Cape School Board updates COVID reentry plan

The Cape Girardeau School Board announced updates to the district's COVID reentry plan for the start of the spring semester, during its regular meeting Monday.

The board decided to continue its use of positive trace tracking for COVID-19 cases, but will not use close contact tracing going forward this semester. If a student, staff or faculty member does test positive for the virus, the school will not track who the individuals have come in contact with.

If a close contact case does occur within a classroom, a blanket email will be sent to the parents or guardians of the student in the specific classroom and it will be highly recommend the student wears a mask.

Other business

• Ten Cape Girardeau district students, ranging from elementary to high school, were recognized as "Terrific Tigers" for their academic performance in the classroom, pleasant demeanors and willingness to help their fellow classmates. Each student was given a medal and certificate naming them as "Terrific Tigers." A picture was taken of each student and past recipients may be seen monthly on the Cape Tigers website.
• The Kiwanis Club of Cape Girardeau made a donation of $5,800 to be used in the Cape Girardeau High School weight room. Members of the Kiwanis Club presented an oversized check to officials of the high school.
• Three Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center students were invited to Gov. Mike Parson's State of the State address last week and were recognized for their training in current technologies.
• The Cape Girardeau Junior High will host a blood drive from 2 to 6 p.m. Feb. 9 in the lobby of the gym to provide the Red Cross with blood donations due to the current shortage it is experiencing.
• The board approved a new message board to be installed in front of Alma Schrader Elementary School for a cost of $26,131.12 and approved change orders for Jefferson Elementary construction for a total of $34,076. The construction includes pouring the bottom of the school's new pool and installing interior walls in the kitchen remodel.
• Support services received a Department of Justice grant totaling $370,000, which will be used to purchase safety items. According to board member John Crowell, some of the items the district will purchase include concrete bollards, updating radio systems and trauma kits for classrooms.
• The Penguin Party will take place Feb. 12. The fundraiser helps the school district fund its teaching grants and special requests. Tickets may be purchased on the Cape Girardeau School District's website, www.capetigers.com.