District Source
August 5, 2020
Colleagues:
Today, I invite us all to pause and reflect on the current state of affairs in our community and how we are reacting. Like you, I am experiencing sadness, confusion, frustration, and even anger as we navigate these difficult circumstances and high-stakes decisions.
Since announcing plans for reopening schools last week, we have received and seen, a tremendous amount of feedback from emails, phone calls, and social media comments. This is an emotionally charged topic that affects our students, their families, and all of us. We value, and need feedback and input as we continue to put processes and procedures in place, and appreciate those who have asked insightful questions and provided constructive criticism.
These conversations are necessary and make our educational plan stronger.
What we do not condone are disparaging comments toward you, the dedicated educators, and district staff of this community. We see you, we appreciate you, and we know how hard you are working to provide meaningful educational opportunities for students.
Planning and reopening will continue to require a flexible and fluid approach as the information we need to make informed decisions becomes available knowing the information may change between now and September, or even after the school year has started. As we evaluate staffing needs and available resources, employees that have been advised by a health care provider to self-quarantine related to COVID-19, are caring for an individual who has been advised by a health care provider to self-quarantine related to COVID-19 or have childcare issues due to COVID-19, are asked to please notify Director of Human Resources Beth Bakunowicz, 715-345-5512 or bbakunow@pointschools.net.
I want to thank those who have reached out to share your perspectives and concerns. This continues to be new territory for schools and we know that we are stronger and more effective for students and our community when we work together.
In the coming weeks and months, we remain committed to keeping you informed on our progress we continue to drill down into the minutia of how we work together to reopen schools and offer a full-time E-Learning option for students and families.
Thank you for your support, your flexibility, your candid and respectful reflections, and your ongoing commitment to education.
Sincerely,
Craig Gerlach, Ed.S.
Superintendent
Topics covered will include:
A vision for 2020-21 in uncertain times
Current COVID-19 prevention, protocols, and procedures
Moderated Q&A opportunity as time allows
Public School Works COVID-19 Training
A Public School Works COVID-19 training course (COVID-19, How to Protect Yourself and Others) has been added for each employee to complete. The course must complete by August 31, 2020. Educational Assistants that were assigned and completed the course in April are not required to re-take the course.
The following Staff Guidelines outline current expectations for District staff returning to work throughout the summer.
We know that the COVID-19 pandemic and related issues may have caused you extra stress, concern and anxiety. Please be reminded that the confidential Employee Assistance Program continues to be available to you and your family at no cost. Additionally, if you are under the District’s health insurance program, confidential on-line therapy is available to you at a low cost.
Returning to Work
If you have been advised by a health care provider to self-quarantine related to COVID-19, are caring for an individual who has been advised by a health care provider to self-quarantine related to COVID-19 or have childcare issues due to COVID-19, please notify Director of Human Resources Beth Bakunowicz, 715-345-5512 or bbakunow@pointschools.net. Employees experiencing one of the above must notify Human Resources as soon as possible.
Contact Us
Email: info@pointschools.net
Website: www.pointschools.net
Location: 1900 Polk Street, Stevens Point, WI, USA
Phone: 715-345-5456
Facebook: facebook.com/pointschools
Twitter: @pointschools