June 25, 2020
Dear Parents and Guardians,
On June 22, the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) issued the ‘Education Forward’’ guidelines to assist school districts in planning for our return to school in the fall. The administrative team has been meeting weekly, sometimes bi-weekly, from the beginning of the COVID-19 school closure to guide our decision-making. We have prioritized the health and safety of our students and staff and providing a quality education for all students in our decision-making. The release of these guidelines will serve as an additional resource in our continued work. Guidance from the DPI, federal, state, and local health departments, and area health care providers will be critical to decision-making with regard to reopening school in the fall. We are working to put together a plan that uses the best information available, focuses on balancing the differing needs and opinions of stakeholders, and manages the risk factors of COVID-19. We are so thankful for your continued support during these incredibly challenging times!
As we continue to plan for school in the fall, know that we are committed to the following guiding principles:
1) Caring for the physical safety and health of our students and staff;
2) Recognizing the importance of the social-emotional and mental health needs of students and staff;
3) Maintaining a focus on a quality education for all students , whether learning is occurring in person, remotely, or a blend of those formats;
4) Designing schedules and spaces that reflect the protocols for learning, health, and safety;
5) Ensuring flexibility in planning given the fluid nature of the situation;
6) Gathering feedback from key stakeholders on plans; and
7) Communicating regularly to stakeholders.
Thank you to everyone who took time to take the survey that was recently sent to you. Your feedback will be invaluable as we continue to plan. We know that over 85% of those taking the survey support or strongly support a return to in-person, face-to-face instruction in the fall and over 95% feel comfortable or somewhat comfortable with that face-to-face return. We also took significant time to read all of your comments. We appreciate your willingness to share your thoughts and ideas.
Please watch for more information over the next several weeks as we begin to finalize some parts of our reopening plan. Thank you for your flexibility, patience, and understanding as we continue to navigate these uncharted waters!
Take care. Be well.
Carla Buboltz, District Administrator Caroline Mihalski, Pupil Services Director
Scott Thompson, HS Principal Craig Haese, HS Activities and Assistant Principal
Bob Caelwaerts, MS Principal Sarah Nelson, ES Principal
