UPDATE TO FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL PROTOCOL 8/21/2020
August 21, 2020
August 21, 2020
RE: UPDATE TO FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL PROTOCOL
Dear Parents:
Wednesday, I sent a letter out alerting the parents of a staff member who tested positive for COVID-19. Since then, we have had a few more positive cases, centralized in the same location. I have worked with the Jefferson County Health Department to ensure all staff who have come in contact with these individuals are tested and quarantined if necessary. As soon as the first case was detected, all protocols were quickly put in to place and the appropriate cleaning measures were taken. It was a matter of time before someone tested positive. Please know that the Board of Education has hired extra custodial staff to assist with appropriate cleaning measures and has provided ample support to ensure cleaning supplies and proper PPE are available at all times.
Beginning Monday, August 24th, the school will finally begin but will follow a blended model. I know this is not the ideal method for families, but it is the best alternative to full remote learning we are able to offer at this time. Teachers, staff, and administrators have quickly assembled and worked to modify their original plans so we are able to see students face-to-face in some capacity. To keep numbers low during face-to-face instruction, we are dividing students in to two groups (A and B). Each group will attend on different days of the week.
The following schedule will be followed beginning Monday:
Group A- Monday and Wednesday: Students with last names A-K will attend school face-to-face
Group B- Tuesday and Thursday: Students with last names L-Z will attend school face-to-face
Group A and B- Friday: All students will attend school remotely
*Students in the same household will be kept in the same group. Teachers will be contacting families to let you know which group your children fall in.
**If you have questions about which group your child may be in, please contact the office.
All face-to-face attendance times are as follows: Monday – Thursday (8:10 a.m. – 2:10 p.m.). Attendance beginning on Monday, August 24th and thereafter is full day with a 2:10 dismissal. Students will have regular class schedules and all periods of the day will be utilized. We no longer be on a block schedule.
Students who are not in face-to-face attendance: If your child is not in the group who is in face-to-face attendance, s/he will have work assigned either through an online platform or packets. The classroom teacher will assign this work during the face-to-face attendance day. All work will be graded.
Remote Fridays: All work will be assigned by the classroom teacher on one of the face-to-face days. All students will know what is expected on this day by his or her classroom teacher.
Will breakfast and lunch be served?: Meals will be served as normal Monday – Thursday. Students who are present at school can purchase meals or may qualify for free and reduced (contact the office if you have questions regarding free and reduced).
High School and Grade School Sports: All sports will continue as scheduled. Students must be enrolled in face-to-face instruction to participate in athletics.
As stated previously, this situation continues to be fluid. Each day brings something new and know we continue to work around the clock to ensure the safety of all. This plan will hopefully allow us to see our students and give them some sense of normalcy during this crazy time. Your child’s teacher will be reaching out today with more information regarding Monday.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. My phone number is 618-279-7211 ext. 111 or my email is mbrink@wcusd1.org.
Sincerely,
Melanie Brink
