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Update on fall athletics and activities
8/14/20 -- Parkway recognizes the valuable importance of athletics and activities for the ongoing physical and social-emotional development of our students. At the same time, we must remain diligent in our health and safety precautions to ensure activities are safe.
Working with other member school districts in the St. Louis Suburban Public High School Athletic and Activities Association, we have developed plans for fall activities and athletics. Our plans follow the recommendations of St. Louis County, MSHSAA and the St. Louis Sports Medicine COVID-19 Task Force which includes medical experts from SSM Health, BJC HealthCare and Mercy.
Based on these plans, we can gradually start to phase in activities for our students. This also means significant restrictions: students gathering only in small groups, health screenings and other illness prevention strategies.
It’s important to note these guidelines could change moving forward depending on the health of our community and region. We may need to make adjustments to promote the health and wellness of our students, staff and community.
What students and parents need to know:
When do fall athletic practices and MSHAA-sponsored activities begin?
Fall practices can begin starting Monday, August 24. Schedules, practices and guidelines will vary by sport or activity so your coach/sponsor will share more information specific to you and your child.
What safety and health precautions will be used for athletics and activities?
We have attached more information here including all health and safety guidelines for fall athletic/activity practices.
What is the rationale for holding practices at this time and how was this decision made?
This summer, our high schools successfully managed sports workouts at school. The key to this success was the ability to implement the following safety measures.
Small groups: Students were placed in very small groups during sports camps. Parkway high schools regularly received updates for group size recommendations from the St. Louis County COVID Youth Sports Task Force, the St. Louis County Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control.
Social distancing: Students in the small groups were able to physically distance from each other on athletic fields, as well as within various school settings. The students in the small groups remained together throughout the entirety of practice while on campus.
Safety protocols: Before students and staff entered practice, they completed a required health screening. Also, face coverings were required for all students and were worn at all times unless the athletes were performing vigorous physical activity.
These proven safety methods have served our students and staff during the summer months. We will continue to practice these guidelines for the health and safety of our students and staff as we prepare for a return to athletics and activities.
When will I have more information for my student-athlete?
Your high school athletic department and coaches will share more details for each program next week.
Thank you for your ongoing support and patience. We look forward to a safe and exciting return to activities for our students recognizing that we may need to make adjustments moving forward.
Thank you,
Dr. Keith Marty, Superintendent , Parkway Schools
Mike Roth, Director of Athletics and Activities, Parkway Schools