Letter from WPS Superintendent presents 'Reopening Plan' for 2020-2021
District excited to welcome students back on August 13!
Launch the media gallery 1 playerJuly 23, 2020
Wahoo Parents and Patrons,
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted so many of us in a variety of ways and the start of the 2020-21 school year will look differently because of it. As a district, we are genuinely excited to have students return to our buildings and renew endeavors of their ultimate goals, education and graduation; however, there will be changes in place that impact the daily routine, making the process of education look differently than it has in years past. A guidance document concerning many of those changes is posted below for review and information. This document will be used to provide broad parameters as to the operation of the district, but there will still be many individual situations and circumstances that must be considered by the administration. We encourage you to review the document and refer any questions you have to your building principal or the superintendent of schools. Below you will find some of the important points regarding the reopening of school:
- Decisions regarding the status of school will be made utilizing the latest statistical information regarding COVID-19 and guidance from Three Rivers Health Department.
- Parents will be expected to pre-screen their child(ren) at home for symptoms of COVID-19. Any student or staff member exhibiting symptoms needs to stay home.
- Transportation services before and after school will be limited to those residing outside of city limits only. Masks will be required for those riding the bus. We must decrease our capacities by 50%, and with the number of drivers and vehicles we have, we will not be able to bus everyone as we have in previous years.
- Students and staff will be expected to wear masks when reasonable and appropriate. If social distancing cannot be achieved, masks should be worn. Students may bring their own masks, or if they are unable to provide their own, a mask will be given to them. There will be differences between the elementary and middle/high school regarding this practice.
- The doors to the buildings will not open until 7:45 a.m. for student access. At the end of the day, students will be expected to leave the building as soon as possible. Please make arrangements accordingly.
- Breakfast will be grab-and-go at both buildings. Lunches will still be served, though a buffet-style salad bar will not be available. Students are encouraged to bring their lunches, if possible.
- Visitors must schedule with the building principal before arriving. At this time, we will not be allowing those without an appointment to come into the building during the day.
While some of these accommodations may be inconvenient, they are measures we must take to bring our students back into the district buildings. We are excited about the opportunity in front of us and accept the challenges of educating our young people in the middle of this pandemic. These plans and procedures may change as we proceed through the school year. The district will communicate any significant changes as soon as possible. Finally, the patience and understanding of our families is recognized and very much appreciated. We look forward to a great school year!
Sincerely,
Brandon J. Lavaley, Superintendent
Wahoo Public Schools
Link: WPS 2020 REOPENING PLAN
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Letter from WPS Superintendent addresses start of 2020-2021 school year
District currently plans to welcome students back on August 13
June 19, 2020
Wahoo Families,
I hope your summers are off to a fantastic start and your families have had a chance to relax, doing some of the things you enjoy most. With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and closure of so many institutions, it seems like a longer than normal summer. Within the school district, we have been working hard to develop a plan for returning to school this fall, while hoping to receive direction from the state department and Governor's office. With that, we have a few items that we want to communicate with you regarding the start of the school year.
It is our intention to begin the school year as scheduled and approved by the board of education in February, with everyone back in our buildings for face-to-face instruction. The 2020-21 school calendar has new teachers reporting on Thursday, August 6, all staff returning on Monday, August 10, and students' first day on Thursday, August 13. Please understand while this remains our plan, there might be accommodations that we must make in accordance with directed health guidelines and safety considerations of students and staff. If we receive additional guidance, we will share that as soon as we can with our district patrons.
While we try to provide as much certainty as we can in regards to scheduling and schooling, the landscape is ever-changing, and we ask for continued patience and understanding on the parts of students and parents. We recognize these are not easy circumstances and we try to communicate as clearly, concisely, and effectively as possible. As guidance and requirements change, you can expect to hear from Wahoo Public Schools regarding how that may impact your child and/or your family.
Sincerely,
Brandon Lavaley, Superintendent
Wahoo Public Schools