Frequently Asked Questions
Roadmap to Reopening Fall 2020 Updated 10.20.20
We understand families have many questions regarding what level the District is in and any changes that are being considered. We will be updating this document as needed, so please check back frequently. If you still have additional questions, please email info@wsdr4.org and we will respond as quickly as possible.
Return to LEVEL 1 Questions & Answers
Our current virtual students will have from Oct. 19-30 to complete an eform in the parent portal indicating if they wish to return to in-person learning for the second semester. After October 30, we will consider in-person moves to the Virtual Academy for individual students on a case-by-case basis. Please contact your child's school to notify them if you would like to move to the Virtual Academy.
Health Questions
If a student tests positive, what is the protocol? Who will be notified?
If a student tests positive for COVID-19 the District will notify the parents of:- Students in the same class
- Students on the same bus
- Students on the same team/club
The District has nurses and administrators at every building who are trained in contact tracing. The St. Charles County Department of Public Health will provide instruction to individuals who may have had extended close contact with the COVID-positive student. The COVID-positive student will need to quarantine for at least ten days since the symptoms first appeared (or 14 days if there are no symptoms) and be 24 hours symptom-free without the use of fever-reducing medication, cough suppressants, etc. before returning to school. Any staff or students identified as being a close contact will be notified directly by building administrators.
If a staff member tests positive, what is the protocol? Who will be notified?
If an employee has COVID-19, we will notify families of any students who may have been in contact with the COVID-positive employee and any colleague with whom the COVID-positive employee had direct exposure. We will be working directly with the St. Charles County Department of Public Health and submit close contacts to them directly. We will not be able to give specific information nor share medical conditions of employees with you, but we will provide you with the circumstances surrounding your exposure so you can give the best possible information to your healthcare provider. COVID-positive staff members will need to quarantine at home for 14 days and be 24 hours symptom-free without the use of fever-reducing medication, cough suppressants, etc. before returning to work.If a student is sent home with a fever or symptoms, what is required for them to return to school?
Students who present symptoms must stay home and consult their physician. Students must be symptom-free for 24 hours without the use of medication in order to return to school.What will be the consequences if a student refuses to wear a mask?
If a student refuses to wear a mask, that will be addressed directly with that student. If the issue can’t be resolved after discussions with the student and/or parent(s), the student will need to be picked up from school by a parent/guardian.What about students who have hearing impairments or other disabilities. Will they be required to wear a mask too?
Yes, but we will work with those students and their families to determine what mask may be best suited to them and their needs. We have ordered various types of masks, including face shields, so we can offer alternatives for students who may need them.The custodial services staff are responsible for cleaning and sanitizing classrooms every night and "misting" twice a week. In the case of a positive case, the team will work together to ensure all high-touch areas are cleaned and disinfected thoroughly as well as all desks and chairs and horizontal surfaces. After the cleaning and disinfecting is completed, the team will bring in a machine to spray a mist of disinfectant to the classroom. This is allowed to dry on its own with no interruption in order to continue to kill any bacteria or bio-burden left behind.
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Instructional Questions
Where can I find more information about the Virtual Academy option for my student?
Please refer to the WSD Virtual Academy Frequently Asked Questions document.
If the District moves to Level 3, will the students who were previously in the classroom have online instruction from their WSD teacher?
Yes, that is correct. Students will remain with their assigned teacher if the District moves to level 3. Students who are enrolled in the WSD Virtual Academy will remain in the academy with their assigned teachers/courses.
Why will K-6 have WSD teachers doing virtual classes, but 7-12 has to be done by an outside program/teacher in the Virtual Academy?
At the secondary level, we offer many courses to best meet the needs of our students. Utilizing course access providers such as Launch and FuelEducation allows us to offer a vast number of courses to our students. There may be some courses that will be taught by a WSD teacher based on enrollment.
How does Horizons work with the different models?
Elementary Horizons will meet once per week on a scheduled and specified day. In Levels 1 and 2, Horizons will be held at the student’s home building, and there will be no traveling to Horizons Centers. Students will attend lunch and specials with their homeroom. In Level 3, Horizons will take place virtually on a specified day. Secondary Horizons will continue to be offered as part of students’ scheduled coursework in all levels.
Will Horizons be offered virtually?
Elementary Horizons will be offered on Wednesdays for students who are enrolled in the WSD Virtual Academy. Secondary Horizons will be provided by Wentzville School District Horizons teachers in a live or pre-recorded virtual format at a time that compliments the student’s Virtual Academy schedule.
What about students receiving intervention services?
At Level 1 In-person, intervention services will remain the same as in a traditional school model. At the Level 2 Blended model, intervention services will be provided on the days a student is in-person. At the Level 3 Virtual model, intervention services will be provided virtually. In the WSD Academy, reading and math intervention services will not be provided. Some virtual options will be shared with families.
Will sixth graders be switching classes?
Sixth graders will only be switching classes for electives; otherwise teachers will be coming to them. They will wear face coverings while in the hallways and when they cannot socially distance in the classroom.
Will my middle school student be switching classes?
Yes, at Level 1 and 2, students will be switching classes. They will wear face coverings while in the hallways and when they cannot socially distance in the classroom.
If we choose face to face at high school level, and our child gets sick and misses two weeks, how do they make up all the missed work and class time?
If we are at Level 1, it would look similar to any time a child is home sick or out of school. We are currently working on the best way to support students if they are out of school for an extended period of time. If we are at Level 2, they will have virtual access to the teacher on Wednesdays. If we are at Level 3, they will have virtual access to the teacher each day.
Why do you need parents to decide by July 28?
It is vital for us to have parent selection by the 28th. Once we have an accurate picture of how many students will be attending the Virtual Academy and how many will be in-person, we will be reviewing rosters to identify where changes need to occur and the number of virtual teachers needed. Virtual teachers will need to be selected and those teachers will need extensive support, training, and time to plan for the virtual school year. The master schedules at the middle schools and high schools will also need to be reevaluated and this will all take time prior to the start of school.
Can my student still earn their A+ tutoring hours?
Technology Questions
Will there be tech support for students and parents?
Yes, there will be many opportunities for students and parents to learn more about the technology tools that will be used this year, both in-person and virtually. Students will be provided with guidance from their teachers at the beginning of the school year to ensure they are prepared for any of our levels of instruction this year. Parents will have access to videos and learning modules to better understand how to support their students with the technology tools we use.How will you ensure there are devices for families who need them? What about families with multiple children?
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 16.What about people who can’t afford internet access?
Families will have an opportunity through the online enrollment form process to indicate their internet access needs. Please complete those forms no later than Sunday, August 16.What happens if our home wifi goes down for the day or is running slow because a parent is also working from home? Will it be counted as an absence?
We will work with individual families when this occurs to avoid an unnecessary absence due to wifi issues in the home.Transitioning Questions
What is the threshold or the metrics that will be used to determine when the District will move from one level to another?
How often would you evaluate which level the District should be at? Weekly, monthly, quarterly?
Daily. We will continue our ongoing conversations with health officials and monitor the conditions in our buildings and notifications from our school nurses on a daily basis.Will a move be made district wide or building by building?
That will depend on the circumstances. If there is a cluster in one school, we may need to make a decision for that school versus the whole district.What kind of notice will we be able to give parents when we have the need to move from one level to another?
If a decision is made to switch it will be out of an immediate concern for the health and safety of students and staff, so it may be very short notice. There may be a scenario where we go from Level 1 (in-person) to Level 3 (all virtual) in order to have time for everyone to prepare to go to Level 2 (blended). We wish we could say that we will be able to give everyone a one- or two-week notice, but that is simply not practical or feasible.