WSD Schools to Open in Level 2
August 5, 2020 ~ WSD Parents
Good Evening,
I am writing to provide you with an update on our plans to reopen our school buildings in the Wentzville School District on August 24. Based on current COVID-19 conditions within our District and our community, we have made the difficult decision to begin the new school year in LEVEL 2: Blended Learning as outlined in our Roadmap to Reopening Plan. As I shared with the Board of Education this evening, we are simply in a different place than we were a few weeks ago and it is no longer appropriate to proceed with full in-person school to start the year. I also shared with the Board that this decision is not based on a single metric or factor, instead on a larger picture including multiple data points and considerations.
Here are some key points to keep in mind related to Phase 2:
We plan to begin the school year in Level 2 and remain there throughout the first quarter.
If needed, we could potentially move to Level 3 during that time.
Students attend in-person on Monday & Tuesday or on Thursday & Friday.
AA (Monday/Tuesday) students are identified by the first letter of the last name of the oldest sibling in a household (A-L); all siblings in the household (regardless of last name) will be AA students;
BB (Thursday/Friday) students are identified by the first letter of the last name of the oldest sibling in a household (M-Z); all siblings in the household (regardless of last name) will be BB students;
All students attend virtually on Wednesdays.
Student attendance in classrooms will be approximately 50%.
Student schedules will vary by grade level
Elementary students will follow their typical schedules during in-person attendance days.
Middle school students will follow their typical bell schedule during in-person attendance days and on Wednesdays they will utilize a block schedule.
High school students will follow a block schedule during all days in Level 2.
Students will access learning activities virtually from home three days a week.
Virtual instruction will include learning activities assigned by the teacher and live instruction on Wednesdays.
Elementary special area classes and intervention services will occur in homerooms.
WSD Virtual Academy students will remain in their enrolled grade level and courses regardless of what level the District is at for in-person learning. Schedule adjustments could occur based on building schedule adjustments. As previously stated, schedule changes will be communicated ahead of time.
Within our buildings, we will implement the following protocols to protect the health and safety of our students, staff, and families:
All students and staff will be asked to complete a health screening before coming to school or work.
Students and staff will be frequently reminded about the importance of proper handwashing. Hand sanitizer units have been placed in each classroom and throughout our buildings.
Students in grades 3-12 and all staff members will be required to wear face coverings when physical distancing is not feasible. Students in PreK-grade 2 are permitted to wear face coverings (not required).
To avoid large groups of students gathering in one place, we will adjust the way students move between classrooms and other spaces in our schools.
Elementary students will eat in their classrooms. Secondary will eat in the cafe. Lunch options will be chosen in the mornings and collected by cafe staff. All lunch items will be completely disposable.
Full-day Chautauqua care will be offered based on available space and staff. Families already enrolled in the program and current staff members who reside in our district will be given top priority.
Technology Information: Students in K-5th grades will need access to a device at home to participate in the WSD Level 2 and Level 3 learning. Students in 6-12th grades will utilize their district-issued device. Please review our technology specifications to ensure you have what is needed to fully participate in the earning. If your family is in need of a Chromebook, please complete the technology forms on the SISK12/Student360 website (the Classroom360 app is not supported) under eForms no later than Sunday, August 16th.
We have established a dedicated page on the District website where you can find updates related to what phase the District is in for the school year. There are also answers to frequently asked questions, which are being updated regularly. We encourage you to keep checking back for the latest information.
Finally, please understand there are many moving pieces to these plans, and we will need to adapt as the situation surrounding COVID-19 evolves and we receive further guidance from our state and county health officials. We understand that any change presents new challenges for you as parents and we don't take that lightly. Our dedicated staff will work with you, as we have always done, to do what is best for your student.
Take care of yourself, your family, and your neighbors. We are thinking of each of you as we work our way through these difficult decisions and we appreciate your continued patience and flexibility. Together, we will work to ensure the safety of our students, staff, and community.
Sincerely,
Dr. Curtis Cain
Superintendent