September 20, 2021

Dear Parent/Guardian,

As we head into the fourth week of school, I’d like to share a few things with you in regards to our daily operations. First, I’d like to recognize the efforts of our students and staff to this point. It is wonderful to see the work ethic, great attitudes and grit on display around campus each and every day! Also, thank you parents/guardians for your continued support for in-person learning to occur.

Second, in the past week, Governor DeWine and the Allen County Health Department have urged schools to require masks during the school day to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. We continue to monitor our absenteeism rates of our students and staff at the building and district levels. We also post our number of positive cases daily on our website at www.bathwildcats.org. At this time, we are keeping our protocols the same as how we started the school year in that we are recommending masks but not
requiring. Please adhere to our current policies put in place and keep children home that do not feel well and/or are exhibiting symptoms. Our protocols are listed on our website under District News and then click on the link for “Opening Plans 2021-22 school year.” If we make changes to any of our protocols, we will send through OneView and/or School Messenger.

Third, like many districts, we are in desperate need for substitute teachers and substitute bus drivers. We are already seeing a negative impact upon our daily operations. There will be times when bus routes to and from school will not be covered in a timely fashion as well as field trip departure times being delayed for after school activities.

Finally, if you can help us with substitute teaching and/or bus driving, please read through the following information and contact the appropriate people as soon as you can. To substitute teach, a person must hold a Bachelor’s degree in any field and pass a criminal background check. Please contact the Allen County ESC at 419-222-1836 and press #1 for the administration office if you are willing to substitute teach. If you wish to become a substitute bus driver, please contact our Transportation Supervisor, Keanna McNamara at 419-221-0807 extension 6160, and she will be glad to help you through the process.

Thank you for your consideration in helping out our district! We appreciate your cooperation and understanding in navigating through these challenges.

Sincerely,

Rich Dackin, Superintendent