Assignments/Equipment Issues/Technology Support

For questions regarding classroom assignments, students and families are encouraged to reach out directly to their classroom teacher. Teachers will respond to emails as soon as they can but may take up to 24 hours. Staff emails are first.lastname@raytownschools.org and can also be found on each schools website under “staff.” School sites are listed here: http://bit.ly/33prO7l.   

For technical support on using your Chromebook or laptop or accessing Google Classroom, please contact studentsupport@raytownschools.org. Please note that student account information will only be provided if you send an email address associated with SISK12 parent portal account. Please allow up to 24 hours for a response. The Technology Helpdesk will begin to take phone calls related to student technology needs on Thursday, March 26. The number is 816-268-7172, and will be monitored Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Please leave a voicemail. This line should only be used for tech-related phone calls.

Mental Health Supports 

As information unfolds regarding the coronavirus, any individual can experience a wide range of thoughts and emotions including fear and anxiety.  According to the CDC, People who may respond more strongly to the stress of a crisis include:

• Older people and people with chronic diseases who are at higher risk for COVID-19
• Children and teens
• People who are helping with the response to COVID-19, like doctors and other health care providers, or first responders
• People who have mental health conditions including problems with substance use

Stress during an infectious disease outbreak can include

• Fear and worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones
• Changes in sleep or eating patterns
• Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
• Worsening of chronic health problems
• Increased use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs

Taking care of yourself, your friends, and your family can help you cope with stress. Helping others cope with their stress can also make your community stronger. Things you can do to support yourself:

• Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.
• Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and avoid alcohol and drugs.
• Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
• Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.
• Call your healthcare provider if stress gets in the way of your daily activities for several days in a row.

Children and teens react, in part, on what they see from the adults around them. When parents and caregivers deal with the COVID-19 calmly and confidently, they can provide the best support for their children. Parents can be more reassuring to others around them, especially children, if they are better prepared. Not all children and teens respond to stress in the same way. Some common changes to watch for include:

• Excessive crying or irritation in younger children
• Returning to behaviors they have outgrown (for example, toileting accidents or bedwetting)
• Excessive worry or sadness
• Unhealthy eating or sleeping habits
• Irritability and “acting out” behaviors in teens
• Poor school performance or avoiding school
• Difficulty with attention and concentration
• Avoidance of activities enjoyed in the past
• Unexplained headaches or body pain
• Use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs

There are many things you can do to support your child:

• Take time to talk with your child or teen about the COVID-19 outbreak. Answer questions and share facts about COVID-19 in a way that your child or teen can understand.
• Reassure your child or teen that they are safe. Let them know it is ok if they feel upset. Share with them how you deal with your own stress so that they can learn how to cope from you.
• Limit your family’s exposure to news coverage of the event, including social media. Children may misinterpret what they hear and can be frightened about something they do not understand.
• Try to keep up with regular routines. If schools are closed, create a schedule for learning activities and relaxing or fun activities.
• Be a role model.  Take breaks, get plenty of sleep, exercise, and eat well. Connect with your friends and family members.
• Learn more about helping children cope.

Emergency Supports

If there is a crisis or emergency during the time of the closure, students and families can access the supports below:

• Disaster Distress Helpline
• Call 1-800-985-5990 
• Text: "TalkWithUs" to 66746

We know that this is a challenging time. The District will continue to share information through the website, social media, and email.

The Raytown School District follows a centralized enrollment process, which starts at the Residency Office and is an individualized process for each family. All students must live within the school district boundaries, submit the required documents to the Residency Office, and submit an online registration to complete the enrollment process.

Please note, the Enrollment Center is closed when the District is closed.

Families who are interested in enrolling a Pre-K or Kindergarent student for the 2020-2021 school year or families who are are new to the District for the 19-20 school year, please visit http://bit.ly/2YZr5G3 or contact Residency at residencycheck@raytownschools.org.

The Missouri DHSS has created a COVID-19 hotline to provide guidance and answer questions from citizens and healthcare providers.  The number is 877-435-8411. This number can be reached 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is being operated by medical professionals.

Missourians in need can find essential services, such as nearly 240 food pantries, food banks, school meal programs for students, diaper banks, and more through the online Missouri Services Navigator system. The Services Navigator offers instant access to programs and services available in Missouri. There are currently over 2,000 services listed, with new services added daily. Searches can be keyword, location, and/or service. Every program and service contains a map of the location as well as contact information.

The City of Independence also offers a Needs Assistance Survey to connect community members with local available services.