On March 16, 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, all Ohio schools closed for the remainder of the school calendar year by order of Governor DeWine and the State Health Commissioner. As of late June, little guidance is available from the Ohio Department of Education for school re-opening for the 2020-2021 school year.

The Ross Local School District intends to begin the 2020-2021 school year with all students attending a full day of school on a daily basis (5 days/week). In cooperation with other Butler County school districts as well as the Butler County Health Department, we are in the process of developing guidelines for the upcoming school year that must be followed as we move forward with our schools’ re-opening.

It is important for students, parents, and the community to understand that the school experience will not be conducted as it was prior to COVID-19. Safety precautions for all aspects of our schools will be in place which will alter previous procedures and protocols. 

On July 24th, we’ll release our full plan which will outline changes and/or modifications to transportation, food service, required handwashing, sanitizing protocols, social distancing, classroom instruction, visitor access, recess, field trips, and other daily practices.

As our District Leadership Team works through the process of developing this plan, we ask for your patience and understanding.  We recognize that our Ross students learn, grow, and achieve best through attending school on a daily basis. Our goal is to ensure that they are able to do so in the safest environment possible.

Superintendent Scott Gates resigned his position as the Superintendent of the Ross Local School District on June 24, 2020. His resignation is effective at the end of his current contract on July 31, 2020.  Gates has accepted a position as the Assistant Director of Alternative Education with the Butler County Educational Service Center.  

Ross Local Schools Board of Education President Sean Van Winkle expressed appreciation for Gates’ dedication and service to the district. “Scott has a tireless work ethic and his commitment to the staff and students of the Ross Local Schools was evident each day.  He led the district through some difficult times and did so with integrity and class.  I wish him well as he takes on this next challenge of his career”. Gates said this about his time at Ross and his transition to his new position,  “It will be an honor to support the BCESC and serve the many school districts and organizations in this capacity.  I know this team works hard to support students and I’m excited to be there to support them. I have enjoyed working with the Ross staff, students, parents and community and I’m proud of the work we’ve accomplished during this time. 

Ross Local Schools Board of Education Vice President Amy Webb added "It was a pleasure getting to work with Scott Gates over the last four years.  His passion and enthusiasm for education and the students and faculty of the Ross Local Schools was exemplified by how he led.  He acted with professionalism and integrity on a daily basis and his positive attitude was contagious, as is a reflection of his character.  Scott accomplished a lot during his tenure as Superintendent of Schools for Ross and will be missed.  I wish him nothing but good things on the next endeavor of his journey with the BCESC".

Dear Ross Students and Families,

On Monday, April 20, 2020, Governor Mike DeWine officially closed Ohio public schools for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year. Sending this letter on behalf of the Ross Local School District is sobering for our staff, our students and our families.  If there’s one thing I have learned in almost four years as Superintendent, the Ross Local Schools are a wonderful place to be and we will miss each other.

With this information in hand, our district will develop plans for the remainder of the school year as well as begin planning for 2020-2021.  Our District Leadership Team will be meeting soon to discuss a whole host of items including distance learning, meal distribution, time for students to pick up items left in the buildings, and rescheduling activities such as prom, graduation, and other student recognition events. 

News of the closure may be emotional for many of our students since they thrive in their school environment, including the structures and the connections they make with their peers and the adults in their lives. Some students will miss athletics, plays, field trips, science experiments, music programs, etc.  Some of our students will miss the smiles and heart-felt interactions with their friends, teachers, and coaches. The staff of the Ross Local School District is here for you to support conversations about this closure as well as your child’s emotional and mental well-being so please contact us if you need assistance.  Please contact us as we can lend a listening ear to your concerns and challenges.  

Ross Local School District 
School Closure FAQs 

Due to the large March demand, the RAMM pantry needs the following:

MOST CRITICAL NEEDS:
spaghetti sauce
chicken noodle soup
jelly
canned sliced carrots
canned mixed vegetables
breakfast cereal
toothpaste
beef stew
canned chicken
chili

OTHER ITEMS IN SHORT SUPPLY:
kidney beans
spinach
sweet potatoes
canned fruit
instant mashed potatoes
shampoo
baked beans

Items may be dropped off at the Venice Presbyterian Church Annex, 4238 Layhigh Rd (738-1317) 9:00AM to 1:00PM, Monday through Friday, or please contact Greg Young at 513-212-7950 to make drop off or delivery arrangements. Thank you!

Chromebook Troubleshooting Document

March 19, 2020

Parents and Ross Community,

Thank you for your support and patience as we maneuver through these unprecedented times. Ongoing changes to the Coronavirus situation require continual adjustments and modifications to district plans.

The CDC and White House has put in place guidelines that recommend no nonessential travel outside the home; additional guidance limits gatherings of ten or more people. As a result, Ross Local School District buildings and campuses have been closed.

Dear Ross Families,

The Ross Local School District holds as a priority both our students’ physical well-being as well as their academic well-being.  In Governor DeWine’s decision to close Ohio’s school districts to protect public health, we will strive to ensure that students’ academic needs are met.

In order to support and sustain learning through this closure, all students will be provided with opportunities to engage with learning activities at home that review, extend, and reinforce content. 

Learning activities will begin on Wednesday, March 18th and continue through Friday, March 27th.  The third week of the current closure is spring break; no new learning will be posted during this week. If the closure continues beyond the current 3 week period, we will send out additional information regarding learning activities.

In kindergarten through 4th grade, lessons and activities will be posted on Elda’s or Morgan’s media webpage, which is accessed through the rossrams.com website. In 5th through 12th grades, lessons and activities will be available via Schoology. 

Governor DeWine has charged Ohio’s school districts to, “...do everything in our power to keep education going.” Ross Local Schools are committed to providing learning opportunities to our students.

If you have questions, please contact your child’s building administrator or Becky Tompkins, Director of Curriculum and Instruction.

Thank you,

Becky Tompkins

Ross Local School District
COVID-19 Update
March 12, 2020

Dear Parents and Guardians:

Together, we are facing an unprecedented health crisis in our community. In our response to COVID-19, we must depend on the knowledge of the Butler County Board of Health, Ohio Department of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control as well as our elected officials. On March 12, Governor Mike DeWine announced that the state is closing all K-12 schools at this time for a 3 week period starting Monday, March 16th. Per the governor's order the situation will be re-evaluated after 3 weeks to determine if it’s safe to go back.