e87764031074a540ab516a7"> 
A positive COVID-19 patient has been admitted to Hays Medical Center according to Hays Medical Center press release.</a> This patient is not a resident of Ellis County. According to KDHE data as of 2 p.m. Friday, Ellis County does NOT have any cases of COVID-19 in Ellis County residents. We understand this creates confusion. Ellis County Health department cannot report on any cases that do not have a residence in or that directly impact the health and safety of Ellis County residents. 
KDHE notifies the county health department of patient residence for anyone with a positive COVID-19 test. The health department in the patient’s county of residence will begin a contact tracing and identify and notify any close contacts. Again, currently Ellis County does NOT have any cases of COVID-19 in Ellis County Residents. As information becomes available Ellis County Health Department will be the official source of information for COVID-19 patients that reside in or directly impact the health and safety of Ellis County residents. 
The public should continue to follow basic hygiene practices, engage in social distancing and continue to follow Governors Executive Order 20-16. If concerned about personal health, please call your family physician or the COVID-19 hotline at 877-261-7140. 911 services should be reserved for emergency care. We encourage all residents to stay home whenever possible. We understand and acknowledge that this is a fearful time for many and ECHD will continue to monitor the circumstances surrounding COVID-19 and keep you updated. 
Circumstances and education surrounding COVID-19 change rapidly. Please continue to stay up to date with information provided by ECHD, HMC, KDHE and the CDC to help limit the spread and impact of the virus. 
For more information visit www.cdc.gov/COVID19 or www.kdheks.gov/.&nbsp;

County: HaysMed COVID-19 patient not an Ellis Co. resident

A patient with COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, or SARS-CoV-2, has been admitted to HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System, for treatment. The patient is in a specially equipped area that is designed to prevent the spread of the virus to other patients, visitors, staff and physicians.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5e878febeb7f170536019fc7">RELATED: County officials report COVID-19 patient not an Ellis Co. resident</a>

Upon arrival, caregivers wearing protective personal gear coordinated the patient's entry into the hospital. No other patients, visitors or caregivers were exposed.&nbsp; HaysMed followed CDC and KDHE guidelines to protect caregivers, patients and visitors from exposure.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"We will not share information about patients admitted for COVID-19 in order to protect their privacy as required by federal law.&nbsp; County and state health departments work in tandem for contact tracing and will notify people at risk per their protocols.&nbsp; All questions related to public safety should be directed to the appropriate governing agency," HaysMed said in a news release Friday.

HaysMed’s top priority is the safety of our patients, caregivers, and the community.&nbsp;Our expert clinicians regularly care for patients with severe respiratory illnesses and other infectious diseases. They are well trained and follow specific procedures using the tools and techniques in place to protect themselves, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

HaysMed is a regional referral hospital for the area, taking care of patients from all over western Kansas, including COVID-19 patients also.&nbsp; We are equipped and ready.

Employees are safe to come to work. &nbsp; While some patient appointments have been postponed or delayed, patients who have appointments for conditions which they must be present and seen by a provider are safe to keep their medical and outpatient appointments.&nbsp; You can also contact your clinic about setting up a telehealth visit.

If you have questions or concerns about the novel coronavirus please call the COVID-19 hotline at&nbsp; 877-261-7140.&nbsp; The hotline is available 7 days a week from 8:00 am – 4:30 pm.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584140055070.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HaysMedA patient with COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, or SARS-CoV-2, has been admitted to HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System, for treatment. The patient is in a specially equipped area that is designed to prevent the spread of the virus to other patients, visitors, staff and physicians.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5e878febeb7f170536019fc7">RELATED: County officials report COVID-19 patient not an Ellis Co. resident</a>Upon arrival, caregivers wearing protective personal gear coordinated the patient's entry into the hospital. No other patients, visitors or caregivers were exposed.&nbsp; HaysMed followed CDC and KDHE guidelines to protect caregivers, patients and visitors from exposure.&nbsp;&nbsp;"We will not share information about patients admitted for COVID-19 in order to protect their privacy as required by federal law.&nbsp; County and state health departments work in tandem for contact tracing and will notify people at risk per their protocols.&nbsp; All questions related to public safety should be directed to the appropriate governing agency," HaysMed said in a news release Friday.HaysMed’s top priority is the safety of our patients, caregivers, and the community.&nbsp;Our expert clinicians regularly care for patients with severe respiratory illnesses and other infectious diseases. They are well trained and follow specific procedures using the tools and techniques in place to protect themselves, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).HaysMed is a regional referral hospital for the area, taking care of patients from all over western Kansas, including COVID-19 patients also.&nbsp; We are equipped and ready.Employees are safe to come to work. &nbsp; While some patient appointments have been postponed or delayed, patients who have appointments for conditions which they must be present and seen by a provider are safe to keep their medical and outpatient appointments.&nbsp; You can also contact your clinic about setting up a telehealth visit.If you have questions or concerns about the novel coronavirus please call the COVID-19 hotline at&nbsp; 877-261-7140.&nbsp; The hotline is available 7 days a week from 8:00 am – 4:30 pm.HaysMed

HaysMed announces first COVID-19 case

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

<a href="https://www.haysusa.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=350">New rules</a> at the Fort Hays Municipal Golf Course&nbsp; allowing play to resume at 8 a.m. Fri., April 3, were altered slightly late Thursday afternoon.

Originally, only one person was to be allowed in a golf court.&nbsp;

Now, a golf cart may be occupied by more than one person if they are family members living in the same household.

The city of Hays closed the golf course Monday morning when Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly's Stay at Home order went into effect due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Several area courses remained open. Jeff Boyle, director of parks, received a lot of phone calls and emails from disgruntled local golfers.&nbsp;

Boyle worked with the state to allow the municipal course to reopen in a safe manner. New course rules were compiled to provide the opportunity to play golf while following the restrictions outlined in EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 20-16.&nbsp;

The new rules are available on the city's <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/DocumentCenter/View/2927/Golf-Course-Covid-19-Response?bidId=">website</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585871648046.jpeg" alt="The Hays municipal golf course will reopen Friday with new&nbsp; rules in place amidst the coronavirus outbreak." />
 <figcaption>The Hays municipal golf course will reopen Friday with new&nbsp; rules in place amidst the coronavirus outbreak.</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays Post<a href="https://www.haysusa.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=350">New rules</a> at the Fort Hays Municipal Golf Course&nbsp; allowing play to resume at 8 a.m. Fri., April 3, were altered slightly late Thursday afternoon.Originally, only one person was to be allowed in a golf court.&nbsp;Now, a golf cart may be occupied by more than one person if they are family members living in the same household.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585869817823.jpeg" alt="More than one person may now ride in a golf cart if they are family members living in the same place." />
 <figcaption>More than one person may now ride in a golf cart if they are family members living in the same place.</figcaption>
 </figure>The city of Hays closed the golf course Monday morning when Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly's Stay at Home order went into effect due to the coronavirus pandemic.Several area courses remained open. Jeff Boyle, director of parks, received a lot of phone calls and emails from disgruntled local golfers.&nbsp;Boyle worked with the state to allow the municipal course to reopen in a safe manner. New course rules were compiled to provide the opportunity to play golf while following the restrictions outlined in EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 20-16.&nbsp;The new rules are available on the city's <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/DocumentCenter/View/2927/Golf-Course-Covid-19-Response?bidId=">website</a>.&nbsp;

Golf course rule altered, allows family members in same cart

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

ELLIS — Ellis USD 388 will launch its continuous learning plan on Monday, starting slowly, keeping to the essentials and making adjustments as needed, Superintendent Corey Burton said.

Burton said the district will send a survey to parents after the first week of online learning to get feedback on the process.

The Ellis school board approved the plan Thursday night during a special meeting.&nbsp;

The board also agreed to pay wages through the end of the school year for district employees as part of the state waiver process.&nbsp;

The district will keep to its previously approved calendar with the same end date for the school year.

The district requires 25 hours for graduation. Burton said that will remain the same. He said most seniors have already earned 21 credits, the state minimum before they start their senior year.

The district is going to give seniors the option to drop their electives effective the end of their third quarter. However, they will need to complete English 4, government, and finance and career preparation.

Graduation is postponed, but Burton said the school would find a way to recognize its seniors even if it can't do so in the traditional way.

Washington Elementary School as well as Ellis Junior High/High School have one-one-technology programs.

While iPads don't usually go home with the younger students, they were distributed along with personal belongings Thursday.

High school students will be using their laptops.

The district has a variety of online tools already in place that it will use in instruction. Some of these include SeeSaw, Google Classroom, Zoom, Schoolage and Edmodo.

Donna Schmidt, EJH/HS principal, said learning will look&nbsp; a little bit different for every student.

Some teachers have prerecorded short five- to 10-minute instructional videos. Other teachers might engage children through chat sessions or sending students questions and requesting students to respond.

The school music teacher hopes to have students record performances and provide feedback via Zoom. Art students will be working on projects with the materials they have at home, and woods students will be learning skills via videos.

Schmidt said she hoped woods students would be able to get back in the shop and finish projects this summer.

Grades will be assigned during this time, but Burton said he is asking district teachers to have grace with their students and their families if they are struggling.

Schmidt said, "We want to be able to identify where our students are being successful and where they are struggling."

John Befort, Washington Grade School principal, said the younger students will be using their iPads, but were also sent home with paper assignments.

For classes like music, the students will be encouraged to participate in fun activities, such as singing a song.

Befort expressed concerns about students' emotional well-being during the school shutdown. Older students may be able to connect through phones or social media, but he said he wondered about the little kids.

"They are not going to be around friends. ... I see how it affects the students," he said. "I think it is important for teachers to try to get kids in their classrooms connected through platforms so they can interact."

The Ellis school district only started to work on its continuous learning plan in earnest after spring break ended Monday.

"Probably one of our biggest challenges is how quickly we are trying to turn this around," Burton said.&nbsp;

"We have had a complete paradigm shift on how we deliver education. If you were going to tell a school next year you're going to go online, you would probably spend a year to six months gearing up for that process."

Burton said the district is committed to keeping in communication with students and families.&nbsp;

Each of the district's buildings has a counselor, and they have already been reaching out to students with whom they regularly meet to offer support.

The district already has in place the StopIt App, which allows students to report bullying or other things that may be troubling them. The reports go automatically to principals and counselors.

Schmidt said the transition to online learning has been difficult for teachers and staff, as well.

"We miss them too," she said. "It is hard. It is really hard. ... We have great faculty and staff, and we work together well. We are learning how to work together while maintaining social distance.

"None of us could have predicted we would face something like this in our careers. I am so proud we have been able to accomplish what we have been able to accomplish."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579030633433.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostELLIS — Ellis USD 388 will launch its continuous learning plan on Monday, starting slowly, keeping to the essentials and making adjustments as needed, Superintendent Corey Burton said.Burton said the district will send a survey to parents after the first week of online learning to get feedback on the process.The Ellis school board approved the plan Thursday night during a special meeting.&nbsp;The board also agreed to pay wages through the end of the school year for district employees as part of the state waiver process.&nbsp;The district will keep to its previously approved calendar with the same end date for the school year.<h2>Seniors</h2>The district requires 25 hours for graduation. Burton said that will remain the same. He said most seniors have already earned 21 credits, the state minimum before they start their senior year.The district is going to give seniors the option to drop their electives effective the end of their third quarter. However, they will need to complete English 4, government, and finance and career preparation.Graduation is postponed, but Burton said the school would find a way to recognize its seniors even if it can't do so in the traditional way.<h2>Online tools</h2>Washington Elementary School as well as Ellis Junior High/High School have one-one-technology programs.While iPads don't usually go home with the younger students, they were distributed along with personal belongings Thursday.High school students will be using their laptops.The district has a variety of online tools already in place that it will use in instruction. Some of these include SeeSaw, Google Classroom, Zoom, Schoolage and Edmodo.<h2>Junior high/high school&nbsp;</h2>Donna Schmidt, EJH/HS principal, said learning will look&nbsp; a little bit different for every student.Some teachers have prerecorded short five- to 10-minute instructional videos. Other teachers might engage children through chat sessions or sending students questions and requesting students to respond.The school music teacher hopes to have students record performances and provide feedback via Zoom. Art students will be working on projects with the materials they have at home, and woods students will be learning skills via videos.Schmidt said she hoped woods students would be able to get back in the shop and finish projects this summer.Grades will be assigned during this time, but Burton said he is asking district teachers to have grace with their students and their families if they are struggling.Schmidt said, "We want to be able to identify where our students are being successful and where they are struggling."<h2>Grade school</h2>John Befort, Washington Grade School principal, said the younger students will be using their iPads, but were also sent home with paper assignments.For classes like music, the students will be encouraged to participate in fun activities, such as singing a song.Befort expressed concerns about students' emotional well-being during the school shutdown. Older students may be able to connect through phones or social media, but he said he wondered about the little kids."They are not going to be around friends. ... I see how it affects the students," he said. "I think it is important for teachers to try to get kids in their classrooms connected through platforms so they can interact."<h2>Moving fast</h2>The Ellis school district only started to work on its continuous learning plan in earnest after spring break ended Monday."Probably one of our biggest challenges is how quickly we are trying to turn this around," Burton said.&nbsp;"We have had a complete paradigm shift on how we deliver education. If you were going to tell a school next year you're going to go online, you would probably spend a year to six months gearing up for that process."<h2>Students' emotional well-being</h2>Burton said the district is committed to keeping in communication with students and families.&nbsp;Each of the district's buildings has a counselor, and they have already been reaching out to students with whom they regularly meet to offer support.The district already has in place the StopIt App, which allows students to report bullying or other things that may be troubling them. The reports go automatically to principals and counselors.Schmidt said the transition to online learning has been difficult for teachers and staff, as well."We miss them too," she said. "It is hard. It is really hard. ... We have great faculty and staff, and we work together well. We are learning how to work together while maintaining social distance."None of us could have predicted we would face something like this in our careers. I am so proud we have been able to accomplish what we have been able to accomplish."

Ellis USD 388 keeping to essentials, moving slowly

The Hays USD 489 school board hired Olivia Rice as the new principal of Roosevelt Elementary School during its meeting Monday night.&nbsp;

Olivia Rice will take the place of current principal Paula Rice, who resigned effective at the end of the school year. The two are not related.

Olivia Rice graduated from La Crosse High School in 2009.

She earned her bachelor's degree in human ecology at Kansas State University.

After graduating from KSU, she worked as an MTSS program coordinator at the elementary level in Manhattan for one year. 

In 2016, she moved to Hutchinson to work as a family and consumer science teacher at Hutchinson Middle School.

In 2018, she took a position at Buhler High School to teach culinary arts.

In 2019, she received her master's of education degree, and she is finishing her second master’s degree in building leadership from Fort Hays State University.

Her husband is Kerby Rice, who works at Herrman Physical Therapy as a physical therapist in Hays. They have an 8-year-old son, Brady, and a 7-month-old daughter, Rosalynn.  

The board also approved other administrator and director contracts below.

Administrators Anita Scheve Martin Straub Fred Winter Lance Krannawitter John Linn Kerri Lacy Vicki Gile-returning for 1 year Tom Albers Shauna Zweifel Donna Hudson-Hamilton Keri Petersen

Directors Scott Summers-IT Rusty Lindsay-buildings and grounds Russ Henningsen-transportation Jessica Younker-nutrition

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays USD 489 school board hired Olivia Rice as the new principal of Roosevelt Elementary School during its meeting Monday night.&nbsp;Olivia Rice will take the place of current principal Paula Rice, who resigned effective at the end of the school year. The two are not related.Olivia Rice graduated from La Crosse High School in 2009.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585838654147.jpeg" alt="Olivia Rice" />
 <figcaption>Olivia Rice</figcaption>
 </figure>She earned her bachelor's degree in human ecology at Kansas State University.After graduating from KSU, she worked as an MTSS program coordinator at the elementary level in Manhattan for one year. In 2016, she moved to Hutchinson to work as a family and consumer science teacher at Hutchinson Middle School.In 2018, she took a position at Buhler High School to teach culinary arts.In 2019, she received her master's of education degree, and she is finishing her second master’s degree in building leadership from Fort Hays State University.Her husband is Kerby Rice, who works at Herrman Physical Therapy as a physical therapist in Hays. They have an 8-year-old son, Brady, and a 7-month-old daughter, Rosalynn. The board also approved other administrator and director contracts below.Administrators Anita Scheve Martin Straub Fred Winter Lance Krannawitter John Linn Kerri Lacy Vicki Gile-returning for 1 year Tom Albers Shauna Zweifel Donna Hudson-Hamilton Keri PetersenDirectors Scott Summers-IT Rusty Lindsay-buildings and grounds Russ Henningsen-transportation Jessica Younker-nutrition

Buhler teacher, La Crosse alum hired as new Roosevelt principal

Missouri’s Harry Truman famously displayed a sign on his Oval Office desk: “The Buck Stops Here.”&nbsp; Nothing could have been clearer.&nbsp; In the end, the president is responsible for the nation’s well-being, regardless of the circumstances.&nbsp; Much the same is true for governors, who exercise similar authority, albeit in smaller domains.&nbsp;

This was driven home to me when I worked for Governor Kathleen Sebelius for calendar year 2005.&nbsp; No matter the issue, there was only one degree of separation between a citizen in Great Bend or Maize or Ottawa and the governor.&nbsp; Everything reached her desk, frequently with lightning speed.&nbsp; For better or worse, the buck stopped there, as she got both more blame and more credit than she deserved, whatever the policy outcome.

As a legislative scholar, I’ve grown more and more skeptical of steady increases in executive power, whether in Washington, DC, or the 50 state capitols.&nbsp; Still, when disasters strike, executives must act, both administering policy and reassuring the public.&nbsp; Delays, per Herbert Hoover, prove disastrous. Immediate, forceful action, per Roosevelt in 1933 and 1941, can limit damage and pull people together, however imperfectly.

While some major threats require federal responses, far more crises demand the attention of governors, whose authority is surprisingly great, both through their formal powers and the need for timely, coordinated actions.&nbsp; No crisis in over a century has tested American governors more than the myriad challenges posed by Covid-19 virus.&nbsp; And governors’ jobs have been made more difficult by President Trump’s slow, erratic, and often wishful pronouncements.&nbsp;

Governors make their choices inside a federal system, which has many virtues.&nbsp; States can react within their own economic, physical, and political context. Thus, what would be right for Michigan might not work in New Mexico. Moreover, governors know their states extremely well and can react more effectively than a distant president.

When governors make mistakes, however, things can go wrong quickly, even when other states demonstrate better ways forward. The idealized notion of states as “laboratories of democracy” holds real virtues, but the inevitable crisis failures in some of these “laboratories” penalize their citizens.

Thus, comparing the Covid-19 responses of the Kansas and Missouri governors illustrates the strengths and weaknesses of federalism in a time of crisis.&nbsp; Even as Missouri experienced a 600 percent increase in coronavirus infections last week, Governor Mike Parson remained slow to act. As one analysis stated, “Parson has not closed the schools (he waited until they all did it themselves, not issued a state-at-home order (not even close, not demanded that the legislature act urgently to get assistance funds to desperate health care professionals (still hasn’t happened) and not required non-essential business to close statewide (not state’s role).”

Compare that to Governor Laura Kelly’s first-in-the nation school closure action and her statewide “stay-at-home” order, despite just 320 cases in the state.&nbsp; Kelly has taken advice from her top professional advisor, Dr. Lee Norman, the state’s Secretary of Health, acting early, responding forcefully and thus reassuring Kansans that a competent hand is on the tiller.

We’ve got a long way to go, but so far Laura Kelly has quietly acted in the best interests of her 2.9 million constituents. In contrast to President Trump and Governor Parson, she makes no excuses. And like New York’s highly visible governor, Andrew Cuomo, Kelly knows exactly where the buck stops – with her.

Burdett Loomis is an emeritus professor of political science at the University of Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574348610067.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Missouri’s Harry Truman famously displayed a sign on his Oval Office desk: “The Buck Stops Here.”&nbsp; Nothing could have been clearer.&nbsp; In the end, the president is responsible for the nation’s well-being, regardless of the circumstances.&nbsp; Much the same is true for governors, who exercise similar authority, albeit in smaller domains.&nbsp;This was driven home to me when I worked for Governor Kathleen Sebelius for calendar year 2005.&nbsp; No matter the issue, there was only one degree of separation between a citizen in Great Bend or Maize or Ottawa and the governor.&nbsp; Everything reached her desk, frequently with lightning speed.&nbsp; For better or worse, the buck stopped there, as she got both more blame and more credit than she deserved, whatever the policy outcome.As a legislative scholar, I’ve grown more and more skeptical of steady increases in executive power, whether in Washington, DC, or the 50 state capitols.&nbsp; Still, when disasters strike, executives must act, both administering policy and reassuring the public.&nbsp; Delays, per Herbert Hoover, prove disastrous. Immediate, forceful action, per Roosevelt in 1933 and 1941, can limit damage and pull people together, however imperfectly.While some major threats require federal responses, far more crises demand the attention of governors, whose authority is surprisingly great, both through their formal powers and the need for timely, coordinated actions.&nbsp; No crisis in over a century has tested American governors more than the myriad challenges posed by Covid-19 virus.&nbsp; And governors’ jobs have been made more difficult by President Trump’s slow, erratic, and often wishful pronouncements.&nbsp;Governors make their choices inside a federal system, which has many virtues.&nbsp; States can react within their own economic, physical, and political context. Thus, what would be right for Michigan might not work in New Mexico. Moreover, governors know their states extremely well and can react more effectively than a distant president.When governors make mistakes, however, things can go wrong quickly, even when other states demonstrate better ways forward. The idealized notion of states as “laboratories of democracy” holds real virtues, but the inevitable crisis failures in some of these “laboratories” penalize their citizens.Thus, comparing the Covid-19 responses of the Kansas and Missouri governors illustrates the strengths and weaknesses of federalism in a time of crisis.&nbsp; Even as Missouri experienced a 600 percent increase in coronavirus infections last week, Governor Mike Parson remained slow to act. As one analysis stated, “Parson has not closed the schools (he waited until they all did it themselves, not issued a state-at-home order (not even close, not demanded that the legislature act urgently to get assistance funds to desperate health care professionals (still hasn’t happened) and not required non-essential business to close statewide (not state’s role).”Compare that to Governor Laura Kelly’s first-in-the nation school closure action and her statewide “stay-at-home” order, despite just 320 cases in the state.&nbsp; Kelly has taken advice from her top professional advisor, Dr. Lee Norman, the state’s Secretary of Health, acting early, responding forcefully and thus reassuring Kansans that a competent hand is on the tiller.We’ve got a long way to go, but so far Laura Kelly has quietly acted in the best interests of her 2.9 million constituents. In contrast to President Trump and Governor Parson, she makes no excuses. And like New York’s highly visible governor, Andrew Cuomo, Kelly knows exactly where the buck stops – with her.Burdett Loomis is an emeritus professor of political science at the University of Kansas.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Where the buck stops

WICHITA, Kansas — Floods, tornadoes and other 
natural disasters raked across the plains of Kansas long before this 
latest pandemic swirled invisibly around the globe.

And no amount of hunkering down in this <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23AloneTogether&amp;src=typeahead_click" target="_blank">#AloneTogether</a> period will ward off storm systems or the chaos they rain down.

To deal with that reality in this year of <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a>, emergency response managers at the federal, <a href="http://www.kansastag.gov/kdem_default.asp" target="_blank">state</a> and <a href="https://www.kema.org/board" target="_blank">county levels </a>are retooling how they’ll act when disaster strikes.

Help
 that would have been just a few key phone calls and emails away is busy
 dealing with its own problems in response to a crisis likely to linger 
at least for months.

That leaves the people paid to help 
communities brace for a deluge or recover from a twister more isolated. 
Not only do they have to deal with the new coronavirus that’s upended 
the world, but with the periodic disasters they're accustomed to 
preparing for.

While responders might be skilled in building a 
barrier out of sandbags or setting up temporary shelters for people with
 no place to go, making sure those shelters aren’t a perfect place for 
the virus to spread is a whole new challenge.

“I’m not sure we’ve ever trained for something just like this,” said Josh Murray, regional communications director for the <a href="https://www.redcross.org/local/kansas.html" target="_blank">American Red Cross</a>.
 “Hopefully, we don’t have any storms or major disasters that we have to
 deal with right away. But we know that that’s very possible and we’re 
doing everything we can to be ready.”

The <a href="https://www.nwk.usace.army.mil/" target="_blank">Army Corps of Engineers’ regional offices in Kansas City</a>
 have a ghost town feel these days. Like so many Kansans, the federal 
workers at the massive agency work from home, preparing, as usual, for 
the worst.

“The main thing right now is keeping our employees, 
our staff, healthy so if we do get into an event, we’re able to 
respond,” said Mike Dulin, an emergency management specialist with the 
Kansas City District of the Corps.

Across the Great Plains, that most likely means rivers busting from their banks and <a href="https://www.weather.gov/ddc/greensburgfiveyear" target="_blank">tornadoes ripping across the landscape</a>.

Typical
 training sessions that in prior years would happen in person now take 
place virtually through meetings over the Zoom app and conference phone 
calls.

“If we do get into a flood event, I think a lot of folks 
are going to be familiar with that virtual support already because we’re
 doing it as part of our daily routine now,” Dulin said.

In the 
event of a disaster, the material goods such as sandbags for flood 
barriers and equipment to clean up after a tornado are already in place.
 The problem is getting those to the impacted areas and protecting the 
responders who have to show up, pandemic or not.

“How do I keep 
them healthy, how do I mitigate the risk for them and their family,” 
asked Maj. General Lee Tafanelli, the Kansas director of emergency 
management.

One way is through the use of personal protective 
equipment such as face masks and gloves. Yet those supplies are scarce 
enough at hospitals already.

Tafanelli said the state is also 
looking at the ways setting up shelters for people who have to evacuate 
or have lost their homes would be different.

In Atchison County 
in northeast Kansas, where the Missouri River burst its banks last year,
 emergency management officials said the best-case scenario is not 
needing to open any shelters.

“We don’t want to do that, but if 
there’s a necessity to do so then we would have to do it,” said Wes 
Lanter, director of emergency management for Atchison County.

But it’s hard to predict where shelters might be needed. In a major disaster, shelters play a key role in helping the displaced.

To prepare for a time when one might be needed, the Red Cross said 
it’s working on modifying how those shelters would operate. People would
 likely be screened before being allowed in and an isolation area would 
be set up for people exhibiting symptoms of the coronavirus.

There’d be precautions taken inside the shelter, too.

“That
 may be spreading the beds farther apart,” said the Red Cross’ Murray. 
“That may be staggering meal times so people aren’t all sitting at a 
table at the same time.”

He said it’s likely county officials 
would need to find multiple locations for shelters&nbsp; as separation 
guidelines would mean fewer people could be housed in each one.

Finding and training volunteers would also be a challenge.

The
 Red Cross often gets supplies and volunteers from outside of the 
disaster area. But right now, the first disaster is coronavirus, and 
that’s impacting people nationwide. People who would normally travel to 
help out after a tornado, flood, or hurricane won’t be available.

Murray
 said even though the Red Cross and many of its volunteers are 
experienced at responding to disasters, this is unlike anything he’s 
ever seen.

“It would be a new experience,” he said, “and 
something that we’d have to do a lot of training and really go over how 
this is going to work.”

Brian Grimmett reports on the 
environment, energy and natural resources for KMUW in Wichita and the 
Kansas News Service. You can follow him on Twitter&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/briangrimmett?lang=en">@briangrimmett</a>&nbsp;or email him at grimmett@kmuw.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585760010774.jpeg" alt=" Flooding in Johnson County, Kansas, in July of 2017. Brian Grimmett / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption> Flooding in Johnson County, Kansas, in July of 2017. Brian Grimmett / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRIAN GRIMMETT, Kansas News ServiceWICHITA, Kansas — Floods, tornadoes and other 
natural disasters raked across the plains of Kansas long before this 
latest pandemic swirled invisibly around the globe.And no amount of hunkering down in this <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23AloneTogether&amp;src=typeahead_click" target="_blank">#AloneTogether</a> period will ward off storm systems or the chaos they rain down.To deal with that reality in this year of <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a>, emergency response managers at the federal, <a href="http://www.kansastag.gov/kdem_default.asp" target="_blank">state</a> and <a href="https://www.kema.org/board" target="_blank">county levels </a>are retooling how they’ll act when disaster strikes.Help
 that would have been just a few key phone calls and emails away is busy
 dealing with its own problems in response to a crisis likely to linger 
at least for months.That leaves the people paid to help 
communities brace for a deluge or recover from a twister more isolated. 
Not only do they have to deal with the new coronavirus that’s upended 
the world, but with the periodic disasters they're accustomed to 
preparing for.While responders might be skilled in building a 
barrier out of sandbags or setting up temporary shelters for people with
 no place to go, making sure those shelters aren’t a perfect place for 
the virus to spread is a whole new challenge.“I’m not sure we’ve ever trained for something just like this,” said Josh Murray, regional communications director for the <a href="https://www.redcross.org/local/kansas.html" target="_blank">American Red Cross</a>.
 “Hopefully, we don’t have any storms or major disasters that we have to
 deal with right away. But we know that that’s very possible and we’re 
doing everything we can to be ready.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585760056246.jpeg" alt=" Damage from the tornado that struck Greensburg, Kansas in May of 2007. Credit Jeff Hutton / National Weather Service" />
 <figcaption> Damage from the tornado that struck Greensburg, Kansas in May of 2007. Credit Jeff Hutton / National Weather Service</figcaption>
 </figure>Virtual PreparednessThe <a href="https://www.nwk.usace.army.mil/" target="_blank">Army Corps of Engineers’ regional offices in Kansas City</a>
 have a ghost town feel these days. Like so many Kansans, the federal 
workers at the massive agency work from home, preparing, as usual, for 
the worst.“The main thing right now is keeping our employees, 
our staff, healthy so if we do get into an event, we’re able to 
respond,” said Mike Dulin, an emergency management specialist with the 
Kansas City District of the Corps.Across the Great Plains, that most likely means rivers busting from their banks and <a href="https://www.weather.gov/ddc/greensburgfiveyear" target="_blank">tornadoes ripping across the landscape</a>.Typical
 training sessions that in prior years would happen in person now take 
place virtually through meetings over the Zoom app and conference phone 
calls.“If we do get into a flood event, I think a lot of folks 
are going to be familiar with that virtual support already because we’re
 doing it as part of our daily routine now,” Dulin said.In the 
event of a disaster, the material goods such as sandbags for flood 
barriers and equipment to clean up after a tornado are already in place.
 The problem is getting those to the impacted areas and protecting the 
responders who have to show up, pandemic or not.“How do I keep 
them healthy, how do I mitigate the risk for them and their family,” 
asked Maj. General Lee Tafanelli, the Kansas director of emergency 
management.One way is through the use of personal protective 
equipment such as face masks and gloves. Yet those supplies are scarce 
enough at hospitals already.Tafanelli said the state is also 
looking at the ways setting up shelters for people who have to evacuate 
or have lost their homes would be different.In Atchison County 
in northeast Kansas, where the Missouri River burst its banks last year,
 emergency management officials said the best-case scenario is not 
needing to open any shelters.“We don’t want to do that, but if 
there’s a necessity to do so then we would have to do it,” said Wes 
Lanter, director of emergency management for Atchison County.But it’s hard to predict where shelters might be needed. In a major disaster, shelters play a key role in helping the displaced.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585760094092.jpeg" alt=" Flooding in Larned, Kansas in August 2019. Credit Chris Neal / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption> Flooding in Larned, Kansas in August 2019. Credit Chris Neal / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>To prepare for a time when one might be needed, the Red Cross said 
it’s working on modifying how those shelters would operate. People would
 likely be screened before being allowed in and an isolation area would 
be set up for people exhibiting symptoms of the coronavirus.There’d be precautions taken inside the shelter, too.“That
 may be spreading the beds farther apart,” said the Red Cross’ Murray. 
“That may be staggering meal times so people aren’t all sitting at a 
table at the same time.”He said it’s likely county officials 
would need to find multiple locations for shelters&nbsp; as separation 
guidelines would mean fewer people could be housed in each one.Finding and training volunteers would also be a challenge.The
 Red Cross often gets supplies and volunteers from outside of the 
disaster area. But right now, the first disaster is coronavirus, and 
that’s impacting people nationwide. People who would normally travel to 
help out after a tornado, flood, or hurricane won’t be available.Murray
 said even though the Red Cross and many of its volunteers are 
experienced at responding to disasters, this is unlike anything he’s 
ever seen.“It would be a new experience,” he said, “and 
something that we’d have to do a lot of training and really go over how 
this is going to work.”Brian Grimmett reports on the 
environment, energy and natural resources for KMUW in Wichita and the 
Kansas News Service. You can follow him on Twitter&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/briangrimmett?lang=en">@briangrimmett</a>&nbsp;or email him at grimmett@kmuw.org.

Hunkered-down Kansans brace for flood, tornado season

<a href="https://hayspost.com/state-farm-weather-window/">For a full look at weather visit the State Farm Weather Window by clicking here.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575929617735.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/state-farm-weather-window/">For a full look at weather visit the State Farm Weather Window by clicking here.</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585883590334.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Three-day weather outlook

The Eagle Radio of Hays Online Auction has begun!

Click <a href="https://hayspost.com/eagle-radio-auction">HERE</a> to see all the latest deals from local merchants.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585591783968.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Eagle Radio of Hays Online Auction has begun!Click <a href="https://hayspost.com/eagle-radio-auction">HERE</a> to see all the latest deals from local merchants.Register, bid and buy from the comfort of your own home!

Eagle Radio Online Auction has begun!

OSBORNE - The Osborne County Health Department has announced the first case of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Osborne County, in a news release late Thursday afternoon from Carla Mans, RN administrator.

The case involves a female over age 60 with recent out-of-state travel.

The Osborne County Health Department is working to identify any close contacts of the individual and those who were exposed will be contacted as soon as possible.

They will be monitoring these contacts for fever and respiratory symptoms.

No further information about the patient will be released.

Osborne County residents can stay informed by visiting&nbsp;<a href="http://www.osbornecounty.org/" target="_blank">www.osbornecounty.org</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus" target="_blank">www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="http://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus" target="_blank">http://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus</a>.

For general information, contact the KDHE phone bank at 1-866-534-3463 (1-866-KDHEINF) or email&nbsp;COVID-19@ks.gov.&nbsp;You may also contact the Osborne County Health Department at 785-346-2412.

OSBORNE - The Osborne County Health Department has announced the first case of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Osborne County, in a news release late Thursday afternoon from Carla Mans, RN administrator.The case involves a female over age 60 with recent out-of-state travel.The Osborne County Health Department is working to identify any close contacts of the individual and those who were exposed will be contacted as soon as possible.They will be monitoring these contacts for fever and respiratory symptoms.No further information about the patient will be released.Osborne County residents can stay informed by visiting&nbsp;<a href="http://www.osbornecounty.org/" target="_blank">www.osbornecounty.org</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus" target="_blank">www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="http://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus" target="_blank">http://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus</a>.For general information, contact the KDHE phone bank at 1-866-534-3463 (1-866-KDHEINF) or email&nbsp;COVID-19@ks.gov.&nbsp;You may also contact the Osborne County Health Department at 785-346-2412.

Osborne Co. reports first coronavirus case

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile notifications click here.</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile notifications click here.</a><div><iframe title="USD 489 Elementary schools settling into new norm" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/ckagf-d80acd?from=yiiadmin&download=1&version=1&vjs=1&skin=3&auto=1&share=1&fonts=Helvetica&download=1&rtl=0&pbad=1"></iframe></div>

🎤Post Podcast: USD 489 Elementary schools settling into new norm

The National Weather Service in Dodge City has issued a winter weather advisory for portion of western Kansas, including Ellis and Rush counties.

Light freezing rain or freezing drizzle is expected to create a light glaze, forecasters predicted. Winds are expected to gust up to 35 mph.

The advisory is in effect from 11 p.m. Thursday to 8 a.m. Friday.

To the west, the NWS in Goodland also issued an advisory for most of northwest Kansas, warning that wind chill values are expected to drop into the single digits.

Check Hays Post and stay tuned to your Eagle Radio of Hays stations for the latest on severe weather and cancellations.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585857353244.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The National Weather Service in Dodge City has issued a winter weather advisory for portion of western Kansas, including Ellis and Rush counties.Light freezing rain or freezing drizzle is expected to create a light glaze, forecasters predicted. Winds are expected to gust up to 35 mph.The advisory is in effect from 11 p.m. Thursday to 8 a.m. Friday.To the west, the NWS in Goodland also issued an advisory for most of northwest Kansas, warning that wind chill values are expected to drop into the single digits.Check Hays Post and stay tuned to your Eagle Radio of Hays stations for the latest on severe weather and cancellations.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585857729013.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Forecasters warn of winter weather moving into NW Kansas

The Hays Police Department responded to 2 animal calls and conducted 7 traffic stops Fri., March 27, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Civil Dispute--1100 block 1111 Oakmont St, Hay; 4:51 PM Parking Complaint--2800 block Augusta Ln, Hays; 4:53 PM Harassment, Telephone/FAX--100 block E 5th St, Hays; 3/26 8 PM; 3/27 9 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 6 animal calls and conducted 0 traffic stops Sat., March 28, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Suspicious Vehicle--700 block E 6th St, Hays;&nbsp;1:43 AM Suicidal Subject--2800 block Fort St, Hays;&nbsp;2:46 AM Dead Animal Call--6th and Fort St, Hays;&nbsp;9:43 AM Animal At Large--1800 block Ash St, Hays;&nbsp;12:53 PM Criminal Damage to Property--1300 block Agnes Dr, Hays; 3/21 8 AM; 3/28 2:27 PM MV Accident-Co Road/St Hwy--22nd St and Canterbury Dr, Hays;&nbsp;4:09 PM Mental Health Call--1400 block E 29th St, Hays;&nbsp;6:08 PM Harassment, Telephone/FAX--300 block E 6th St, Hays;&nbsp;9:08 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 5 animal calls and conducted 3 traffic stops Sun., March 29, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Burglary/business--100 block E 8th St, Hays; 3/28 12 PM; 3/29 10:33 PM Animal At Large--2700 block Ash St, Hay; 1:30 PM Drug Offenses--1100 block Downing Ave, Hays; 2 PM Animal At Large--1300 block W 27th St, Hays; 3:43 PM Welfare Check--2900 block Barclay Dr, Hays; 3:46 PM; 4 PM Disturbance - Noise--400 block E 16th St, Hays; 5:34 PM Animal At Large--2700 block Canal Blvd, Hays; 6:45 PM Lost Animals ONLY--300 block E 25th St, Hays; 9:24 PM Burglary/vehicle--1100 block Downing Ave, Hays; 10:47 PM Violation of Restraining Order/PFA--2800 block Fort St, Hays; 11:08 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 5 animal calls and conducted 1 traffic stop Tue., March 31, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Suspicious Person--2700 block Broadway
Ave, Hays; 1:40 AM Water Use
Violation--200 block W 23rd St; 8 AM; 8:45 AM Lost Animals ONLY--2400 block E 21st St,
Hays; 9:10 AM Found/Lost Property--400 block 12th St, Hays; 10:44 AM Dead Animal
Call--20th and Vine St, Hays; 11:05 AM Criminal Trespass--1000 block E 27th St, Hays; 11:30 AM Animal At Large--2000 block Walnut St, Hays; 2:48 PM Animal Cruelty/Neglect--1300 block Felten Dr, Hays; 3:05 PM Intoxicated Subject--1100 block Pinehurst St,
Hays; 6:54 PM Parking Complaint--2700 block Country Ln, Hays: 7:54 PM Driving
Under the Influence--100 Block E 12th St, Hays; 8:05 PM; 8:08 PM Welfare Check--2800 block Fort St,
Hays; 8:46 PM Suspicious Activity--500 block E 8th St, Hays; 9:41 PM Welfare
Check--2800 block Fort St, Hays; 11:12 PM Civil Dispute--900 block Walnut St, Hays; 11:57 PM

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573140734289.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Hays Police Department responded to 2 animal calls and conducted 7 traffic stops Fri., March 27, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log.Civil Dispute--1100 block 1111 Oakmont St, Hay; 4:51 PM Parking Complaint--2800 block Augusta Ln, Hays; 4:53 PM Harassment, Telephone/FAX--100 block E 5th St, Hays; 3/26 8 PM; 3/27 9 PMThe Hays Police Department responded to 6 animal calls and conducted 0 traffic stops Sat., March 28, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log.Suspicious Vehicle--700 block E 6th St, Hays;&nbsp;1:43 AM Suicidal Subject--2800 block Fort St, Hays;&nbsp;2:46 AM Dead Animal Call--6th and Fort St, Hays;&nbsp;9:43 AM Animal At Large--1800 block Ash St, Hays;&nbsp;12:53 PM Criminal Damage to Property--1300 block Agnes Dr, Hays; 3/21 8 AM; 3/28 2:27 PM MV Accident-Co Road/St Hwy--22nd St and Canterbury Dr, Hays;&nbsp;4:09 PM Mental Health Call--1400 block E 29th St, Hays;&nbsp;6:08 PM Harassment, Telephone/FAX--300 block E 6th St, Hays;&nbsp;9:08 PMThe Hays Police Department responded to 5 animal calls and conducted 3 traffic stops Sun., March 29, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log.Burglary/business--100 block E 8th St, Hays; 3/28 12 PM; 3/29 10:33 PM Animal At Large--2700 block Ash St, Hay; 1:30 PM Drug Offenses--1100 block Downing Ave, Hays; 2 PM Animal At Large--1300 block W 27th St, Hays; 3:43 PM Welfare Check--2900 block Barclay Dr, Hays; 3:46 PM; 4 PM Disturbance - Noise--400 block E 16th St, Hays; 5:34 PM Animal At Large--2700 block Canal Blvd, Hays; 6:45 PM Lost Animals ONLY--300 block E 25th St, Hays; 9:24 PM Burglary/vehicle--1100 block Downing Ave, Hays; 10:47 PM Violation of Restraining Order/PFA--2800 block Fort St, Hays; 11:08 PMThe Hays Police Department responded to 5 animal calls and conducted 1 traffic stop Tue., March 31, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log.Suspicious Person--2700 block Broadway
Ave, Hays; 1:40 AM Water Use
Violation--200 block W 23rd St; 8 AM; 8:45 AM Lost Animals ONLY--2400 block E 21st St,
Hays; 9:10 AM Found/Lost Property--400 block 12th St, Hays; 10:44 AM Dead Animal
Call--20th and Vine St, Hays; 11:05 AM Criminal Trespass--1000 block E 27th St, Hays; 11:30 AM Animal At Large--2000 block Walnut St, Hays; 2:48 PM Animal Cruelty/Neglect--1300 block Felten Dr, Hays; 3:05 PM Intoxicated Subject--1100 block Pinehurst St,
Hays; 6:54 PM Parking Complaint--2700 block Country Ln, Hays: 7:54 PM Driving
Under the Influence--100 Block E 12th St, Hays; 8:05 PM; 8:08 PM Welfare Check--2800 block Fort St,
Hays; 8:46 PM Suspicious Activity--500 block E 8th St, Hays; 9:41 PM Welfare
Check--2800 block Fort St, Hays; 11:12 PM Civil Dispute--900 block Walnut St, Hays; 11:57 PM<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573140734289.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

HPD Activity Log March 27-29, 31

The City of Hays plans to reopen&nbsp;Fort Hays Municipal Golf Course with revamped rules, according to a news release Thursday.

Changes include allowing only one person per cart, using the window on the north side of the pro shop for customer transactions and other methods of social distancing.

See the complete set of guidelines below.

Congregations of people and things people have to touch figured into the&nbsp; decision to completely close the Fort Hays Municipal Golf Course and Hays Dog Park on Monday, according to Collin Bielser, assistant city manager.

All other Hays parks and walking trails remain open, although playground equipment, shelter houses and restrooms are off-limits while Gov. Laura Kelly's Stay at Home Executive Order is in place.&nbsp;

"The access point to the golf course is the club house," Bielser said Tuesday, "and that's not an essential business listed under the executive order. So we determined, and it was a difficult decision, in order to control that access to close the course."

City Parks Department employees remain on the job at the golf course.

"We're here taking care of the grounds as we would normally," Fort Hays Municipal Golf Course Superintendent Kevin Kamphaus said late Wednesday morning.

Fighting the gusty southerly wind, one part-time seasonal worker was watering new grass that has been planted to replace a deteriorated asphalt driveway to golf cart sheds.&nbsp;

A lot of local golfers are unhappy about the closure, according to Jeff Boyle, director of parks, and he's received&nbsp;numerous phone calls and emails.

Boyle is reviewing the situation and has been in touch with the state. 

Other golf courses in the area remain open, albeit with&nbsp; new rules in place, he said.

"Whether those are actually meeting the state order, I haven't had a response on a couple of those items yet.

"I'm trying to come up with a possible plan for the city manager to review to maybe go a different direction," Boyle said.

There are other concerns about using the golf course.

"The normal way to play is when you get on the green, you grab the flag pole and remove it, then putt your ball into the hole. You reach into the plastic hole and pull out your ball when you're done.

"So there's contact right there in two different areas," Boyle pointed out. "And, there's typically two people to a cart which doesn't provide the social distancing expectations of the state.

"There's a lot of little things like that going on that caused us to close the course."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585779969701.png" alt="The Fort Hays Municipal Golf Course was closed Monday by the city following the governor's stay-at-home executive order. Director of Parks Jeff Boyle hopes to reopen the course with some rule changes that would adhere to the state edict." />
 <figcaption>The Fort Hays Municipal Golf Course was closed Monday by the city following the governor's stay-at-home executive order. Director of Parks Jeff Boyle hopes to reopen the course with some rule changes that would adhere to the state edict.</figcaption>
 </figure>UPDATED: 12:30 p.m. ThursdayThe City of Hays plans to reopen&nbsp;Fort Hays Municipal Golf Course with revamped rules, according to a news release Thursday.Changes include allowing only one person per cart, using the window on the north side of the pro shop for customer transactions and other methods of social distancing.See the complete set of guidelines below.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585848694171.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>---------------------------By BECKY KISER Hays PostCongregations of people and things people have to touch figured into the&nbsp; decision to completely close the Fort Hays Municipal Golf Course and Hays Dog Park on Monday, according to Collin Bielser, assistant city manager.All other Hays parks and walking trails remain open, although playground equipment, shelter houses and restrooms are off-limits while Gov. Laura Kelly's Stay at Home Executive Order is in place.&nbsp;"The access point to the golf course is the club house," Bielser said Tuesday, "and that's not an essential business listed under the executive order. So we determined, and it was a difficult decision, in order to control that access to close the course."City Parks Department employees remain on the job at the golf course."We're here taking care of the grounds as we would normally," Fort Hays Municipal Golf Course Superintendent Kevin Kamphaus said late Wednesday morning.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585780285022.png" alt="Hays Parks Department employees continue working at the closed municipal golf course." />
 <figcaption>Hays Parks Department employees continue working at the closed municipal golf course.</figcaption>
 </figure>Fighting the gusty southerly wind, one part-time seasonal worker was watering new grass that has been planted to replace a deteriorated asphalt driveway to golf cart sheds.&nbsp;A lot of local golfers are unhappy about the closure, according to Jeff Boyle, director of parks, and he's received&nbsp;numerous phone calls and emails.Boyle is reviewing the situation and has been in touch with the state. Other golf courses in the area remain open, albeit with&nbsp; new rules in place, he said."Whether those are actually meeting the state order, I haven't had a response on a couple of those items yet."I'm trying to come up with a possible plan for the city manager to review to maybe go a different direction," Boyle said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585792075214.png" alt="Blocked access to the golf cart path&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Blocked access to the golf cart path&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>There are other concerns about using the golf course."The normal way to play is when you get on the green, you grab the flag pole and remove it, then putt your ball into the hole. You reach into the plastic hole and pull out your ball when you're done."So there's contact right there in two different areas," Boyle pointed out. "And, there's typically two people to a cart which doesn't provide the social distancing expectations of the state."There's a lot of little things like that going on that caused us to close the course."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585780394945.png" alt="The Hays Dog Park is closed. Other Hays parks and trails remain open, although there is no access to playground equipment, shelters or restrooms." />
 <figcaption>The Hays Dog Park is closed. Other Hays parks and trails remain open, although there is no access to playground equipment, shelters or restrooms.</figcaption>
 </figure>

UPDATE: Hays golf course will reopen with new rules

Due to the COVID-19 Stay At Home Order for Kansas, ACCESS Transportation is announcing that all services will be suspended in Hays and Ellis County as of 6 p.m. Friday.  Services will be reinstated once Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly lifts the order.  

With ACCESS Transportation closing until the Stay At Home Order has been lifted, the Safe Ride program, which is funded by the Partnership for a Safer Community and Fort Hays State University will also be suspended and will not be operating on Thursday, Friday or Saturday nights.  Tiger Route that is funded by Fort Hays State University will also be suspended and will not be operating on Wednesday, Friday or Saturday. 

ACCESS Transportation apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause.  ACCESS believes in doing its part in helping to contain the spread of the virus  across the state and looks forward to serving Hays and Ellis County as soon as possible. 

For more information about ACCESS Public Transportation, please visit <a href="https://www.mydsnwk.org/">www.DSNWK.org</a> or call 785-625-1052.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584536781273.jpeg" alt="ACCESS Transportation will suspend its services in Hays and Ellis County beginning Friday evening while the governor's stay-at-home executive order is in place." />
 <figcaption>ACCESS Transportation will suspend its services in Hays and Ellis County beginning Friday evening while the governor's stay-at-home executive order is in place.</figcaption>
 </figure>DSNWKDue to the COVID-19 Stay At Home Order for Kansas, ACCESS Transportation is announcing that all services will be suspended in Hays and Ellis County as of 6 p.m. Friday. Services will be reinstated once Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly lifts the order. With ACCESS Transportation closing until the Stay At Home Order has been lifted, the Safe Ride program, which is funded by the Partnership for a Safer Community and Fort Hays State University will also be suspended and will not be operating on Thursday, Friday or Saturday nights. Tiger Route that is funded by Fort Hays State University will also be suspended and will not be operating on Wednesday, Friday or Saturday. ACCESS Transportation apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. ACCESS believes in doing its part in helping to contain the spread of the virus across the state and looks forward to serving Hays and Ellis County as soon as possible. For more information about ACCESS Public Transportation, please visit <a href="https://www.mydsnwk.org/">www.DSNWK.org</a> or call 785-625-1052.

ACCESS Transportation to be suspended including Safe Ride, Tiger Route  

Holy Family Elementary School started its continuous learning plan Thursday.

Information went out to parents Tuesday. The letter is attached below.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585767016229.jpeg" alt="Holy Family Elementary School teachers wave to students and their families on Sunday as they drive through the Holy Family parking lot. Photo courtesy of Holy Family Elementary School." />
 <figcaption>Holy Family Elementary School teachers wave to students and their families on Sunday as they drive through the Holy Family parking lot. Photo courtesy of Holy Family Elementary School.</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostHoly Family Elementary School started its continuous learning plan Thursday.Information went out to parents Tuesday. The letter is attached below.&nbsp;Rachel Wentling, Holy Family principal, said&nbsp;she has been trying to sooth parents' worries about school."I don't think anybody should worry about their child falling behind. This pandemic is not just affecting students in Ellis County in Hays and not just Kansas, but it's the entire United States and the entire world. ..."When we are able to return to school in our traditional format, we are going to&nbsp; assess students, and we are going to meet them where they are at and continue their academic progress."What your child's learning will look like will vary depending on their teachers and their grade, she said.&nbsp;Students will be using school Chromebooks, which have been checked out to them.The Kansas Department of Education is recommending the following maximum instruction times per day for students based on grade:<ul>
 <li>Preschool — 30 minutes</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Grades K-1 — 45 minutes</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Grades 2-3 — 60 minutes</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Grades 4-5 — 90 minutes</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Grade 6 —&nbsp;30 minutes/teacher with a maximum of three hours</li>
 </ul>Families with children in grades preschool through first grade should have received school packets when they picked up personal belongings at the school last week.Those packets contain worksheets, which will be used in conjunction with online reading and math textbooks that students have already been using. Parents will also be able to play instructional videos."For our younger kids, I think it is really about keeping them reading," Wentling said, "giving them opportunities to read and practice their site words and continue to practice all of those skills."Wentling said the students will be doing the same thing in math — practicing basic addition, subtraction and writing their numbers.&nbsp;Parents can take pictures of the children's work and submit them to teachers through the Class Dojo app.The Holy Family librarian is making children's books accessible for students online.&nbsp;The school is also offering optional enrichment activities parents can try with their kids at home, Wentling said."All of these days they are home together, it is hard to come up with ideas all of the time," she said. "Hopefully we can be a resource for parents."Teachers are still developing some of these ideas, and what children will be able to do will also depend on the supplies available at home.Wentling gave examples such as drawing pictures with sidewalk chalk, lego activities or offering an act of kindness at home.The school is also going to continue to offer special classes including art, PE and music.The Holy Family PE teachers is developing physical activities and games that require no additional equipment, Wentling said.Students may be encouraged to create an art piece in the style of a famous artists with the supplies they have at home.Holy Family is taking into consideration many parents may still be working and children will be in day care or being cared for by older siblings."When parents come home at the end of the day, it is a lot to ask them to also then teach their kids," Wentling said. "We need to be cognizant of that. Forty-five minutes is not as demanding as a typical school day."The school is also trying to be flexible with the instruction for the older elementary school students, Wentling said.Teachers have recorded lessons the students can play at any time. Teachers will be available daily for office hours, but are looking at goals for students to accomplish in a week, Wentling said.Some students will finish more quickly than others.Some teachers have been exploring choice boards. The students will have required actives and then be able to choose from a list of optional activities.Students will be focusing on math and language arts, but students may be able to choose from optional STEM activities. An example is building a solar oven at home, something fourth-grade students had traditionally done in class in the spring, Wentling said."Of course our focus is on maintaining and having some academic gain," Wentling said," but really the most important part is our students spiritual and social/emotional well-being as well as their health."They are all in unique circumstances at home, so we want to make sure they are supported."When students are in school, they bond through a human connection, Wentling said. However, when kids are at home, they are missing out on that human connection.The school is looking at ways to use social media and platforms, such as Google classroom and Class Dojo to keep students connected to each other and to their teachers, Wentling said.Teachers gathered in the parking lot of the school on Sunday so families could drive through and see and wave to their teachers.The teachers kept their social distance from each other and the kids, but celebrated with streamers, signs and costumes."I think it was mutually beneficial," Wentling said. "Teachers get into teaching because of kids and because there is a human connection there."See a link to a pre-recorded Facebook live with Wentling on the <a href="http://book.com/holyfamilyelementary/">Holy Family Facebook page</a>.The Holy Family letter to families on continuos learning is below in full.HOLY FAMILY ELEMENTARY CONTINUOUS EDUCATION PLAN, 2020 
PHILOSOPHY OF CONTINUOUS EDUCATION: QUALITY OVER QUANTITY The KSDE Continuous Education Guidelines recommends the following daily instructional times: <ol>
 <li>Preschool — 30 minutes</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>Grades K-1 — 45 minutes</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>Grades 2-3 — 60 minutes</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>Grades 4-5 — 90 minutes</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>Grade 6 —&nbsp;30 minutes/teacher with a maximum of three hours</li>
 </ol>Teachers identified critical standards in specific discipline areas that will be the focus of curricular instruction for the remaining six weeks of the school year during online instruction. 
KEEP IT SIMPLE 
Holy Family faculty will continue to utilize the various instructional technologies that have been employed throughout the school year and are familiar to students. 
Teachers will learn and master 2-3 additional technology skills as needed for delivery of instruction, student engagement, and student assessment. This will allow instructors and students to streamline and master the technologies while being able to maintain the focus on student learning. 
CORE EXPECTATIONS WITH OPTIONAL ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES 
Understandably, every household has specific challenges for the online delivery of instruction and student learning. This has been a consideration in the development of the continuous education plan at each grade level.Homerooms teachers will deliver explicit expectations for student practice and involvement that fall within the recommended guidelines of Continuous Education for daily instruction. While these guidelines exist, it is understood that some students will require more time to complete their learning and others will complete the assignments with ease. Also, it is recognized that many parents may want to further enrich their child’s daily learning. Teachers will present required activities along with various enrichment activities as a resource to parents to further their children’s learning while at home for the extended period of time.Please remember that during this COVID-19 pandemic that all education across the state, country, and globe is paused and being re-evaluated. While it may feel as though our students are falling behind, they are falling right in line with what all other students are experiencing worldwide. When the new school year commences in 2020 students will be assessed and met where they are at academically to continue their education. Student spiritual, social-emotional, nutritional, and physical health are just as significant as academic gains during this time.&nbsp;&nbsp;ONLINE DELIVERY OF INSTRUCTION AND STUDENT LEARNINGCHROMEBOOKAll students are expected to use the school Chromebook that was checked out to them. The Chromebooks are managed under the school domain, have content filtering devices to protect students while online, and will continue to be managed with proper bookmarks and shortcuts to the resources that will be used for student learning. Fortunately, HFE already has and uses core curriculum resources that have a digital textbook platform to serve as an added resource for teachers, students, and parents.OFFICE HOURSEach teacher will keep an office hour during the day for students or parents to contact them for assistance. These Zoom links will be shared and posted in the HFE School calendar. Because of restrictions that do not allow teachers to videoconference with students one-on-one, many of the office hours will be joint with another teacher or para-professional. Mrs. Wentling offers a daily office hour from 12:30-1:30 pm for students or parents to meet and will be available each morning at 9:00 am on YouTube Live to interact with students after our morning prayer, pledge, and daily announcements. 
PRESCHOOL-3RD GRADEPreschool, First, Second, and Third Grades will utilize the Class Dojo platform to interact with students online. Preschool, KinderPrep, Kindergarten, and First Grade are also utilizing paper packets that were distributed with student materials last week. The procedure for drop off (if necessary) and pick up of additional packets is still being developed at this time. 
Kindergarten, First, Second, and Third Grades are enrolling in the EPIC reading platform to provide students with high interest reading at their appropriate reading levels and will allow teachers to assess the reading of the students. All grade levels will continue to use the academic online programs such as IXL, Lexia Core 5, and Xtra math as they have been used throughout the year as formative assessments and academic practice.3RD-6TH GRADEThird, Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Grades will utilize the Google Classroom platform to deliver and collect assignments as well as post instructional videos and Zoom classroom links. Students will make use of their google email accounts as a form of communication with their classroom teacher as well. Students will continue to use the digital platforms of Pearson’s Reading Street, Pearson’s Envision Math, Shurley English, Interactive Science, and Be My Disciples Religion Text as they apply to the curricular instructional goals. These platforms may be further supported through IXL Math, IXL Reading, IXL English, IXL Science, IXL Social Studies, Lexia Core 5, Xtra Math, and Khan Academy as they relate to the student practice, learning, and formative assessment.SPECIALS CLASSESEach specials class will have lessons one day per week, i.e. Monday-Music, Tuesday-Art, Wednesday-Library, Thursday-Computer, Friday-PE. These lessons will be largely participatory in nature and are meant to enrich the students’ learning and daily lives while providing additional structure as needed at home. Specials teachers will also assist the Third, Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Grade teachers with reaching out students and parents who may need additional support with completing work. Each teacher is assigned to a grade level team as a support person.&nbsp;&nbsp;STUDENT ASSESSMENTGrades will continue at all grade levels, but may be calculated differently than they would have been in a traditional educational setting. Each grade level has different challenges as they relate to the amount of instructional time and the content of the various discipline areas. This aspect is still being developed, but grade cards will be distributed at the end of the 4th quarter, although, they may be modified to reflect the online delivery of continuous education.SPECIAL EDUCATION NEEDS, TITLE 1 READING, READING RECOVERY, AND REFERRALS FOR EVALUATION 
SPECIAL EDUCATIONDuring this unprecedented time meeting the needs of students with exceptionalities can be challenging, but it can be overcome. With the changes of instructional time authorized by KSDE, there are also allowances for to adjust instructional times that vary from the students’ IEPs. Students with exceptionalities will receive an Individual Continuous Learning Plan (ICLP) developed specifically for these next few weeks of school. With that in mind, Holy Family and West Central Kansas Special Education Cooperative is committed to continuing education of all students. The special education services of HFE will focus on trying to maintain as much routine as possible with students working toward their individual educational goals.TITLE 1 READING &amp; READING RECOVERYMrs. Woydziak is available for consultation to support parents of students receiving Title 1 and Reading Recovery services. She is available for check ins with students, and can be contacted by email awoydziak@hfehays.org for additional support. 
REFERRALS FOR EVALUATIONSeveral students are in the referral process to determine if they qualify for services as a student with an exceptionality. Currently, evaluations are on hold until due to many restrictions that make norm-references assessments impossible to administer. If needed, we will file for extensions and complete the evaluations when school returns to normal. In the meantime, parents will be supported with intervention strategies to continue to help their child make academic gains. 
SPIRITUAL FORMATION, SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL NEEDS, AND NUTRITIONAL SUPPORT 
SPIRITUAL FORMATIONAs a Catholic school our mission is to bring Christ into the daily lives of our students. Each morning we will continue to start our school day with prayer, our school mission statements, and the Pledge of Allegiance through YouTube Live at 9:00 am. This will be posted for students to view at any time during the day. Fr. Nick will prepare a spiritual message for our students each week on Thursday when he would normally have the school mass. We encourage the students and their parents to watch the daily masses that are broadcast by our local parishes when possible. Teachers will continue with religion instruction and we are developing other plans for our First Friday prayer services and other ways to bring Christ to our students on a weekly and daily basis. SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL NEEDSSchool counselor, Ms. Lang, is developing a resource page that will be linked on the school website. Parents may access the page to help support students at home who may be having feelings of anxiety, depression, anger, withdrawal, etc. The COVID-19 Pandemic is a health crisis that could have traumatic effects on students depending on their individual circumstances, especially if a family member or themselves contract the virus or there is the presence of a family member with an immunosuppressed condition. The children’s daily routine and structure have changed dramatically, families have had to make significant adjustments accordingly, and there are financial concerns across the board. If any parents are struggling with their child’s motivation or has concerns about their disposition, please contact Ms. Lang or Mrs. Wentling so that we can provide resources to help support parents as they support their child(ren) at home through this Continuous Learning timeline. Our staff will help develop positive behavior interventions and offer counseling services and/or resources remotely.NUTRITIONAL SUPPORTAll Holy Family Elementary students are eligible to participate in the food program distribution through Lincoln Elementary, Hays Middle School, and Hays High School. Please notify us if you need further support nutritionally and we will help identify other resources available.COMMUNICATIONCommunication will be the key to success of this plan. Please utilize the office hours, email, and phone to contact us. With the influx of email please give faculty and staff the grace of 24 hours to respond to messages. If more immediate assistance is needed, please use the designated office hours or phone to get in touch with the needed staff member. The school office phone calls will be forwarded to Mrs. Toni Whitmer’s phone during the day.CLOSING STATEMENTWe trust in God’s Divine Providence of His schools and we have always maintained that parents are the primary educators of their children. Our faculty and staff are here to support you in this very important task that has become even more integral in your daily lives. You and your family are in our daily prayers, and we beg God to cover our school and entire community with a shield of protection for our health and all those who are on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. 
At Holy Family We are CHRIST to One Another. We grow in our&nbsp;Catholic faith to Honor God Respect others Imitate Christ Study and develop our Talents to glorify God!

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