Fatima Superintendent Chuck Woody said last week that he agrees with Gov. Mike Parson’s order that Missouri public and charter school buildings will remain closed through the remainder of the academic year.

“I hate that we had to end it, but it’s the right thing to do,” he said. “It’ s for everyone’s safety, and it gives some time to plan.”

Part of that planning includes graduation, which has been tentatively scheduled for 7 p.m. June 20, with a backup date of July 18. More information will be available at the June 19 rehearsal once everything is set up, Woody said. Project Graduation is also planned but will be held in the multi-purpose room.

Prom has been scheduled for June 12 at 8 p.m. at the Lions Den, and Woody said if the event cannot be held on that date, it will not be rescheduled.

There will be one more round of work sent out for grades K-11. “This will be a short piece to wrap up the school year for classes,” said Woody. “This will sent electronically for those that can receive it that way, or mailed out for others.”

A plan is in place for all work and materials that cannot be returned electronically, as well as materials to be retrieved from lockers or desks. On Monday, May 18, families with last names beginning with A-H can come in and turn items in and collect items as necessary, followed Tuesday, May 19 by families whose last names begin with I-Q, and Wednesday, May 20 for families whose last names begin with R-Z.

Teachers and other staff members will be at the school to collect materials.

Woody cautioned that this will be based on the Stay at Home Order being lifted. If it is not, the school will pick a later set of dates. Also, as a precaution, staff may limit the number of people allowed in the building at a time, if deemed necessary. 

“We ask this to be done fairly quickly,” said Woody. “This is not to be a social event for a big gathering.”

The hours for this will be 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the doors will be locked at 3:01.

Woody also said that all fees must be paid before seniors will be allowed to walk for graduation.

The last day of school for seniors is May 7, and everyone else will go until May 15.

Summer school is on the schedule for May 27, but only if all restrictions are lifted. The school will update this information when more direction is provided by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.