From the Superintendent's Desk

Parents and Patrons,

Ravenna Public Schools is off to a great start to the 2021-2022 school year. We continue to closely monitor COVID-19 pandemic along with the health and safety of our students and staff. This is certainly a daily challenge that we take seriously. As stated previously we are focusing not just on the Two Rivers Health Department risk dial, but also closely on what is happening within our school population and community in relation to the spread of the virus. We have been fortunate to have school in our “Green Operational Zone”, in which masks are recommended, but not required to this point in the year. Operational Zone updates will continue to be released on an as needed basis.

We are extremely excited to announce that Ravenna Public Schools is partnering with Wilkins Architecture Design and Planning L.L.C. of Kearney to complete a comprehensive facilities study. The goal of the study is to provide RPS with a long term facilities plan that will guide the district in keeping our buildings and mechanical systems up-to-date. Long term planning is important to ensure that we are providing our students with the best possible educational opportunities and facilities. It is also important from a financial standpoint to ensure that we are keeping our buildings and mechanical systems updated, well maintained, and functioning properly.

On September 3rd, 2021, the Nebraska State Board of Education voted 5-1, with an abstention, to indefinitely postpone the development of statewide health-education standards. The initial release of the standards was not well received and created a tremendous amount of controversy. Please keep in mind that Ravenna Public Schools are not bound or required to adopt the health standards that are released by the Nebraska Department of Education exactly as they are written. We are able to make edits or omissions to the standards as determined by our staff, administration, and school board.

If you have any questions throughout the school year, you can email all three of the Ravenna Public Schools Administrative Team Members by sending one email to <rtsq@ravennabluejays.org>. You can also reach any of the school’s administrators during regular business hours at the school by dialing 308-452-3249.

It is a great day to be a Bluejay!

Bradley D. Kjar

Superintendent of Schools