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Cape Public Schools’ COVID-19 Key Terms

Dear Tiger Families,


We hope you had a great weekend and are as excited as we are to have students back in session on August 24th!  We realize how important it is that we share information on how we’ll handle COVID-19 cases, as well as other general information related to the pandemic before school starts.  This week, we will be sending an email each day to help give you a better understanding of how the District is working to keep kids and faculty safe.


Today, our focus is on key terms you could be hearing us refer to as we inform you of a potential case or promote general information about how COVID-19 is impacting our community.  Please take a moment to read through the key terms below.


Key Cape Girardeau Public Schools COVID-19 Terms
District Contact Tracer (DCT): A Cape Girardeau Public Schools employee who is responsible for working with the Cape Girardeau County Public Health Center to help communicate with the public about COVID-19 cases relevant to the school district. 
Close contact: Someone who has been with a person who tested positive without a mask and within six feet of that (positive) person for longer than 15 minutes.
Contact to a contact:  Someone who has been in contact with a person who has been in close contact of a positive case.  
Positive case:  Someone who has tested positive, with or without symptoms. 
Asymptomatic: Someone who is sick but does not show symptoms and will not develop them later.
Presymptomatic: Someone who has COVID-19 but does not have any symptoms yet.
Symptomatic: Someone who is sick and showing symptoms.
Presumptive positive case: A person who has tested positive for COVID-19 by a local public health lab but whose results are awaiting confirmation from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
Screening: The act of checking people for symptoms.
Self-isolation: Staying away from other people because you are sick.
Self-quarantine: Staying away from other people because you have been exposed to a sick person.
Social distancing: The act of putting physical space between people to decrease the spread of illness.  In the case of COVID-19, it is recommended to keep six feet of space between yourself and others.
Face covering: A mask or cloth that covers the mouth and nose used to help protect other people from your germs.


Tomorrow, we will be sharing our COVID-19 Communications Process so you will have a better understanding of how we will communicate with you if a COVID-19 case could impact our school community.  Thank you for your continued patience and support. 
-CGPS

OVC Postpones Fall Sport Competitions and Championships

BRENTWOOD, Tenn. – The Ohio Valley Conference Board of Presidents announced that fall competition and championships in the sports of football, men’s and women’s cross country, women’s soccer and women’s volleyball will be postponed due to the concerns and uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. 
 
The decision also includes the fall competitive schedules for men’s and women’s golf and men’s and women’s tennis as well as the non-traditional competition seasons for baseball and softball.
 
OVC football-playing institutions that are able to demonstrate a team’s willingness and readiness to compete based on the NCAA’s Resocialization of Collegiate Sport: Developing Standards for Practice and Competition and the NCAA’s mental health guidance are approved to play up to four non-conference scheduled games.  
 
In making its determination, the Board asked the conference membership to develop plans for conference competition and championships in the spring semester for the impacted sports. 
 
“After careful deliberation, weighing all the factors as presented, and given the current uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, the OVC Board of Presidents voted to postpone the Conference’s fall sports to the spring, said Beth DeBauche, OVC Commissioner.  With the focus on student-athletes, the Conference leaders made this value-based decision with a commitment to continue to monitor the evolving situation and to strive to establish meaningful competitive opportunities in the spring for our fall sport student-athletes. 
 
“While we understand there are many student-athletes, families, and communities that are disappointed by the lack of Conference competition this fall, and we deeply share that disappointment; it is the OVC’s ardent intention to ensure seasons postponed are not seasons canceled if the facts support it.  I want to thank our student-athletes and coaches for their resilience during these trying times, our staff and administrators for all their hard work and planning over the past five months, and the presidents and chancellors for their strong and principled leadership over this outstanding Conference.”
 
Athletically-related activities for enrolled student-athletes will be evaluated consistent with NCAA legislation and guidance, as well as state, local and institutional parameters and communicated to OVC institutions and its student-athletes accordingly.
 
The plans to play scheduled winter and spring sports remains unaffected at this time. 

Family Updated from Cape Public Schools

Dear Tiger Families,

We cannot believe we are less than two weeks away from the first day of school, which is August 24th!  We hope you will read the updates below to make sure you have all the latest information before the first bell rings.


We are rolling out Kid Account at Alma Schrader, Blanchard and Jefferson elementary schools this fall for dismissal each day. Kid Account will help us reduce the number of people coming in and out of the building, which is extremely important during the COVID-19 pandemic. Pick up will be changed at those three locations. Parents will not be able to walk up to the doors to get their child. Look for more information on how Kid Account will work in those three buildings from your principal soon. Kid Account is already being used at Clippard and Franklin and has been a great help in keeping our kids and families safe. 

A reminder, breakfast and lunch will be free again this school year. That’s right, all kids eat for free at Cape Girardeau Public Schools! More information available here.

If you would like to donate to help purchase school supplies for students in need, you have two easy options.  Follow one of the links below to make a tax deductible donation.


Cape Girardeau Public Schools Foundation
Stuff the Bus Donation Link (Donate until August 31, 2020)


Did you see the story about the new program at Central Academy on KFVS-12?  If not, click to check it out!  Great job Central Academy!  

Thank you for your continued support!  Have a great rest of your day!
-CGPS

River City Rodders Announce Cancellation of Manifolds on Main Street Car Show

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO: The River City Rodders car club has made the difficult decision to cancel their annual Car Show, Manifolds on Main Street, originally scheduled for mid-September, due to challenges presented by COVID19.

This year would have marked the forty-third annual car show that the River City Rodders have hosted in Cape Girardeau. Their annual car show moved to Downtown Cape in 2007 as the River Tales Classic, and was rebranded in 2019 as Manifolds on Main Street, attracting vintage cars from throughout the region along with large crowds of spectators.

Manifolds on Main Street was scheduled to take place on Saturday, September 19, with a cruise-in at Capaha Park, and again on Sunday, September 20, with the main spectator event in Downtown Cape Girardeau.

The River City Rodders are looking forward to resuming their Manifolds on Main Street event in 2021.

Updated Cape Public Schools Fall Re-Entry Plan

August 4, 2020

Dear Tiger Families,

Whether your child will be learning at home or in the classroom, we are excited to launch another new school year on August 24th.  We realize these last several months have been challenging but with a positive attitude and by working together we can continue to make sure our students are receiving the high quality education they deserve.  

We wanted to let you know that the CGPS Re-Entry Plan – Version 2 and an updated list of Frequently Asked Questions are available for your review. Both of these documents are also available on our website, capetigers.com.  You should also receive information from your child’s principal by the end of the week regarding the building re-entry plan. Please note, the Cape Career & Technology Center’s Re-Entry Plan will be posted on the CTC website. If you have questions related to the upcoming school year, reach out to the building principal.

Please keep in mind again that these plans are fluid.  Any changes will be communicated to families and will always be available on the website.  We appreciate your willingness to be flexible as we work through this together.  

Remember, the Missouri Tax Free Weekend kicks off this Friday, August 7th and runs through Sunday, August 9th.  If you are doing back-to-school shopping, this would be a great weekend to take advantage of certain items that will be tax exempt.

Thank you for your continued support through these challenging times. Have a great rest of your week! -CGPS 

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The Cape Girardeau County Public Health Center Reports Fourth and Fifth Deaths of COVID-19

The Cape Girardeau County Public Health Center today reports the fourth and fifth deaths of Cape Girardeau County residents due to COVID-19. Both residents were in their 80’s. No further details are being provided at this time due to medical privacy laws.

Everyone is urged to take preventive actions to prevent the spread of all respiratory viruses. These actions include:
• Stay at least 6 feet away from individuals not in your household
• Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth mask when in public
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Stay home if you are sick.

Older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions may be at higher risk for more severe complications from COVID-19. If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms, such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your health care provider for medical advice before showing up.

For more information, visit our website at http://www.cgcohealthdept.com/Corona%20Virus.aspx or the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus. A statewide COVID-19 hotline also operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 877-435-8411.

2020 Missouri State Fair Pivots to a Youth Livestock Show

SEDALIA, Mo. – Today, the Missouri State Fair announced that the traditional fair will pivot to a youth livestock show, Aug. 13-23, 2020. In 1901, the Fair began as a showcase of Missouri agriculture. Staying true to that tradition, the Fair will continue to allow the invaluable agriculture education experience to Missouri 4-H and FFA members by offering a Youth Livestock Show only.

Two primary reasons drove the Fair’s decision today:

Public Health & Safety

We care deeply about the public health and safety of our fairgoers and our community. When the original decision to move forward with the Fair was made, the information and numbers were different than they are now. In collaboration with Governor Parson and the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services it was determined that the best course of action was to work to reduce the number of individuals on the fairgrounds. Best practices for sanitation and public health will still be implemented during the youth livestock show.

Quality Outdoor Experience

The Fair takes pride in hosting a quality outdoor experience for all fairgoers. That success relies heavily on the support of our partners, sponsors and vendors. As those supporters have evaluated the effect the pandemic has had on their ability to participate, many have had to limit or cancel their participation. Limited concessions will be on grounds to service our exhibitors and their families.

Opening Day Ceremony, Governor’s Ham Breakfast, carnival midway and all other non-youth livestock related events will be cancelled. The Fair will be issuing applicable refunds. Exhibitor camping will still be available through the event. All current reservations will be honored. Exhibitor camping inquiries can be sent to campgrounds@mda.mo.gov.

To stay up to date with the latest information, please visit mostatefair.com.

UJRO Cancels Jackson Oktoberfest

The Uptown Jackson Revitalization Organization has made the difficult decision to cancel Oktoberfest 2020, scheduled for October 2 and 3.

“We had large, outstanding plans for this year, so with more time to plan, we’ll start the decade off in high style. Oktoberfest 2021 will be Oktober 1 and 2 in Uptown Jackson!”

For more information, visit www.ujro.org.

Sikeston Rodeo In the Dirt Band Update

In a commitment to do our part to help protect Rodeo fans, our staff and our performers the Sikeston Jaycee Board of Directors announce they are foregoing the In the Dirt Band experience for the 2020 Rodeo.

All passes purchased online or at the box office with a credit or debit card will be automatically refunded. If you purchased cash for your In the Dirt band, please visit the box office at 1220 N. Ingram Rd., Sikeston, MO or call 800-455-2855.

Chute Club pass holders received an In the Dirt Band as part of their experience.  As a replacement, pass holders will receive a bleacher ticket to enjoy the concert. The bleacher ticket will be provided upon arrival at the Chute Club.

For the most up to date information, fans should check SikestonRodeo.com or the Rodeo Facebook page.
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2020 SEMO District Fair Cancelled

Cape Girardeau, Missouri; For Immediate Release – The Southeast Missouri District Fair Board of Directors have made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s SEMO District Fair, scheduled for September 12 through 19, 2020.

This decision does not come lightly to anyone involved. The SEMO District Fair touches many lives, vocations and has a significant economical impact in our area. Consideration for everyone from vendors to visitors, exhibitors to entertainers and beyond all comes into play. With all of these things considered and with no scientific solution to contain the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), we cannot, in good conscience, hold an event that would be detrimental to public health and place people in unsafe conditions.

To our exhibitors, especially those 4H and FFA youth who work so hard every year with their agricultural projects, we are sorry that we will not be able to provide a platform for you to shine this year. Most of us have grown up with that excitement building as September approached, and it truly saddens us that this year, we won’t be there to see you become champions and grand champions and blue ribbon winners. We hope that you’ll be with us next year as we return to the show ring. 

The Fair Board is working on a plan to be able to continue with the livestock auction that typically follows all of our livestock exhibitions. Rest assured this will be done safely and in a fashion that not only provides a showcase of top quality livestock but also helps to balance the money and countless hours that are poured into each of your projects. More details will be forthcoming. 

When we announced the musical entertainment line up for this year’s SEMO District Fair, we got a lot of “wow” reactions. We were equally excited to see these artists come to town: Zach Williams, Blues Traveler and Whiskey Myers. While we would’ve loved to grab a bench in the grandstands and jam along with you, a concert, even outdoor, just doesn’t make sense in the midst of a pandemic. 

2020 marks 165 years of the SEMO District Fair. There have been years in the past where the fair has had to go on hiatus. The First World War. The Great Depression. And though the fair was missed in those times when it was canceled, the fair always returned. The SEMO District Fair has endured throughout 165 years of history. We appreciate the support and attendance of the people that come to enjoy the rides, food, exhibits, shows, and the vast amount of entertainment and information and family fun at the fair.

We are proud to have been a destination for generations of family entertainment and agricultural achievement, and we will return to continue that legacy when it makes sense to have a fair again, and we greatly hope that will be September 11 through 18, 2021. Thanks for your continued support and understanding.

Please visit www.semofair.com and follow our social media for any new information regarding the livestock auction as it is made available.

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